Recognizing signs of pain in your pet
Pets, especially dogs, cats, and smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs, often struggle to communicate when they are in pain. This is particularly true for prey species, which instinctively hide signs of discomfort. Chronic pain is even harder to detect than sudden pain, and it can be easily mistaken for normal behavior.
To identify pain in pets, look for these signs:
Behavioral Changes: Sudden personality shifts, like growling, hissing, excessive vocalizations, hiding, or a change in clinginess or quietness, may indicate pain.
Activity Changes: Reluctance to move, limping, trembling, or being unable to get up easily can point to pain. Restlessness or hunched postures are also common indicators.
Changes in Routine: Decreased appetite, drinking less, or toileting changes should raise concern, particularly for rabbits who need to eat continuously. Difficulty urinating or defecating is an urgent sign.
Grooming Changes: Excessive licking, biting, or scratching, or failure to groom normally, can suggest pain. This may cause self-inflicted wounds or matted fur.
If any of these signs are observed, it's crucial to get your pet assessed by a veterinarian, who will conduct a physical exam to identify the source of pain. Never give human pain medication to pets without professional guidance, as it can be toxic. Early detection and treatment of pain often lead to better outcomes for your pet’s health.

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