September marks Animal Pain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating pet parents about the often-silent suffering our furry companions endure. Cats and dogs, much like humans, can experience pain from various sources, but they don’t always show it in obvious ways.
When we’re looking for pain in pets it’s important to understand their regular behavior. Does your dog urge you to play all day? Does your cat have regular bowel movements? Does your dog whine often? Is your cat usually vocal? These are all things to pay attention to on a day-to-day basis. The obvious pain signals are limping or inability to put weight on a paw. But what about the less obvious ones? Would you be able to tell if you pet was experiencing less obvious pain? You would be looking at signs such as lack of energy, whining, excessive sleeping or lethargy, changes in natural breathing rhythm, excessive grooming, aggression and not wanting to be near you can be signs that your pet is in severe pain. While cats often hide, groom excessively, have litter accidents, become very vocal or show aggression. Animal behavior and body language is your pet’s way of communicating with you! Pain in pets can stem from acute incidents or chronic conditions. Here are some of the most common culprits:
For Dogs:
- Osteoarthritis (Arthritis): The most prevalent cause of chronic pain, affecting over 20% of dogs, especially seniors. It leads to joint degeneration, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- Hip Dysplasia and Joint Problems: Common in breeds like Labradors, leading to instability and pain in the hips or stifles. Underlying joint issues can make the probability of a pet suffering from osteoarthritis more prevalent.
- Dental Issues: Gum disease or tooth decay often goes unnoticed but causes significant discomfort.
For Cats:
- Arthritis: Affects many older cats, causing joint pain and reluctance to jump or play.
- Dental Disease: Periodontal issues are widespread and painful.
- Urinary Tract Problems: Blockages or infections lead to severe abdominal pain.
Natural Prevention Strategies
Preventing pain starts with being proactive; most of the conditions above can be avoided with natural prevention strategies like:
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Obesity strains joints, increasing arthritis risk. Dogs should walk every day, and cats should have a regular indoor play schedule.
- Provide a Healthy Diet: Choose a healthy, natural food, low in carbohydrates, and high in protein. For pets who are susceptible to urinary tract infections, try to find a diet such as raw food diet that contributes to a healthy pH, to keep the bladder happy!
- Supplements: Start preventive supplementation with natural options. Products containing glucosamine and chondroitin, or green lipped mussels, are a great option to support pets who may be predisposed to joint issues, like pets with hip dysplasia, which is hereditary, or large breed pets in general. Kelp is great for dental issues and cranberries should be a go to for any pet with regular UTI’s.
- Provide a Proper Dental Care Regimen: It is crucial to provide proper maintenance to your pet’s teeth, and I am not referring to dental kibble – kibble does not clean teeth! This can be done by providing a natural raw food diet with regular access to raw bones for chewing to keep the teeth clean. Alternatively, brush regularly. If your pet’s plaque has increased significantly, try to make them an appointment for a pet dental cleaning.
By integrating these habits, you can often delay or mitigate pain-related conditions, keeping your pet active and happy.
Animal Pain Awareness Month reminds us that our pets deserve a pain-free life filled with joy. By understanding leading causes like arthritis and dental issues, and prioritizing natural prevention through diet and exercise, you can support your cat or dog’s health easily. Visit your local Tail Blazers store to explore our researched, natural products—because at Tail Blazers, we’re dedicated to helping pets thrive with clean, effective solutions. Here’s to happier, healthier tails wagging this September!
