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Tip
88 - My dog or cat is in pain - pets in pain
When
our pets act in unusual fashions, it is often because they
are sick or they are in pain. Our pets cannot verbally tell us
when they are in pain, so unless they are crying
or communicating in a loud unusual way, we may well be unaware
that they are suffering. The level of pain and an individual
pet's tolerance to it will also determine how a pet will react
to
it. When the pain is
less
severe, or chronic but bearable, we must become more vigilant
observers of our pets'
body language.
Cats, as a survival instinct (not to alert other predators
that they are weak) can become unusually quiet when they are
in pain. Dogs will sometimes exhibit this same 'extra quiet'
behaviour when they are in pain, or they may avoid normal activities
like walking up the stairs when they are suffering. This is especially
true of older dogs that may be suffering with arthritis. As mentioned,
the unusual behaviour itself is a sign that there is a problem.
Sometimes
there is pretty clear evidence that something is not right with
your pet. The repetitive licking or repetitive scratching of
a particular area
is often
a good sign that there is a problem that indicates pain. If you
suspect that your pet is in pain or has suffered a trauma somewhere
on its body, you can attempt to verify this by GENTLY running
your hands along your entire pet's body. Any sudden cries, sounds,
twitches or even instinctual attempts to bite you, can be good
indicators.
There
are times when you just know your pet is in pain. After any type
of surgery for example, your pet will be in pain. If your pet
is visibly and badly scratched up after a fight with another
pet it will be in pain. There are terrific pain medications that
your veterinarian can prescribe. Definitely
ask your vet about pain relief for your pet and of course, bring
your pet to see a veterinarian if you suspect your
pet is in pain.
Note:
If you suspect your pet is in pain, you must take it to the veterinarian.
Never give human medications to a pet that is in pain. Many human
medications
like acetaminophen
(Tylenol)
are
poisonous or deadly
to pets.
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