Your pet may be a different species, but we all process and feel pain in much the same way. That’s why the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management has selected September as Animal Pain Awareness Month. Most animals instinctually hide pain and weakness, so it’s important that families be aware of subtle signs of chronic pain and discomfort in their pet friends. Some symptoms to look for include:
- Heavy panting
- Decreased activity
- Reluctance to jump up on surfaces (cats)
- Overgrooming or licking a particular area
- Difficulty standing after lying down
At Reid Veterinary Center, we take treating pain seriously and can offer several options to help pets feel better. One of the latest is laser therapy, a painless, non-invasive treatment that can be effective for many sources of pain, including arthritis, hot spots, disk disease, neck and back pain, tendonitis, and slow-healing wounds.
There are also medications and glucosamine supplements such as Dasuquin that may ease chronic joint pain. Your MVC veterinarian and advise you as to what options are best for your pet’s specific needs.
If your pet is exhibiting any of the behaviors above, don’t hesitate to call us for an exam at 203-261-9223.
