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Animals, over millions of years of evolution, have been programmed to hide their pain or in discomfort for their own safety, otherwise they would become a target to predators, both of other animal or of their own kind.
In the wild, the weak or elderly are targeted as prey, and in order not to end up as prey, they need to hide their weakness.
Therefore as owners, we need to be more alert to the subtle signs in our pet’s behavior so that we can know whether they are in pain, and ensure they don’t suffer in silence. But this can be somewhat difficult because many of the signs are very subtle.
In addition, pain is difficult to quantify and shown differently by different animals. What's important to remember is just because your pet doesn't show any obvious signs such as excessive vocalizing, or obvious limping, it doesn't mean they are not in pain.
Dogs and cats feel pain for the same reasons as humans do and it can be due a multitude of causes such as infections, dental problems, arthritis, bone disease or cancer.
They also feel discomfort after a surgical procedures except that , unlike humans, they can't tell you when and where they hurt.
You are in the best position to look for the subtle changes in behavior that may indicate that they are suffering. It’s important to stay alert to these signs, because the sooner your pet’s pain is diagnosed and treated, the sooner they can heal and resume their normal life (and yours...).
Possible causes of pain in dogs and cats
There are many reasons, but arthritis seems to be at the top of the list.- Pet arthritis is caused by joint wear and tear, loss of the protective cartilage and subsequent joint inflammation and pain, just as they occur in humans.
- Back problems such as spondylosis ( vertebrae fusing), disc disease, and pinched nerves have now been increasingly recognized as chronic sources of pain in dogs and cats.
- Chronic allergies with inflamed skin are known to have caused irritation and pain in dogs, and closely related to these allergies are ear infections which can be really painful for your pet.
- Cancer affecting bones, skins and organs in dogs and cats has many signs, one of them being pain.
- Tooth root abscess and other dental disorders can be very painful and may be the may be the reason why your pet is reluctant to eat.
Signs used by veterinarians to tell if your dog or cat is in pain
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Vocal signs:
Whining, howling, whimpering, groaning and grunting. Also take note of increased panting, breathing and increased heart rate.
Changes in daily habits:
Lack of appetite (eating or drinking less than usual), withdraws from interaction, changes in sleeping or sleeping more, lapses in housetraining.
Excessive attention to bodily parts:
Chronically licking a specific area ( ie over the hip or knee), biting, scratching a particular part of its body.
Level of activity:
Some pets may just be reluctant to move, to jump up, or have difficulty rising after lying down, restless, difficulty getting up from a laying position, trembling, constantly gets up and lies down, looking lame or seeks more affection than usual
Facial expression:
Grimacing, blank stare, wide-eyed or looks sleepy, enlarged pupils, looking generally depressed.
Grooming:
Coat or furs lacks shine, hair stands up in places, pain on palpation of a specific area of their body.
Self-protection:
Protective of body part, doesn’t put weight on a limb, doesn’t want to be held or picked up, hides.
Aggressiveness:
Behavior change such as being overly aggressive, or not responding to petting and grooming. If your dog has always been friendly, he acts out of character, growls, hisses, bites. Or your dog is normally aggressive, he may turn quiet or docile.
Posture:
Hunched, with hindquarters raised and front end down on the ground and lays on its side most of the time.
Don’t Treat Your Dog’s Pain by Yourself!
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Let them diagnose the problem and identify the causes. They will advice you on the benefits, risks and costs associated with various treatment options.
That way, you and your veterinarian can choose the approach that best meets the needs of you and your dog.
If your veterinarian prescribes a pain medication, ensure that the instructions are closely followed and take note of any side effects such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blood in stools (the stool appears black, tarry, like it contains coffee grounds)
- Change in drinking or urinating
- Change in behavior, such as depression, restlessness or appetite loss
- Yellowing of gums, skin or whites of eyes
- Changes in skin (redness, scabs or scratching)
If you notice any of this, stop medication immediately and get in touch with your veterinarian at once.
Also remember the following:
- Keep the drug safely out of reach of your pets and children.
- Do not change the dosage or frequency unless directed by your veterinarian.
- Do not give other drug to your dog while it is taking the pain medication without consulting your veterinarian.
- Do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.
Your pets can’t speak for themselves when in fact they are in pain and suffering. Therefore we should be alert to the small changes that could later go into a big problem - if not treated immediately - and make sure they get them treatment they need and deserve.
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