Pets may be suffering even though they don't show obvious signs as animals instinctively tend to hide their pain to protect themselves from predators. There are however some guidelines for recognising pet symptoms of pain and on how to relieve that pain.

Advancements in veterinary science have decoded subtle signs of animal distress and observing your pet's behaviour is vital to managing their pain. How well do you know your pet, can you recognise their pet health problems? Use these clues from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) to help you understand your pet's body language.

Chewing habits: If your pet symptoms are unusual chewing habits, such as dropping its food or chewing on only one side of the mouth, it may have a dental problem or a mouth tumour. In addition, there may be some weight loss, bad breath or an excessive face rubbing habit. Routine dental checkups are important to prevent and treat dental disorders and related pain.

Extreme weight gain or loss: Any pain will directly influence your pet's eating habits and in turn, their weight. Animals that carry excessive weight have an increased chance of pet health problems such as a tearing of the ligaments and damaged joints. Pets who have arthritis or muscle soreness may not want to feed normally because bending over is uncomfortable. Arthritic pain may also cause pets to gain weight because of a lack of exercise or to lose their appetites leading to weight loss.

Decreased movement and exercise: Osteoarthritis or joint disease is the most common cause of pain. Pet symptoms include evidence of a limp and the reluctance to go up or down stairs, exercise, or play. Weight and joint injuries are frequently found together. Losing unnecessary pounds will help overweight pets decrease pressure on sore joints and thereby reduce pain. Consult your vet about exercises, diets and medical therapies that can help improve your pet's health.

Avoids affection or handling: Did your pet used to be active and energetic but now sits quietly around the house avoiding affection or handling? This may be a sign of a progressive disease such as osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc disease. Although your pet may appear to be normal before petting or handling it, the added pressure applied to its body may expose sensitive and painful areas. If your pet tends to hide out of the way this can also be a sign of pet health problems as they will naturally try to avoid a vulnerable position where they know they will get hurt.

"Accidents": Pet owners often believe that "accidents" are a result of behavioural issues. Although behavioural issues can cause unwanted surprises, going to the bathroom in inappropriate places may be caused by pain. Pets with sore joints or arthritis may not make it to a convenient location due to obstacles like stairs that can cause pain.

Urinary tract infections also may cause a messy situation. In addition to having "accidents," symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include, fever, lethargy, tender lower abdomen and difficulty in urinating. Even after the urinary tract infection is dealt with, it can also be necessary to get a new litter tray because the cat makes painful associations with the old litter tray.

Any lack of verbal expression does not mean that your pet is not experiencing pain. Minor behavioural changes can be cause for alarm, but being aware of your pet's habits can help you and your vet assess and treat any potential pet health problems that exist. Now, pain management has become a core part of your pet's total healthcare. Diagnosing and managing pain is among the 900 standards an animal hospital is evaluated on in order to become accredited through AAHA. So dont let them suffer in silence, learn to recognise pet symptoms of pain and, if you are at all concerned, visit your vet as soon as possible.

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