Signs of Pain in our Pets

 All owners want to make sure that their pets are comfortable; however, most owners don’t know what signs to watch for in order to know if their pets are experiencing pain.  Most think that if their pet is not crying out or whimpering then they are not painful, but this is not the case.
Dogs, and especially cats, can be very subtle in showing signs of pain.  With joint or bone pain you may notice your pet favoring one limb, act slow to get up from a resting position, or hesitant to move in a certain way.  Maybe your pet used to be a jumper and now he is hesitant or needs help to jump up onto the furniture.  In cases of neck or back pain, some animals don’t want to lower their heads to eat from their food bowl. And in some cases, the signs may be as subtle as seeing your dog panting more often or even while at rest.
Animals with tooth or mouth pain may be slower to finish their meals.  They may show more interest in eating softer foods that are easier to chew, or they may just attempt to swallow kibble whole rather than chewing.  They may shy away from having their head or cheeks caressed, and some will experience excessive drooling.  With more severe pain, you may hear your pet grinding their teeth, or see a significant decrease in appetite as it is too painful to chew.
Sometimes a pet may experience gastrointestinal pain without showing outward signs such as vomiting and diarrhea.  Sometimes the signs may be as subtle as stretching into a downward dog position, guarding their abdomen from being touched, having a hunched stance or just panting excessively.  Being able to read your pet’s subtle cues and behavioral changes will help you better ensure that your pet is happy, healthy and pain free.
For more information, please call Cinema Veterinary Centre at 661-253-9300.