Animal Pain Awareness Month
Pets feel pain much like we do, but they can’t really tell us where or how bad it hurts—and they often instinctually hide illness or injury. That’s why the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management has selected September as Animal Pain Awareness Month, to educate people about the symptoms of chronic pain and discomfort in animals.
Some signs 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
While acute or urgent pain is obvious, chronic pain can be subtle and pet owners may see it as simply “getting old” or “slowing down”. In fact, recurring or prolonged pain can be treated and sometimes even prevented when the cause is found early.
At KAH, we take treating pain seriously and offer many options for treatment. They include medication, supplements, and laser therapy, which is non-invasive and has been shown to be especially effective for treating arthritis in older pets. We also offer digital thermal imaging services so we can accurately locate and track the areas where treatment is needed.
If your pet is exhibiting any of the behaviors above, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment online or call us at 417-739-4090.