Signs That Your Pet Is In Pain
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One problem that can be quite hard to identify as a pet owner is if your beloved animal is experiencing some kind of pain. Of course, traumatic pain is very obvious. If you are out for a walk and your dog steps onto a sharp object or somehow manages to break their leg, the signs of pain will be quite apparent. Or, if your cat strolls into the house after brawling with other local felines, their post-fight distress will be obvious.
Chronic or long-term pain, on the other hand, might be a lot harder to identify. None of the obvious signs such as limping or yelping will be there. It’s important as a pet owner to keep an eye out for certain behaviours and symptoms that will signal your pet is experiencing pain in silence.
If you discover this to be the case, there are many steps you can take to liberate your pet from their condition. But first, let’s take a look at how to spot pain in your pets.
SIGNS THAT YOUR DOG IS IN PAIN
Man's best friend is a loyal and unconditionally loving ally. Dogs are tough animals, and many might not make a fuss if they are experiencing pain under the surface.
Their instinctual desires to run, play, and eat definitely take any priority over them sitting there and ruminating in their condition. But with that said, if their state is more severe, it will hinder them from engaging in their usual activities, and they will start to display some obvious signs.
THEY MAY BECOME LOUDER
An increase in vocalisations is a sure sign that your pooch is in pain. Dogs have various means of vocalising themselves including whimpers, growls, barks, howls, and snarling. Of course, your dog's personality will determine whether he or she makes a certain amount of noise.
THEY MAY SEEM A LITTLE DIFFERENT
Your dog may be experiencing pain if you witness a drastic change in their behaviour. Some dogs retreat and hide away when they’re suffering. If your pooch keeps disappearing into another room for a long period, get them checked out. On the contrary, if your normally independent dog all of a sudden starts demanding attention and affection, they may be trying to tell you something.
Your dog may also start to act aggressive. Instinct can take over, causing your dog's self-preservation interests to kick in. Biting is a possibility when this occurs.
CHANGES IN APPETITE
Dogs love food. They adore it to the extent that they will happily put aside their time to sit there and watch you devour an entire meal, just in case there is a slim chance that you're feeling generous. It is a sure sign indeed that something is wrong if your dog turns its nose up at its usual meals. Pain could certainly be a cause.
A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR BREATHING
Aside from barking, and maybe farting, one of the loudest attributes that dogs have is panting and rapid breathing. If your dog's breathing pattern is different than usual, they may be in pain. Shallower breathing can indicate it hurts your dog to take a full and proper breath.
INTENSE GROOMING
Animal instinct is a fascinating thing, and it guides animals to act in highly intelligent ways at the appropriate time. Dogs will start to groom areas of pain on their body, especially wounds, when they are in pain or injured in a clever attempt to clean the area. Intense or increased grooming, especially of a specific area, is often a sign of pain.
SIGNS THAT YOUR CAT IS IN PAIN
Cats and dogs are very different animals, so much so that people even label themselves “dog people” or “cat people”. Cats are much more independent creatures and can look after themselves for the most part.
Outdoor cats are especially capable of looking after themselves, and even come home with lunch at times. Because of the differences in their natures, cats will exhibit signs of pain differently than dogs will.
THEY MAY BE MORE DEFENSIVE THAN USUAL
Cats love to bite and scratch. Some do it as a form of play, others are just in consistently aggressive moods. If your feline friend starts to bite and scratch you a lot more frequently, they may be in pain. Your cat will go at you with tooth and nail if you touch a painful area when petting them.
DIFFERENCES IN GROOMING
Cats take great pride in their appearance, and dedicate large amounts of time to cleaning themselves with their sandpaper tongues. Some cats will increase their grooming tendencies if they have developed a wound. In contrast, other cats will decrease their grooming routine if doing so hurts them.
CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR
Cats will decrease their activity level if they are in pain, due to discomfort when jumping, playing, and even walking. Their bathroom behaviour can also change, with less frequent passing of stool if they are in severe amounts of distress.
CBD AND PAIN
A trip to the vet is in order if you detect any of these signs. There are various actions you can take in attempt to ease your pet's pain. One possible route is to administer CBD supplements. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found within cannabis and hemp plants, belonging to a chemical family known as cannabinoids.
CBD imparts some of its effects by interacting with receptor sites that make up the endocannabinoid system. This system is found in all mammals, including humans, and is responsible for modulating many physiological processes.
CBD exhibits pain soothing and anti-inflammatory actions. Considering inflammation is at the root of most pain, CBD can help to target its causes and symptoms. Although CBD is effective, pet owners should consult their vetenerian before adminsitering it due to possible drug interactions.
Cibapet offers a line of products that make it extremely easy to administer CBD to your pets to relieve pain and stress. Cibapet CBD oil can be placed directly in your pet’s mouth, or dropped onto their favourite treat. CBD pastille treats can also be easily administered daily.
