How To Know When Your Dog Or Cat Is Hurting?

Sadly, many people don’t know how to tell if an animal is in pain. Its really hard because they can hide it very well. But based off of the current pain management studies animals feel pain in the same ways people do.

This is why every September the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management works extra hard to create awareness for Animal Pain Awareness Month.

We hear it all the time, pet owners had no idea that their pet was in pain. Don’t feel guilty or beat yourself up. We know you would never allow your pet to be in pain and remember they have inherent survival instincts that keeps them from revealing it.

The best thing you can do is educate yourself on what to watch out for and if you think your animal needs help or treatment call your urgent care vet or emergency vet, it is what we are here for!

Here is a list of common signs of pain in cats and dogs:

1. decreased activity

2. not going up an down stairs

3. reluctant to jump up onto surfaces

4. difficulty standing after lying down

5. decreased appetite

6. over grooming or licking in a particular area

But take note that cats are not fans of showing any weakness and are able to hide their pain better than dogs.

So there are few more things to watch out for when it comes to cats in pain:

1. Less desire to socialize with people and animals

2. Sleeping at an unusual position or place

3. Unusual aggression when approached.

So what do you so if you think your furry friend is in pain?

Cats and dogs can not tell us that they are in pain. But if your inner voice is telling you that something isn't right, listen to it. Do not wait until their pain is so bad it's apparent. By then, your furry friend's most likely in a horrific amount of pain. Call your urgent care vet or emergency vet and get them seen right away.

When your pet is being treated always make sure to ask your urgent care vet or emergency vet to go over the details of your pets pain management plan with you. Sometimes all it takes is rest and medication. Other times managing animal pain may require additional support in the certified animal rehab therapist.

If after following your urgent care vet or emergency vet's strategy, you are not seeing improvement, we recommend giving your treating veterinarian a call immediately. Your urgent care vet or emergency vet may need to refer you to a specialized animal pain management clinic.