9 Signs That Your Pet Is In Pain

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. This is a very important topic! Our animal companions might be great at making their points when they want treats, walks, or lap space, but they often have difficulty letting on when they’re not feeling well. To complicate matters, some animals also try to mask signs of illness or injury. It’s important for pet owners to know what to look for. A vet lists some of the key ones below.

Withdrawal

While all of our furry friends are different, when a pet suddenly starts acting sad, listless, grumpy, and/or anti-social, it usually means something is wrong.

Licking/Biting

Pets that are in pain often tend to continuously lick or nibble at their sore spots. Dogs and cats with arthritis tend to worry at their paws or legs, or sometimes the base of their tails.

Flinching

If your four-legged buddy yelps or flinches when touched, especially in a specific spot, contact your vet. This is often an indication of pain.

Changes In Appetite

Most of our furry buddies are very, very enthusiastic about food. If your furry best friend isn’t eating much or at all, contact your vet right away.

Behavioral Changes

Any uncharacteristic behavior or changes in your furry pal’s usual personality can also be signs of pain. If Fluffy is usually a more aloof kitty, but is suddenly clamoring for attention, she could be hurting. Dogs that go from being frisky and friendly to acting withdrawn and sullen could also be in pain.

Limping

Limping is one of the more obvious indications that a pet is hurting. However, sometimes pets only limp briefly when they first get up. This is common in animals that are just developing arthritis.

No/Reduced Interest In Play

Fluffy and Fido are both quite playful, which is part of why they are such fun pets. If your furry buddy is no longer feeling very frisky, and has lost interest in toys, pain could be the issue.

Difficulty Urinating/Defecation

Another indication of pain is difficulty urinating. This is often a sign of a medical emergency, so contact your vet right away if you notice this.

Changes in Vocalizations

Our furry companions all have their own unique voices. Some are very talkative, while others rarely speak. If your normally-quiet feline is suddenly yowling, she may be sick. In dogs, whining, whimpering, howling, or growling can often be indications of pain.

If you notice any of these red flags, contact us, your local animal clinic, immediately! We are dedicated to offering top-notch veterinary care!