Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Recognizing Pain and Distress in Your Pets



September is Pain Awareness Month for our furry friends! Because they cannot advocate for themselves and tell us when they are in pain, it is important that we keep a close eye on various factors such as the weather, when assessing whether or not our pets could be in pain. Below are a few tips to keep in mind so you can be sure that your four-legged friend is pain free!
  • A decreased appetite in a cat or dog is a sure sign that something isn’t right. Whether it’s because they have a stomach ache or something more serious, you should definitely check with your vet should this persist.
  • Consistent grooming or licking one specific area by your cat or dog could mean that they are irritated in that spot, and are trying to get your attention.
  • A general decrease in activity should serve as a red flag. If the activity level of your animal is below the norm, it could be because they are irritated or not feeling well.
  • If your animals are reluctant to jump up onto surfaces they are otherwise comfortable with going on, this is another sign they are experiencing some pain. This tip is especially true for cats. They might have injured themselves jumping off of a surface they are regularly on.
  • If your dog or cat has stopped using the stairs to go to other levels in your home, this could be a sign of osteoarthritis and should be checked out by your vet. Another sign of osteoarthritis is shown primarily through animals who have a hard time standing up after lying down. If your dog or cat has significantly slowed down, you should contact your vet.
Understanding your pet’s health and wellness is equally as important to understanding how to spot their pain. If your pet exhibits unusual behavior and you think something might be wrong, give us a call, we’re always here to help!