Pets can’t easily tell you they’re in pain, so it’s up to you as a pet owner to be vigilant. Remember these guidelines identifying pain in your pet.
Where Does It Hurt?
The most common causes of pain in cats and dogs are osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, skin ailments and dental issues.
Watch For
Changes in appetite, energy level and daily routines are a sure signal something is off. Be aware of your pet’s daily behaviors so that you’ll notice when something changes.
Don’t Guess
Avoid human medications, supplements and remedies until your vet has evaluated and diagnosed your pet’s condition.
Don’t Wait
If your pet is showing signs of pain, head immediately to the vet. You may be tempted to just keep an eye on things, but the condition could get worse.
Reliable Sources
Resist the urge to lean on “Dr. Google,” Looney cautions. If you can’t get to your vet quickly, she recommends petplace.com and merckvetmanual.com as accurate sources of good general information.
