September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. As responsible pet owners, we must know how our pets communicate and be vigilant of signs or behaviors they display. Since our pets can’t talk, we must learn their form of communication through their behaviors and body language. Knowing when your pet is uncomfortable can be life-saving. Here are some signs and behaviors to look out for that can be cause for concern.
Bodily Signs and Injury
Despite not verbally communicating, our pets have many ways of showing us that they are uncomfortable or something may be wrong. Sometimes obvious bodily signs like rashes, lumps, cuts or blood can be visible on their body and under their fur. Seeing an abnormality or blood should be something you get checked out by a vet as soon as possible. It’s essential for a responsible pet owner to pet and massage your dogs and cats frequently to ensure they do not have any growths or cuts that might cause them potential problems and harm. Cuddles and pets are the best way to find out if there is something on your pet’s body that should not be.
Behaviors and Actions
Observing your pet’s behavior is key in finding out how your pet is feeling. You know your pet best, so if you notice a difference in their everyday behaviors, then this strongly indicates that something is wrong. There are a lot of behaviors that can be cause for concern. These behaviors include: whimpering or hissing, difficulty standing or walking after lying down, overgrooming an area on their body, lack of appetite, or changes in their appetite or bathroom schedule. Other more severe behaviors include: fainting or seizures. If these occur, please take your pet to the vet immediately.
Changing Energy Levels
Witnessing a change in your pet’s energy levels can also indicate that something has changed and may not be right. If your pet is typically a high-energy cat or dog that has become tired and lethargic, you may want to book a visit to the vet. There could be underlying issues that may need testing to be discovered. If your pet goes from enjoying high-energy activities to being sedentary and preferring to sleep than play, you should take this as a sign of concern. Be vigilant of your pet’s behavior to ensure they act like their usual selves.
Prevention and Insurance
Regular veterinary checkups and vaccinations are best to prevent animal discomfort and pain. This basic healthy routine can prevent future issues for your pet. Of course, life can be unpredictable, so it is always good to be prepared and covered. If you want to play it safe, it might be best to look into pet insurance. Many pet insurance companies can provide you and your pet with the necessary coverage. Be sure to do your research into pet insurance to find the best company for you and your pet.
Be Ready to Act
For Animal Pain Awareness Month, it’s crucial to know when our pets need help or are experiencing any discomfort. Knowing and seeing these signs and behaviors can be a great indicator of more significant underlying issues that may need medical attention as soon as possible. The sooner you act on a problem, the better it will be for your pet. At Luv My Sitter, we take pride in teaching our customers proper care methods and how to be the best pet owners they can be. Please check out our services page for our professional pet care services. Be sure to follow us on social media for new blogs and news on pet care topics!