Do you know the signs of cats or dogs in pain? While pain symptoms will widely vary, depending on age, environment, and experience, there are some common signs that your pet is in distress that should not be ignored. If you suspect your pet is in pain, visit your Vet at Westside Animal Hospital in Augusta, GA, or head for emergency pet care right away.

Here are some tips to recognize when your pet is in pain:

Pain Symptoms 

Some of the common signs that your dog or cat is in pain are manifested physically. Watch your pet’s gait and how they seem to be moving around, too. Some pets may also:

• Twitch
• Shake
• Tremble
• Arch their back
• Hang their head
• Excessive panting

There are other indicators that a pet is in pain that may be more difficult to observe and discern.

Pet Pain and Behaviors 

Is your dog or cat acting oddly? It may be something subtle, like restlessness or sleeping longer. These changes in behavior may also be indicative of pet pain. Some behaviors that pets in pain may exhibit include these:

• Withdrawn
• Isolative
• Excessive licking
• More vocal than usual
• Restless, anxious, or aggressive
• Sleeping more or less than usual

You know your pets best. If you suspect they are not acting like themselves and could be in discomfort or pain, talk to your Vet.

Pet Pain and Mobility 

Another sign of pain in dogs and cats is a decline in mobility. Does your pet limp- or refuse to walk altogether? This could point to a pain issue. Does your pet avoid stairs or show difficulty getting up or down? See your vet to rule out other medical problems.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian in Augusta, GA

Don’t let your pet suffer. See your veterinarian at Westside Animal Hospital in Augusta, GA, as soon as possible. Pain issues could be a sign of an underlying, possibly treatable condition. Get to the bottom of pet pain with a veterinarian exam and assessment.