14/09/2026
September is animal pain awareness month 🐾
Chronic pain can present in subtle ways in our pets:
❤️🩹 Change in sleeping patterns - older pets may sleep more but this can also be associated with pain/discomfort.
❤️🩹 Licking - dogs do not groom themselves like cats, so licking a particular area can be associated with pain.
❤️🩹 Over or under grooming in cats - associated with pain or inability to groom due to discomfort.
❤️🩹 Change in behaviour - animals may appear more withdrawn, irritable, aggressive, display hiding behaviours, increased vocalisation or avoidance of petting/handling.
❤️🩹 Change in appetite - animals may eat less, this can also be due to mouth pain which can lead to weight loss.
❤️🩹 Mobility issues - difficulty rising after rest, reluctance to go up or down steps/stairs, reluctance to jump onto or off of surfaces.
❤️🩹 Lameness or restlessness - pacing, trembling, abnormal gait, weight shifting or inability to find a comfortable resting position.
❤️🩹 Change in activity or play - animals may appear to rest more or be less keen to carry out normal playful activities.
If you have noticed some of these changes in your pet or are concerned your pet may be in pain, contact us today to learn more on how we can help to improve your pets comfort levels and quality of life 🫶🏻