Signs of Pain in Pets

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

12 Apr 2007 10:20 AM

Our pets are generous and over the top in showing affection; they can be very subtle when it comes to showing pain! Knowing your pet well -- and noticing very small changes in behavior -- can be key to detecting discomfort.

In general, dogs can be more vocal and more dramatic about their pains. A dog may yelp, whine, limp, or hold up a hurt paw. My parents' dog Becca is very dramatic about her aches and pains, and will limp very obviously when she's achy (or maybe wanting attention). Cats, on the other hand, may simply hole up and hide.

Some signs of pain in pets:

• Yelping or whining
• Limping or holding up a hurt paw
• Panting or drooling
• Flinching when touched
• Refusing to eat
• Hunching his back
• Sucking in/tucking up his stomach (in case of stomach pain)
• Bowing his neck (in case of neck pain)
• Squinting, watery eyes (in case of eye problems)

Your pet may show any, all, or none of these symptoms. Your pet may demonstrate a completely different response to pain; my brother's dog Kuma tends to grunt when she's in pain. Moose gives a typical whine/yelp when he's hurting.

Some human pain medicines are safe for use on pets. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• NEVER give aspirin to cats.
• Do not give aspirin to dogs if you suspect a broken bone or other internal injury -- aspirin can make bleeding worse.
• Ice/cold compresses are best for bruises, burns, or skin injuries.
• Heat/warm compresses are best for sore, stiff joints (like arthritis).
• Products that contain the anesthetic benzocaine (like Lanacane and Solarcaine) can be used for sunburn or sores in dogs. Benzocaine is NOT safe for cats.
• Cortaid can be used on minor cuts and scrapes, and will help reduce inflammation from insect stings.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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Valorie Delp (49340) 12 Apr 2007 05:59 PM

Wow! I didn't know that Aimee. . .thanks!