The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management IVAPM has designated September as Animal Pain Awareness Month as a way of highlighting how animals suffer from pain similar to humans.

We keep animals as pets. We farm many species for food. We use them in experiments to advance science and human health. Animals are clearly important to us. So it’s equally important that we avoid causing them unnecessary pain.

Pain is a complex experience involving sensory and emotional components. Animals feel pain the same way we do, but since our pets can’t vocalize their feelings, animals rely on human observers to recognize their pain and to evaluate its severity and impact. Prey species are unlikely to advertise vulnerability to predators, so tend to hide their pain better than other species.

Signs of acute pain may be more obvious—pets may try to bite you or scratch you if you touch the area that is painful. However, signs of chronic pain may be less obvious to notice. Therefore, pet parents ought to treat the slightest signs of pain in their pets seriously.

How will I know if my Pet is in pain?

Many animals tend to mask their pain because of evolutionary instincts. Unfortunately, this makes it very difficult to see when they aren't feeling well.

Often our pets suffer in silence. Because pets can’t speak, it can sometimes be difficult to identify when they’re in pain, whether it's as a result of an injury or an underlying issue.

However, there are a variety of signs, some more obvious than others, which may indicate pain in your pet. These include:

Dogs

• Decreased play and reluctance to go for walks

• Reluctance to lie down or difficulty getting up

• Hiding

• Trembling or shaking

• Fast and shallow breathing or panting

• Changes in urinary/defecation habits

• Not wanting to go up or down stairs.

• Difficulty standing after lying down.

• Decreased appetite (mouth pain).

• Over-grooming or licking a specific area of the body

• Sleeping more or less than usual

• Squinting, blinking, or rubbing of the eyes

• Whining, howling or growling

Cats

• Reluctance to leap

• Meowing, purring, hissing or spitting

• Lack of appetite

• Hiding

• Over-grooming or licking an area of the body

• Lethargy

• Decreased interest in positive things like playing, social interaction and exploring outside

• Flattened ears

• Trembles or shakes

Rabbits

• Grinding of teeth

• Hunched posture

• Decreased grooming

• Reluctance to move

• Bulging, strained, staring, or unfocused eyes

• Increased thirst and urination

• Drooling or swelling of the mouth or face

• Respiratory problems

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Vocalizations

Horses

• Lameness or unusual gait

• Change in appetite or drinking habits

• Change in droppings or signs of diarrhea

• Shifting weight from one leg to other

• Muscle tremors

• Partially closed eyes

• Increased rate of respiration or sweating

• Fluids leaking from eye, ear, nose

Reptiles

• Anorexia

• Lack of mobility

• Increase in aggression

• Lack of appetite

• Dull or half-closed eyes

• Easily startled

• Hunched or strained posture

• Increased respiration

• Change in colour (darkening)

• Continuous swallowing

• Displaying agitation or restlessness

Birds

• Squinting

• Lethargy

• Lack of appetite

• Favouring certain body parts ie. wing, leg

• Irritability

Pigs

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

• Coughing or nasal discharge

• Standing with back hunched

• Discoloured vaginal discharge

• Difficulty urinating or defecating

• Trouble walking, limping or getting traction

• Patchy hair loss/excessive itching

Acute or chronic pain not only causes discomfort in pets but it can also cause distress. Pets who live in pain can become more agitated and stressed, removing themselves from family and daily activities they would normally love to do.

If you suspect that your pet is in pain, contact your Veterinarian for a diagnosis of the actual source of pain.

Treatment of Pain:

There are several choices to treat the cause of pain in our pets, and as there are several main categories that pain can fall into there are also different paths to take. Each treatment is different for every pet dependent on their age, reaction, and other health concerns.

Forms of treatment can include:

• Pain medications

• Acupuncture

• Massage therapy

• Physiotherapy

• Therapeutic rehabilitation

• Canine Hydropathy

• Laser Therapy

  
  Many pain medications that are safe for human use are toxic or even fatal to dogs, cats and other animals. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving any medications.
  
  Paying attention to the signs of pain in your pet, will mean the difference between a lifetime of suffering and a lifetime of comfort and health for your best friend.