Is Your Pet in Pain?

Can you imagine that your pet may be in pain andOlder pets can suffer from chronic conditions like
you might not know it? Unbelievable as it soundsarthritis, hip pain, and other age related problems.
it is all too common. Learning to detect the signsSymptoms can be slow movement, limping,
of pet pain is really crucial to your pet's healthbalance problems, subdued or nervous disposition.
care and well being. And pets don't always act likePain can make a calm animal irritable or even
people do when they are suffering.aggressive.
Animals can suffer with toothaches, jointThere is no reason your pet has to suffer. Your
pain,infections, just like people.vet can prescribe pain medication that can bring
Unfortunately,because they can't tell you about itrelief. Never give a pet human medications,
you might be neglecting a serious or painfulthough. This is very dangerous and can even kill.
condition. One of the main things to look for is aCats especially, because their liver is different than
change. That can mean change in behavior,a person, can be poisoned easily.
temperament, eating or sleeping patterns. It canOften an animal will lick a painful area, or even rub
be very subtle.it against a surface. A sign of this is can be a
One sharp cat owner noticed that her cat wasflattened or wet area on your pet's coat. Try to
simply meowing more than usual for a few days.separate the hair to see if you can detect
Not crying, just more meowing. She took "Max"anything. The appearance of redness, swelling, an
took the Vet and a horribly infected tooth wasopen wound, or even local heat all are best
discovered and treated. No more meowing. Achecked by a vet.
typical cat reaction to pain is to hide. If you noticeIf you notice your dog scratching constantly,
your cat is gone most of the time, check it out.check out and treat for fleas if needed. If Poochie
With dogs, less interest in eating, eating less orscratched herself raw and is bleeding, keep your
even slower than usual, can signal a toothache.eye on the wounds and get help if it's not healing
Food falling from the dog's mouth is also typical. Itup quickly.
may hurt to chew.So, if your pet seems to be acting different,it
When "Doobie", usually a frisky boxer pup, wascould be pain that's behind the change. When in
just lying in a corner quietly, something wasdoubt, go to your local pet clinic for security. You
wrong. A visit to the vet revealed a painfulnever know. When it comes to pain, it's always
abscess that needed treatment.better to be safe than sorry.
If your pet is suddenly hyperactive or listless, payYou may end up saving your beloved pet's life!
attention. Both are possible signs of pet pain.