Is Your Pet in Pain? What to Look For and More

Yes that’s right, animals such as dogs, cats, and ferrets can feel pain. And unlike humans, pets can’t tell us if they’re in pain. Some common reasons why they may feel pain can be associated with things like osteoarthritis, bone disease, infection, cancer, dental issues, skin or ear issues, post surgery pain, liver or kidney disease and gastrointestinal problems. The first step to identifying pain, is knowing what to look for.

If you’re a dog owner, here are signs:

Signs

Is your dog making different sounds?

• Whimpering, whining

• Yelping, howling

• Grunting, groaning

Has your dog’s personality changed?

• Decreased socializing

• Appetite suppression

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Accidents in the house

Does your dog seem irritable?

• Biting, licking or scratching at a part of its body

Are you noticing changes in your dog’s facial expressions?

• Grimacing

• Glazed eyes

• Dilated pupils

• Dropped ears

• Increased panting when at rest

Are you seeing changes in your dog’s mobility?

• Difficulty getting up

• Reluctant to move

• Restlessness

• Get up, lie down, and repeat

• Circling

• Trembling or seeking more attention

Has your dog’s coat changed?

• Looking dull, lacking shine

• Tufts of hair standing in certain areas

Is your dog protecting itself?

• Limping

• Not putting weight on a limb

• Resisting being picked up

• Hiding

• Hunched posture

Is your dog acting out?

• Increased aggression

• Growling or biting

• Pinned back ears

• Acting out of character

If you’re a cat owner, here are things to look for:

Signs

Is your cat vocalizing?

• Frequent meowing

• Hissing

• Purring

• Growling

Has your cat’s personality changed?

• Decreased socializing

• Appetite suppression

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Frequent urination

• Not using the litter box

• Sleeping more than usual

Does your cat seem irritable?

• Biting, licking or scratching at a part of its body

Are you noticing changes in your cat’s facial expressions?

• Grimacing

• Glazed eyes

• Dilated pupils

• Flattened ears

• Panting when at rest

Are you seeing changes in mobility?

• Difficulty getting up

• Reluctant to move

• Restlessness

• Get up, lie down, and repeat

• Can’t leap as high as they used to

• Trembling or seeking more attention

• Avoiding being petted or held

• Hiding more than usual

Let’s Treat Your Pet’s Pain Together

For your pet’s safety, always include a veterinarian when treating your pet for pain. Once the problem has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will explain various treatment options and recommend which is best for your pet. Healthy Paws Forward Veterinary Hospital offers weight consultations for animals that may be either, a little overweight or underweight. Pets that are on the heavy side may be putting undue strain on their organs and joints. Underweight pets may not be receiving the proper nutrients they need. Other forms of treatments we offer include nutraceuticals, which supply the pet’s body with nutrients that it may otherwise be lacking; and alternative pain management treatments such as laser therapy and the Assisi Loop.

If you suspect that your pet is in pain, contact us to set up a consultation.