Unspoken Trouble Could You Tell if Your Pet Was Suffering Chronic Pain?
Do you understand what your pet is trying to tell you?
Our pets can’t tell us when they’re feeling bad, so it’s up to us to watch for warning signs and take action. Some common signs of pain in your pet may include:
Most pet owners are proud to say they do. The bond between dogs and humans has grown so much over the eons; there’s often unspoken communication between man and man’s best friend. Even cat owners become attuned to the meanings behind the different meows their cats make. However, there are still some things animals tend to be very secretive about, like pain. For pets, pain can be scary. They aren’t able to tell you what they’re feeling, and they don’t understand why they’re hurting. For this reason, pain can cause major changes in your dog or cat’s behavior. Determining whether your pet’s pain is acute or chronic is the first step to identifying the reason for these changes. Acute pain is sudden and triggered by a specific incident, like an accident or injury. It’s usually easy to spot acute pain due to the sudden change in your pet’s behavior. However, chronic pain can develop slowly, causing behavioral changes you might not notice at first. Chronic pain can be brought on by joint inflammation, arthritis, or tooth decay.
• Limping • Loss of appetite • Nausea and/or vomiting • Vocalization • Change in temperament or behavior
• Licking a specific area • Change in bathroom habits • Panting • Appearance of the third eyelid • Hiding
How can I help my pet with their pain?
Pain management often involves medication, including nonsteroidal anti- inflammatories or topical anesthetics. Other strategies may include special treatments, like acupuncture or laser therapy, as well as lifestyle changes. A new diet, different bedding, raised food and water dishes, or an extra walk a day can make a huge difference for your pet’s chronic pain. Because our pets can’t tell us when they’re hurting, it can be difficult to determine the cause or solution. If you suspect your pet is struggling with chronic pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian. They have experience identifying the cause of a pet’s pain and creating appropriate treatment plans for long-lasting relief.
PAWSitively Hilarious !
Food Hounds ! GINGERBREAD DOGS ‘Tis the season for holiday cheer! Share some cheer with your four-legged friends with these special holiday dog treats.
Ingredients
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1 cup molasses
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6 cups all-purpose flour
4 tbsp honey 1 cup water
2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp dried powder ginger
Directions
1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. In a medium bowl, combine molasses, honey, water, and oil, and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing well until dough forms. 3. Separate dough into four equal balls. Wrap dough balls in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3–5 hours. 4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled dough to 1/4-inch thick. Use dog-shaped cookie cutters to cut out treats. 5. Bake for 20–25 minutes on baking sheet until cookies start to brown. Carefully remove treats from the oven and let them cool completely before serving to your dog. Inspired by GoneToTheSnowDogs.com
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