National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
The ONLY national non-profit organization for professional pet sitters.
| Pet Pain or Personality? 10 Signs an Animal May be in Pain |
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September is National Animal Pain Awareness month, so let's get to know 10 common signs a pet in your care may be in pain- some may surprise you! Sometimes pain in pets is really hard to notice as we cannot obviously speak to them- so how can we see these yellow or red flags of concern without having to run straight to a Veterinarian, or it may show that we have to. 1. Limping, or Difficulty in Movement Just because an animal is old doesn't mean limping and painful movement is 'normal'. There are supplements, dietary add-ins and event prescriptions medications that can increase the quality of life and comfort in your pet. 2. Licking Certain Area(s) Repetitively Many people can easily mistake this for just an obsessive 'tik', itchy area or allergies- which are possibilities but not the only possibilities. Licking a painful area is a pet’s natural instinct to clean a potential sick area- even if internally. If your pet has never obsessed over licking before - checking the area for any external would or maybe a plant spur or other that could cause pain is a great first step check. 3. Decreased Eating / Drinking If a pet’s stomach is painful, they may not want to add food or drink to it. They could also have a painful mouth- such as an infected tooth that causes pain. Check your pets’ mouth for any foreign objects, infected teeth or wounds. Try adding some warm water to your pet’s food to see if they are more willing to eat. Potentially letting their stomachs rest for the day and putting on a bland diet for a few days may do the trick. If no progress or pet getting worse- call your Veterinarian ASAP. 4. Heaving Panting or Shallow Breathing If a pet wasn't just in a hot environment or exercised - panting when resting is a very common indication the pet is in pain (think like when a human breath out when in pain-- same concept!) More shallow breaths can also be a potential warning sign as well when at rest. 5. Pacing /Restless If they just cannot get comfortable and rest this may mean something hurts when they are laying or sitting down. This can occur during the daytime or night. If at night- this may also be something like a form of dementia. Offer soft spots throughout the house that are 'cave' like in darker, cooler and more quiet environments. 6. Shaking /Trembling Muscle spasm in a certain area can show you a potential painful spot, or full body tremors may show a bigger issue. Many toxic substances if exposed to can also cause shaking/Trembling- take to the Vet office if this is the case. 7. Sensitive to Touch If a cat, dog or other species has never minded you touching a certain body part, and now they do-a red flags should be sent up in your mind. Yes, older pets can just get "grumpy" and want their space but if they yelp, snap or try and get away repetitively when touch a certain body part- that's their way of saying OUCH! 8. Unusual Aggression/ Biting /Snapping A pet snapping is a warning sign and considered a level 1 bite- they could have bitten if they wanted to - this is their way of saying "BACK OFF". If a dog or cat shows aggression, acting anti-social or not doing normal behaviors like wanting to be pet, go outside or meet you at the door when you come home, and the environment has not changed, this is a cause for concern if repetitive over a few days or a week. 9. Crying Out or Yelping Do you cry out, yell or scream when something hurts you? So, do many species of animals. Trying to figure out what is causing they pain can be difficult- but you can gently try and touch or put minor force on the back, legs, neck, sides or underbelly to determine a potential area of concern- but always remember your safety is priority. If you do not feel comfortable doing this- go to your Veterinary Office and seek professional care- this is what they do and can do it best. 10. Body Changes A pet may change their posture, curve their back, or not use a certain limb if it is causing them pain. The most common is holding up a leg and limping, but this can also be a hump back , or dragging paws on the ground when trying to walk. No animals should have to live in pain, so take the time to observe, track and find the problem, figure out a solution that is suitable for the pet and any financial constraints, consider purchasing pet insurance before a situation arises and use preventive care to try to avoid as many issues in the future as possible. There are many great resources out there to learn more about Pain Management, Prevention and Identification out there, here are a few for further info: • Pain Relievers for Pets:https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-about-pain-relievers-pets • Pet Pain Management Guidelines: https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/2022-aaha-pain-management-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/home/ • Types of Pet Pain: https://www.animalemergencycare.net/understanding-4-types-of-pain-in-your-pet/ Amber Van Denzen Suarez is the Founder of Atta Boy! Animal Care, and Pet Sitter CEO YouTube channel. A dually certified Professional Pet Sitter, retired Veterinary Nurse of 13 years, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences. She lives with her 2 dogs, 15 chickens, 3 fish aquariums, and 2 hermit crabs with her human family in Lakeland, Florida. Amber Van Denzen, CPPS Atta Boy! Animal Care Dedicated NAPPS Volunteer |
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