September is all about Animal Pain Awareness Month!

September is all about Animal Pain Awareness Month! 

My sweet Daphne Louise was under the weather recently and I quickly noticed some changes with her. My vet was able to see her promptly and we began to figure out the issue and how to address it.  As my veterinarian says all the time,” Pets can’t talk so we have to watch for clues and signs as to what is wrong.”  

Oh how I wish sometimes that Daphne would just open up and talk to me when she is not feeling well so I can find a remedy immediately for any discomfort. Unfortunately, that is not possible but what is obvious is to understand the changes that pets give us with body language, behavior and expressions. 

Some of these clues that pets give when they are sick or in discomfort are: 

Hiding-  Being under the bed, hiding their face, standing behind a curtain, snuggling into a closed bed or closet to sleep. 

No or reduced appetite-   Loss of weight or not eating as much and definitely ignoring treats. 

Lack of Grooming- Cats are always proud of their coats so suddenly not bathing or less bathing can be a strong sign of illness. 

Not wanting to be held-  If you love to cuddle and hug your cat and now it howls or doesn’t want you to pick them up can be a sign of an issue. 

Grouchy or Angry Behavior-   Sudden changes such as growling, slapping, swatting, hissing or being aggressive towards you when this was never a problem is a definite sign. 

​Squinting or Closing their Eyes-  Not opening their eyes all the way can be a sure symptom of discomfort.  

Loud Meowing or Howling-  If your cat is being loud or crying out, pain must be hitting hard as cats tend to have a higher tolerance of pain.  This is a sure symptom to see a vet asap. 

ANY changes that happen relatively quickly which is out of the norm for your kitty is something to keep watch on and report to your veterinarian so they can better diagnosis and help quickly.  Your vet is there to help prevent and alleviate pain while getting your pet back to their happy healthy selves.