Pets make life exciting and fun with their playfulness and loyalty. Because of this, you always want your pet to be in the best shape and health. However, pets may sometimes experience pain and disease that can affect their personality, mood, and behavior. Because they cannot talk and tell you what is ailing them, you must know by observation.
Pets ill often have telltale signs that they are in pain or suffering. Knowing how to read these signs is a must-know for pet parents. They can help you offer your pet relief and even save their life. Here are signs that your pet is in pain:
Limping
One of the most obvious signs that your pet is in pain is limping. There are several reasons your pet may start limping, such as:
- A thorn stuck between the toes.
- Muscle strain.
- Broken bone.
- Ligament tear or overstretching.
- Bony cancer.
- Specific tick-borne conditions.
A limp can resolve after a few hours, but if it persists over 24 hours, it would be best to take your pet to the vet. The vet will examine your pet to determine the cause of the limp. They may order some tests like X-rays if the cause is not clear with a routine exam. After the diagnosis, they will provide the most effective treatment for the cause of the limp.
Vocalizing
When an animal is in pain, it will show discomfort by vocalizing. They may meow or bark or whimper or groan excessively. They will often cry out if you touch the part of their body that is in pain. They may also react when you move or manipulate the part of the body that has an injury.
Other than injuries, other ailments may cause your pet to vocalize. Stomach upsets or gastrointestinal complications can cause your pet to vocalize. For instance, if you pick up your dog or cat when they have this condition, they will vocalize to indicate pain.
Reduced Appetite
When your pet is in pain, it may lose its appetite completely. If your pet has good eating habits, like clearing their portions after serving them, they may eat very little or nothing if they are in pain.
One of the common sources of pain that may cause your pet not to eat is dental issues. If your pet has a dental problem, they will avoid using their mouth. It would be best to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Hiding
One common habit of animals in pain is hiding. It is an old instinct meant to protect them from predators when they are injured. It may be in pain if you notice your pet hiding under the couch or other furniture. They may hide to avoid getting attention because of an injury they have.
Lethargy
If your pet is in pain, it may have less energy than they usually display. One sign of this is excessive sleeping or lying around. They may also show very little interest in activities they usually enjoy. If you notice this happening for a few days, it is best to take your pet to the vet.
For more signs that your pet is in pain, visit Country Veterinary Clinic, Inc. at our office in Live Oak, California. Call (530) 491-4500 to book an appointment today.
