One day, when I was out hunting with my dog, I suddenly realized that my dog could not move. I was not able to know that some thorn had pricked the inner part of its foot. All the dog could do was lie down and groan in pain as it looked at me. I was however relieved when a friend of mine passed by with his dog. He was a vet and was able to help my dog get well.
The above story shows that it is not easy to know when your pet is in pain. Most animals are stoic. Inability to recognize these pains makes sit also difficult to treat the pets. Pets can't open their mouths and tell when they are in pain; that is the biggest challenge.
However, how do we ensure that we recognize when they are in pain and give the right treatment? In order to bring a solution to such cases, pain management is already an issue in the field of veterinary medicine. Different universities and societies that deal with research on animal pain are currently committed to studying pain and pain management in animals.
This could bring good news to those who have pets at home and have never known how to recognize pain in their pets and treat it. From the researches being done, it is advisable to speed the process of making your dog recover. Even if it is surgery, it should be speeded up so that the animal is relieved of pain. If it is relieved of stress, it is likely to live longer.
Symptoms of Pain in Pets
Unlike human beings who can cry when they are in pain, animals can only groan or change their lifestyle. This explains why it is important to pay attention to our pets and know when they are in pain. Pets often send signals that indicate they are suffering from some chronic pain. Some of the signals are:
• Pet being restless, unusually quiet and unresponsive
• Some pets can howl, meow or whine
• Pet biting itself or those around it
• Licking a particular part of the body
• Being too submissive or too aggressive
• Flattering its ears against the head
• Having trouble with sleeping or eating
• seeking sympathy and affection than is usual
Helping Your Pet when in Pain
If at any time you realize or suspect that your pet, either a dog or a cat, is in pain, it is appropriate to contact a veterinarian immediately. The vet will do a medical evaluation on your pet and establish the problem, its cause and potential solutions. If it is a serious medical condition, the best person to handle your pet's pain is the vet. However, pain management is a collective responsibility. If approached from that perspective, the pet can live another life happier and healthier. Therefore, never hesitate again when you realize your pet is in pain. When your pet is healthy and happy, you also realize that your home will be a happy and secure home.
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