Recognizing Pain in Pets: Tips from a Veterinarian near Westfield

As a loving pet parent, the last thing you would ever want is for your furry family member to be in pain. Unfortunately, just like people, pets can suffer from a wide range of painful problems. Whether caused by injury, disease, or other factors, pain decreases your pet’s quality of life and is a serious issue that must be addressed. Since this month is Animal Pain Awareness Month, now is an excellent time to learn how to recognize the signs of pain in pets. Keep reading to learn more from a veterinarian near Westfield. 

Common Signs of Pain in Pets

Pain is a sign of weakness in the animal kingdom. While our domesticated companions now live in our homes rather than in the wild, they are genetically programmed to hide signs of pain and illness. For this reason, it is not always easy to tell when dogs and cats are hurting. And since they can’t tell us when something is wrong, it’s important to recognize subtle signs that something is wrong. 

Some of the most common signs of pain in pets include: 

• Excessive licking or chewing of a body part
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy or decreased energy
• Whimpering
• Submissive behavior
• Aggressive behavior
• Anxious expression
• Reduced social interaction
• Loss of interest in favorite activities, toys, etc. 
• Hiding
• Stiff gait or posture
• Weight loss 
• Inability to jump
• Decreased self-grooming behavior
• Changes in litter box habits (in cats)

When to See a Veterinarian near Westfield

If you have any reason to think that your pet might be sick or in pain, we encourage you to bring them to a veterinarian near Westfield right away. At PetVet Animal Hospital, our team has the knowledge and diagnostic capabilities to determine what’s going on with your furry friend and get them started on an appropriate course of treatment. Call now to schedule an appointment.