Animal Pain Awareness Month is observed in September. This month aims to raise awareness about animal pain, educate pet owners on how to recognize and manage pain in their animals, and promote the importance of veterinary care for pain relief.
Early detection can help us more effectively treat pain and get our beloved fur babies feeling better sooner. As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our pets are healthy and happy, and that includes recognizing when they are in pain. But how can we tell if our pets are in pain, and what signs should we look for?
Facial expressions and body language can tell you that your pet is in pain. Examples of pain indicators include flattened ears, a hunched body posture, and holding their head lower. Below are additional symptoms that your dog or cat may display when they are in pain.
Dogs
Dogs don’t often show pain in the way humans do. Symptoms of pain can appear as physical and behavioral changes, and they can also affect dogs of any age.
The signs can often be subtle, as a dog's natural survival instinct is to try to hide when they are in pain.
- Not eating or drinking
- Shaking or trembling
- Aggressive behavior
- Lethargy – sleeping more than normal
- Biting or licking at a certain area of the body
- Panting
- Moving slowly or change in gait
Cats
Cats also instinctively hide signs of pain, so owners need to be aware of any subtle changes in behavior and/or routine. Just like dogs, cat symptoms of pain can appear as physical and behavioral changes. Cats of any age can be affected by pain.
Recognizing these symptoms and seeking advice as soon as possible is important.
- Not eating or drinking
- Decreased grooming, leading to mats in the fur and a dull coat appearance
- Pooping or peeing in abnormal places
- Moving slowly or with stiffness
- Sleeping more than normal
- Vocalization – meowing more
Get Help for Pain
There are many different causes of pain in cats and dogs, and pain can range from mild to severe. If you are concerned that your dog or cat is experiencing pain, we recommend calling Lake Brandt Veterinary Hospital as soon as possible to help determine the cause and if any treatment is needed.
Important note:
Do NOT give human medications to your pets without consulting a vet first as most human medications are extremely toxic to dogs and cats!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office.
336-664-1522