5 Signs Your Pet Is in Pain

When a person is experiencing pain, they can communicate and complain about their discomfort. You can lie down or yell out when hit by something like a stone. Unfortunately, reading whether your pet is in pain may not be that easy. They cannot talk or tell their owners of their discomfort. 

 

Some signs like whining may not be sure pain signs for pets. Animals are good at hiding their pain as survival instincts. Fortunately, there are some signs you can watch out for if you worry that your pet may be in pain.

 

 

Vocalization

 

 

Your pet may vocalize pain through groaning, meowing, barking, or whimpering. You may notice that they cry out or react if you touch or manipulate the affected part of their body. Doing so could mean that they are experiencing pain in that area. 

 

You may also notice that your pet vocalizes when you pick them up if they have a stomach upset. Such verbal cues are their ways of expressing their discomfort. Hence, pay attention and consult your vet if the vocalizing persists.

 

 

Hiding 

 

 

Hiding is an instinct for injured animals in pain. They do so to keep away from predators and avoid jeopardizing their survival chances. Domesticated animals still have such instincts. They may try hiding to draw attention away from their predicament.

 

You may notice your cat or dog spending more time away from you, outside or tucked under furniture. Watch if you detect an exhibition of such behaviors. Visit the veterinarian if the hiding persists. Doing so will help detect the cause of their behavior. They may be suffering from an underlying disease causing them discomfort.

 

 

Exhaustion

 

 

Lethargy could mean your pet is suffering from something. Keep an eye out for behaviors like loss of interest in activities they would enjoy doing. Check if their energy levels have changed. They may show exhaustion by lying or sleeping around often, rising slowly, and having disinterest in activities like going on walks.

 

As a pet owner, you can judge sudden changes in the energy level of your furry friend. Visit a vet to have your pet get an examination or bloodwork so they can rule out or identify any underlying health problems.

 

 

Limping 

 

 

Your cat or dog is likely to limb if they have a limb problem or are experiencing pain. The limp often happens due to muscle strain, ligament tear, or broken bone. Bony cancer, tickborne disease, or a thorn stuck between their toes can cause them to limp.

 

Contact your veterinarian if the limping persists for more than 24 hours. Visit the vet for a physical examination. An X-ray may also be necessary to understand the soft tissue and bone structure to help identify the cause of the problem.

 

 

Reduced Appetite

 

 

Your pet may be suffering from pain or an illness if they no longer eat as they did. Visit your veterinarian if you notice that your pet has no interest in food, including their favorite meals.
 

Since animals cannot tell their owners what they are going through, it is vital to use your investigative skills to understand they are not okay. You will find some verbal and behavioral cues to help identify if they need veterinary help. Recognizing signs of pain in your pet will help them get the best prognosis for their treatment.

 

For more about pets, visit Advanced Veterinary Care of Olathe at our office in Olathe, Kansas. Call (913) 782-2269 to book an appointment today.

For more on pet allergies, visit Santa Monica Pet Medical Center at our office in Santa Monica, California. Call (310) 393-8218 to book an appointment today.