Pets feel pain much like we do, but they can’t really tell us where or how bad it hurts—and they often instinctually hide illness or injury. That’s why the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management has selected September as Animal Pain Awareness Month, hoping to educate people about the symptoms of chronic pain and discomfort in animals.
Some signs to look for include:
- Heavy panting
- Decreased activity
- Reluctance to jump up on surfaces (cats)
- Overgrooming or licking a particular area
- Difficulty standing after lying down
While acute or urgent pain is obvious, chronic pain can be subtle and pet owners may see it as simply “getting old” or “slowing down”. In fact, recurring or prolonged pain can be treated and sometimes even prevented when the cause is found early.
As an AAHA-Accredited practice, our experienced medical team fully asses every patient’s pain level at every visit – regardless of whether or not they present with an obvious illness or injury. This is a mandatory standard and a primary objective of our medical process because we know that chronic and unrelieved pain can lead to suffering, stress, anxiety and a diminished quality of life for your pet.
If your pet is exhibiting any of the behaviors above, don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment, or schedule online today.
