Understanding and Identifying Pain in Your Pet
The purpose of this guide is to give you, as a pet owner, guidelines on recognizing when your petis in pain. Your pet cannot tell you what type of pain they are experiencing, and in some cases,they may even be trying to hide their pain. Some animals can even have a higher tolerance for pain than others. While pain is often obvious in many animals, there are times when it is not. You, as the pet owner, play a key role in identifying pain since you are the most familiar with your pet's normal behavior. It is crucial to sense when something is wrong with your pet and to notify your veterinarian as soon as possible. Close observation and a dash of intuition will help you pick up the signals when your pet is in pain. Never take it upon yourself to medicate your pet with any over the counter human medications without first consulting your veterinarian.
Myths
- If my pet is painful will he stop eating? Some pets will eat even while experiencing extreme pain. Anorexia cannot be relied on as the sole determination of pain. Every pet responds differently to pain.
- If my pet is not crying can he still be in pain? Just because your pet is not crying, does not mean he may not still be in pain. There are many other signs your pet may display, such as limping and excessive panting while at rest.
- If my dog is running around, can he still be in pain? Yes, but even though he is running on three legs, the fourth one may still be painful.
- If my cat is purring, can there still be something wrong? Purring usually means that a cat is content, but cats can also purr when afraid, distressed, or in pain.
Recognizing Pain in Your Pet is Recognizing a Change in Behavior
Some examples follow, but remember any change in behavior may indicate a problem.
- Changes in Personality or Attitude - When in pain, a normally quiet and docile pet can become suddenly aggressive and an active pet can become quiet, withdrawn, or unresponsive.
- Abnormal Vocalization - Dogs usually whine or whimper and cats will hiss or growl. Especially when a painful area is palpated, this could cause your pet to vocalize.
- Licking, Biting Scratching or Shaking of a Painful Area - If excessive, these behaviors can lead to self-mutilation and can also cause an abscess.
Changes in Body Posture - If in pain, your pet can sit or rest in a different or defensive way. - Changes in Ambulation - For example, limping or carrying a leg that is painful, tensing of back and abdominal muscles, or showing an obvious and uncomfortable stance are all signs of pain.
- Changes in Activity Level - Your pet may become restless and pace, or repetitively lie down. In contrast, your pet may become recumbent and lethargic or even reluctant to move the painful area. Cats may tend to hide or isolate themselves from the other cats and people.
- Changes in Appetite - A decrease in food and water consumption may be an indicator that your pet is experiencing pain.
- Changes in Facial Expression - When in pain, your cat may show a fixed stare or a glazed appearance and the pupils may be dilated. Pinning of the ears, creases or furrowing of the forehead, grimacing, and a sleepy or photophobic appearance may be evident.
- Panting and Shivering - These are all signs your pet may be in pain, they can also cause excessive sweating and salivation. The heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature may also become increased.
Teeth Grinding - Rabbits and sometimes cats will grind teeth as a sign of pain. - Changes in Bowel Movements or Urination - Examples would be diarrhea, and sometimes even soiling of the rectal area. Straining to urinate or defecate can also be a sign of pain.
- Unusual Body or Head Posture - Head tilt, reluctance to put head down to eat, or extend neck may be signs of pain.
- Changes in Training - Your pet may no longer want to walk upstairs, refuse his daily walks, won't jump on the furniture, or refuse to use the litter box. They may also be having unusual urinary accidents.
Call Us if You Notice Any of These Symptoms or Just Have General Questions
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