September is Animal Pain Awareness Month

Animal pain awareness begins with understanding that not all pain is obvious. Our pets can’t describe what and how much it hurts, so we need to know how to observe signs of discomfort. Pain comes in many forms. Acute pain is obvious and distressing. Chronic pain can be subtle, and masked as “getting old” or “slowing down.” Old age is not a disease, but pain is.

 

If you notice any of the signs listed below, give us a call to get an appointment set up

• Decreased activity
  • Take notice if your pet is not playing as much as usual.
• Resistance to using the stairs, Difficulty using the stairs, or not using the stairs
  • This can be an early sign of osteoarthritis.
• Reluctance to jump up onto surfaces
  • Especially for cats.
• Difficulty standing after lying down
  • This can be a sign of osteoarthritis.
• Decreased Appetite
  • This can be a sign of mouth pain.
• Over-grooming or licking a particular area.

 

If your pet suffers from osteoarthritis, it may be a candidate for either Solensia or Librela. Check out the infographics below for more information.