Signs that an animal is in pain
Decades ago, veterinary medicine treated pain as a physiological phenomenon that is essential for an injured or sick animal. Do not misunderstand, because this was not a manifestation of cruelty. Pain was thought to help the animal to remain relatively calm and docile. It then makes it easier for the doctor to treat it and carry out various procedures and tests.
It was also thought that there was no reliable way of checking whether the animal was in pain and whether it needed help to relieve the suffering caused by the pain. Today, things have turned upside down: vets treat pain until they are satisfied that the animal is not in distress.
Why is it important and necessary to notice when an animal is in pain?
Observing and dealing with pain in a timely manner is an important aspect of modern veterinary medicine. Adequate attention to pain speeds up the animal’s recovery process, both from injuries and after surgery or during illness. On the other hand, an adequate response to pain reduces the stress experienced by the animal, ensures a better existence and directly influences the lifespan of your companion.
Different types of pain
Acute pain is caused by injury, surgery, burns or infection. It can be extremely unpleasant, but usually does not last long and disappears when the cause is successfully dealt with.
Chronic pain is long-lasting and comes on slowly. Chronic pain can be caused by age-related diseases such as arthritis, bone disease and cancer. Such pain is difficult to deal with as it can last for years or for the lifetime of the pet. Because chronic pain comes on slowly, some pets get used to it and tolerate it successfully. However, it is very difficult for a veterinarian to identify such pain.
How do I know if my pet is in pain?
When a human being is in pain, they complain. But animals instinctively hide their pain, so we usually won’t hear a peep from them, at least not until it is truly unbearable. How do you know if your pet is in pain?
Since animals cannot speak, owners should pay close attention to changes in the behaviour of their gentle companion. Here are some of the typical behavioural traits that give away the fact that an animal may be in pain:
- Unusual quietness, calmness, apathy, unresponsiveness to the environment
- whining, howling or other persistent sounds of displeasure
- biting
- persistent licking or biting of a particular body part
- strangely cheerful, aggressive or overly submissive behaviour
- ears lowered and flattened against the head
- reluctance to eat or sleep disturbances
- more affectionate than usual
- the animal does not find a comfortable position – constantly changing position and not staying there
If you suspect that your pet is in pain, seek help from a veterinary clinic. The doctor will help you to find out the cause of the problem and suggest suitable remedies. You will need to tell them about your pet’s habits, normal behaviour, activity level, tolerance to other people, etc.
Most animals, especially cats, naturally mask signs of pain to protect themselves from other predators. However, the absence of signs of pain does not mean that the animal is not in pain. If you find an injury, illness or other life situation to be painful for yourself, it is fair to assume that the animal is experiencing the same unpleasant physical sensations.
How can an owner help their pet?
Of course, it is best to have your pet fully examined and its health assessed by a vet. They should also be consulted on how you can monitor whether the pain is gradually diminishing, simply and independently at home.
Massage is a very good remedy. Massage movements from head to toe will help the animal to relax and calm down. Petting helps to maintain a close relationship with your companion and also to spot swellings, scratches and bruises which can cause unpleasant side effects. If you notice that your pet is uncomfortable during the massage, stop the procedure immediately and contact your vet.
Finally, a very important rule:
It is very important not to give any medication to an animal without consulting a vet. Some painkillers or combinations of painkillers can be poisonous even in small doses.