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!
