Some dogs and most cats are very adept at hiding pain. They still carry the coding from their ancestors that showing pain indicates weakness, making one vulnerable to attack by a larger predator or creating vulnerability for the family pack.
As a result, we often don't know our animal is hurting until obvious symptoms appear. By then he may be in a great deal of pain.
Signs of Pain: limping, crying, hiding out, unable to jump or climb stairs, disinterest in playing or taking a walk, restlessness, unable to find a comfortable position when lying down and licking a joint or other body part are signs known to most of you, but there are more subtle signs that you might not associate with pain.
Subtle Sings of Pain: A change in personality, "grumpiness," intolerance of other animals, children and adults in the house. Peeing or pooping outside of the litter box or in the house when that was never the case before. Aggression towards other dogs or cats when there was none before. Becoming fearful of sounds or visitors. Change in eating habits; eating less, becoming more picky, drinking more. Basically, any change could be a sign of pain.
Find Out More
1) If your animal is exhibiting any of these signs or changes, an animal communication session would be extremely helpful to get get your animal's input about what they are feeling, not feeling, what hurts, and where the source is.
2) Visit with your holistic vet. Once we've identified the cause and also looked into compatible treatments, it's important to follow up with your holistic vet who will most likely honor what you've learned as well as do her own examination.
First, Do No Harm
Vets who are not trained in holistic modalities will most likely turn first to medications to treat the pain. As you know, medicines can be wonderful when necessary, but all drugs have side effects. It's critical to understand what potential side effects can occur if you choose to have the vet give pain meds, so you can observe your animal for any of them.
If pain meds are the best choice in the moment, can you start with a low dose? What's the lowest possible dose to give your companion relief while you explore...Are there safer options? Can you use other modalities to help your animal feel better? If you choose to give a pain med to help them more immediately, what can you do to follow up to help them stay pain-free without drugs?
These are things we can explore with your animal. There are so many ways to address, treat and mitigate pain. Let's do a session and help your beloved before they are really hurting. Click here if you are a returning client or here if you haven't worked with me before to schedule a session. It is my joy and mission to help your animals be the happiest, healthiest they can be!
With Love, Your Voice of Animals,
Kate