Animal Pain Awareness

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. Animal s are very good at hiding  pain , and they can’t tell us what’s wrong. It’s important to be aware of the most common signs of  pain  so we can identify and treat any problems early. Here are some changes to look for in your pet:

1. A slowdown in activities like not going up or downstairs and difficulty standing after lying down can be signs of osteoarthritis. Less play time—not playing as much as usual can signal pain in joints, neck, or back. Less jumping/a reluctance to jump onto surfaces. This especially applies to cats who, when feeling well, love to explore high places. If they are not doing this, it is likely because of hip or back pain. 
2. Decreased eating and drinking can signal mouth or abdominal pain or a much more serious medical issue. 
3. Changes in grooming behavior like increased grooming or licking of an area on the body may indicate pain  in that area or referred  pain. Decreased grooming, especially in cats, may indicate it is too  pain ful to twist around.
4. Changes in urine or bowel movements could be related to pain and may indicate an inability to maintain the position to eliminate. Cats also may have trouble climbing in and out of the litter box.
5. Increases in respiration  may be caused by  pain.
6. Changes in routine,  different sleeping patterns and not resting in the usual places also may indicate the  animal  is in  pain.