When you are experiencing pain, it is difficult to hide your suffering. But it is not always easy to tell if your furry companion is hurting. Pets cannot tell their human companions if something is wrong or hurts. Sometimes, symptoms are unclear, specifically if your animal companion tries to act brave. Yet, there are subtle signs you can watch for if you are worried about your furry friend.

Your Pet Suddenly Becomes More Vocal

Even if they are trying to be brave, pets in pain are often more vocal. A hurt pet may express their pain in several ways. These include yelping, whining, snarling, whimpering, growling, and howling. You should investigate the issue if your animal friend is more vocal than usual.

Excessively Grooming a Specific Body Area

Pets in pain tend to lick their paws more than usual to soothe themselves. They will then rub their eyes after licking their paws in the case of eye pain. If you notice this unusual behavior, it is best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

Differences in Drinking, Eating, and Sleeping Habits

Many pets tend to sleep more when trying to heal. They also do so when it is too hard to move around. Consequently, changes in how much water they drink and a loss of appetite are common.

Unusual Breathing

Heavy panting even without exercising is not normal. Do their breaths seem shallower or faster? These things can indicate pain when breathing.

Eye Changes

Frequent squinting is a symptom of eye pain in pets. You might also notice changes in their pupils. Eye pain often leads to smaller pupils, while the opposite is true of pain in other body areas.

Your Pet Cannot Rest

If your furry friend is in pain, it can be challenging for them to lie or sit down. For example, they might keep trying to lie or sit and almost immediately get up and walk around again.

Seeking Affection or Trying to Withdraw

When they are not feeling well, some pets try to avoid their human companions and may even run away or hide. Others will be all over their owners, seeking affection constantly.

Hostile Behaviors

When most animals are in pain, many shift into protection mode and do things to get people to keep their distance. Your normally submissive pet may suddenly start pinning their ears back, growling, and even attacking if you try to do something that worries them.

The Reasons Why Pets Hide Their Pain and the Importance of Treatment

Pets often hide their pain, an evolutionary behavior developed to protect themselves from predators. While they may still greet their owners eagerly despite being in pain, it is best to treat their pain to ensure their well-being and recovery.

That can ease stress, improve their overall health, and help them live longer. Pet parents should work with their veterinarians to develop a pain management plan to avoid complications associated with untreated pain.

Conclusion

It is best to pay attention to any unusual changes or behaviors in your pet’s daily routine, as they may be signs that your pet is in pain. If you think your pet is hurting, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications and improve your pet’s quality of life.

For more pet care tips, visit Port Royal Veterinary Hospital at our office in Port Royal, South Carolina. Call 843-379-7387 to request an appointment today.