WORK HOURS:
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Sleaford, United Kingdom
OUR LOCATION
CALL US NOW:
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Becoming withdrawn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More clingy or more withdrawn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