HEAD: September is Animal Pain Awareness Month
Your dog, cat, bird or other 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. In cooperation with veterinary professionals around the world, they hope to bring recognition to the issue of both acute and chronic pain in animals, and encourage pet owners to look for symptoms of pain and discomfort.
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”. 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
At XXXX we take treating pain seriously. If your pet is exhibiting any of the behaviors above, don’t hesitate to call us for an exam at 999-999-9999.