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 symptoms of discomfort. Pain can result from surgery, injury, illness, or chronic conditions such as arthritis, and some signs to watch 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 Lakeview Veterinary Care, we take treating pain seriously and can offer several options for treatment. If your pet is exhibiting any of the behaviors above, don’t hesitate to call us at (815) 678-1101.
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