The Common Signs of Pet Pain

Animals are such interesting creatures. They have ways of handling situations that we may not realize. In the wild, animals develop coping skills to hide pain and discomfort, so they won’t look weak. Domesticated dogs and cats are also skilled at hiding pain, so you should be aware of the warning signs. Keep reading to learn how to recognize the subtle cues that your pet is in distress.

1.   Physical Changes

Your generally energetic companion may suddenly stop being so eager to greet you at the door when you come home. Many times, your pets may have tight muscles and wince when you touch them. An arched back can also be a sign of discomfort, and often a dog will hold its head down and may look sleepy. Some dogs shake and tremble, but most will pant heavily when in severe pain.

2.   Behavior Signs

A dog or cat in pain will typically act differently than usual. If your pet has become cranky and doesn’t want to be touched, that’s a big sign that pain is present. Excessive licking could mean there’s an underlying issue. That could be an infection or other condition that is causing discomfort. Dogs can become restless and not seem to get settled anywhere. Many dogs will pace because they cannot get the pain to subside.

3.   Mobility Problems

There are illnesses like arthritis that can cause your pet to have severe mobility issues. These may begin in small ways but pay attention to any changes. If you see your pet start to limp or walk slower, that’s often a sign of joint pain. Some dogs will refuse to walk if the pain is severe enough. Look for signs like reluctance to jump or climb stairs and problems lying down or getting back up. Hard floors can be especially challenging when your pet is in pain. Your vet may prescribe an Anti-Inflammatories, Pain Relievers & Arthritismmatory medicine to help.

4.   Changes With Eating

When animals are in distress, they often stop eating. You may notice lots of sleeping and lying around. That’s a pet’s way of healing. It could also mean the walk to the food or water bowl is not worth the accompanying pain to get there. Difficulty eating could also mean dental pain.

5.   Becoming More Vocal

Dogs and cats that are experiencing pain may become much more vocal. If you notice yelping, snarling, and growling, those could mean your pet is trying to let you know something doesn’t feel right. Sometimes a dog will bark incessantly to tell you that pain is present. Often you won’t know why your dog yelps because you may not see signs of outward problems.

Seeking Treatment

If your pet is showing any of the signs we’ve mentioned in this article, don’t put off a trip to your trusted veterinarian. Sometimes it’s a minor problem, but there are times when these could be symptoms of more problematic conditions like pancreatitis or poisoning. There are other health issues your pet could have that need medical attention, so having a relationship with your vet is crucial as your animal gets older. Recognizing the signs of discomfort will allow you to keep your pet healthy for years to come.