A Healthy Pet Can Be in Pain and Not Show It

By Jen Newton

Congratulations! You are fortunate to own and have the companionship of a healthy pet. They seem active and healthy without a care in the world. You think there could be nothing wrong. Stop! Please take a moment to think about how animals are programmed by nature.

Since the beginning of time, most animals have been programmed to do whatever it takes to live with pain without making it obvious. The reason is obvious - other animals looking for food might make them their next meal if they sense they are weak or injured (easy to catch and kill). Given this, even your pampered indoor puppy might be hurting and not inclined to show it. You have to keep a close eye on your pets.

Watch how your pet acts and behaves. There are numerous indicators that their health isn't what it should be. Since they are used to, and for the most part, quietly dealing with pain they will in fact make an effort to conceal or minimize the effects of any pain they feel.

Carefully observe your pet's physical characteristics. Are they losing weight for no obvious reason? Are they chewing their food more slowly, or eating less than usual? This could indicate problems with their teeth or gums. Patches of hair missing, or an obvious dulling of their coat, could be signs of internal problems. You should know how a happy, healthy pet looks and acts. Watch carefully for deviations from this norm.

As strange as it sounds to some pet owners, your pet needs to have their teeth checked routinely. They get cavities and gum diseases just like we do. Neglecting this can lead to infections and pain that becomes very difficult to treat once it advances to a certain point.

Your pet's good health will be, in part, a direct result of their diet and exercise habits. Animals who gain too much weight, just like people, are at increased risk for medical problems. You have to watch your pet to see what is happening. If they have become sluggish and reluctant to exercise or play, this could be because of arthritis or another joint disease. These conditions produce a lot of pain, and may cause your pet to become far less active and unhealthy.

Losing unnecessary pounds will help your overweight pet decrease pressure of sore joints and reduce pain. Many excellent reduced fat or low calorie pet foods are made to assist with this.

Just because your normally healthy pet doesn't express pain through their eyes or vocally doesn't mean they are not hurting. You should watch for even small differences in their normal behavior. Having a strong awareness of your pet's normal habits can assist your pet's doctor in diagnosing and treating their pain. Be safe. If you notice any differences in your pet's normal routine, call your vet and discuss or take them in for an exam as soon as possible. - 31851

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