5 signs that your pet is in pain

Seeing our beloved pets in pain is always a disheartening experience and is something a lot of pet owners dread. Whether it is a fracture or a fresh injury, we want to care for them and ease their pain. Since these creatures do not speak like humans, they cannot express their pains to us. Rather, they use behaviors and actions to pass a message across to us.

Here are 5 signs to alert you when your pet is in pain;

Excessive grooming

It is very normal for to lick themselves, but it becomes abnormal when it is obsessive. If your pet starts licking a particular spot excessively, it may be a sign that it is in pain. They often groom the places that hurt them, hoping that the pain would reduce even when there isn't a physical wound. Keep an eye on such an area and if it becomes excessive, search for "vets near me" on the search engine and you will find a nearby veterinarian to have a look at the pet.

Heavy panting

Typically, pet pant and this shouldn't come as a surprise to its owner. However, such panting arises only when the pet has engaged in the stressful activity. Where there is panting out of nowhere, stress may be the culprit. Stress from the pain or injury of the pet may be causing the panting. This should prompt a visit to the vet to check and treat the cause of pain.

Lack of appetite

As occurs in humans, lack of appetite in pets is a sign of some sort of discomfort. They won't feel like eating if they are burdened by a painful paw or jaw. If you come across this symptom, visit a vet immediately as it may be a sign of a grievous illness.

Shyness or aggression

Pets are naturally fun creatures. If you notice that your pet is becoming more antisocial, it could be caused by pain. The dog may stop greeting guests or may begin to dislike being petted. The pet may not want its owner to pick them up anymore or cries when they do. If you observe this sudden shyness or aggression, try to check them for pain. When they are aggressive, it may not necessarily mean that they are out of control, they may just need some help reducing their pain.

General behavior changes

Apart from aggression or lack of appetite, if you notice other behavior changes such as avoiding the stairs, limping, lying down always. Some dogs may also prefer lying on their sides instead of curling up on their beds. Some other changes are lack of activity and disinterest in activities they used to love such as playing in the park.

Some dogs may find it difficult to squat to defecate and pee. This may also be a sign of pain. Identifying the problem areas on time will help to solve the problem on time and save the pet from pain. If you don't have a vet, search "vet near me" and you will be directed accordingly.