A Healthy Pet Can Be in Pain and Not Show It
Written by Jen Newton on November 8, 2009 – 1:14 pm -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.
To protect themselves from predators, animals naturally hide their pain. It’s a trait that has been inborn since the beginning of time. Your seemingly healthy pet may be suffering even though he isn’t showing obvious signs. Observing your pet’s behavior is vital to managing your pet’s health.
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.
If your pet shows abnormal chewing habits, he may have a dental disorder or a mouth tumor. Additional signs include weight loss, bad breath, or excessive face rubbing. A loss or thinning of hair could be another sign of internal distress. A normal, healthy pet should not show any of these signs.
Take your pet to the dentist. Not your family dentist, of course, but to a veterinarian who is experienced in examining and performing minor procedures to ensure long-term dental health. This type of preventive care can eliminate serious problems later, and is highly recommended. Many vets now have dental care kits including pet toothbrushes that you can use at home.
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.
Your pet might not whimper, moan, or otherwise signal that they are in pain. Watch them and carefully observe their normal behavior. Then, when you see changes in their routine that are unexplained, you can assist your vet in figuring out what the problem might be. Anytime you see obvious changes in the way your pet behaves or goes about its daily routine, get in touch with a good animal doctor and have them examined as soon as you can. Having a healthy pet is one of the great joys of life – do everything you can to help them stay in good shape.
Discover how to maintain and enjoy your pets. Lots of tips and help for pampering and keeping your pet happy. Let there be no doubt – a healthy pet is one of the superb pleasures of life!
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