September is National Animal Pain Awareness month, which means it’s a great time to spread the word on pain in animals, and it’s prevention and treatment. Because our pets can’t tell us when they’re in pain using words, it’s important to monitor their behavior and habits to determine when they’re experiencing pain.
How to tell if your pet is experiencing pain…
An animal will show you in different ways when they're in pain. As a responsible pet owner, you’ll know how your pets act on a normal day, so when odd behavior arises, you’ll know right away that something is off.
When trying to determine if your pet is experiencing pain, you’ll want to look for these common signs:
DOGS
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Decrease in social interaction
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Submissive behavior
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Limited to no movement
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Whimpering, howling, or growling
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Decrease in appetite
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Localized and excessive grooming
CATS
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Limited to no movement
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Loss in curiosity
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Hiding
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Lack of agility/jumping
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Weight loss
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Localized and excessive grooming
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Decrease in appetite
While these signs alone don’t always mean your pet is in pain, if you see any of these, it’s important to keep a closer eye on them and act quickly if they worsen.
How to treat a pet experiencing pain…
When you determine that your pet is in pain, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further injury. You’ll want to get your pet in to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. If you know what is causing your pet pain, or if they’ve been injured, follow these simple steps to ensure a safe transportation:
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Move gently and slowly as to not startle them
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Keep your distance
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Stabilize them the best you can
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Use their crate in the car, padding with extra towels or blankets to keep them in one place during transportation
If you don’t know what’s causing the pain, make your pet as comfortable as possible while transporting them to the veterinarian office. If time permits, give your vet a call to let them know you’re coming in.
When it comes to our pets, we are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure they are happy and healthy. During Animal Pain Awareness Month, take the time to monitor your pet’s behavior. Make a note of how they’re acting, and what their “normal” is. Refer to this any time they acting oddly. If you have any questions, you can visit The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management’s official website, or call us at 602-559-9600.