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WORK HOURS:

Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Sleaford, United Kingdom

OUR LOCATION

Veterinary Acupuncture and Pain Management

How do I know if my animal is in pain?

Our pets cannot tell us when they are in pain, or how that pain is making them feel. For this reason we have to look at changes in their behaviour, gait and general mobility. We can also use our own experiences to help us anticipate to some extent what may prove painful for our pets as it is very likely that cats and dogs feel pain in a similar way to us.

Behavioural changes in dogs may include:

  • Decreased activity

  • Becoming withdrawn

  • Less interaction with other dogs / family members

  • Increased aggression towards other dogs /people

  • Changes in mood / overall demeanour

  • Changes to travelling in the car

  • Excessive panting

  • Increased thirst

  • Increased / decreased appetite

  • More clingy

  • Changes in sleeping patterns

  • Inability to get comfortable / restless

  • Pacing

  • Increased sensitivity to noise

  • Change in posture

  • Acting oddly 

  • Licking / chewing at various parts of body

  • Lameness / change in gait

  • Difficulty getting up / lying down

  • Difficulty getting on / off furniture

  • Negative reaction to be handled or touched

  • Change in toileting habits

  • Vocalisation

Cats are more likely to hide their pain  so spotting the signs of pain can be more difficult. Changes in behaviour are more commonly noted in cats but the following signs may indicate that you cat may be in pain:

  • Reduced activity

  • Changes in play

  • Aggression in cats that were previously friendly towards other cats in the household or family members

  • Avoidance of other animals / people in the house

  • Change in appetite

  • Changes in coat condition due to reduced grooming

  • Resentment to being handled / groomed

  • Reduced  / changed scratching behaviour

  • More sensitive to noise

  • Inability to settle

  • Attacking back legs or tail

  • Excessive licking / grooming of one area of the body

  • Changes in temperament

  • More clingy or more withdrawn

  • Inappropriate toileting

  • Changes in sleeping patterns

  • Vocalisation

  • Abnormal gait / lameness

  • Reluctance to jump / climb

  • Hiding

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