How can you tell if an animal is in distress?

Determining if an animal is in distress often involves observing specific behaviors and signs that indicate anxiety, pain, or discomfort. Noting signs such as vocalization and pacing are critical indicators of distress in animals. Vocalizations can include whining, whining, or growling, which may signal that the animal is upset, anxious, or in pain. Pacing can reflect restlessness and an inability to settle, often a behavior exhibited by stressed animals.

In contrast, observing a relaxed posture and a wagging tail generally indicates a content and well-adjusted animal, not one in distress. Measuring heart rate alone, while potentially useful in assessing some physiological responses, does not provide a complete picture of the animal's emotional state and can be influenced by many factors. Checking food intake may help assess physical health and wellbeing, but it does not directly indicate distress in the moment. Thus, observing vocalization and pacing provides a clearer indication of an animal's emotional status and potential distress.