FOUR PAWS International
FOUR PAWS International
unknown and invisible Pain
Animals are able to feel pain as much as humans. However, sometimes its not always possible to see and understand when our pets are suffering. Many animals only show their pain to a very limited extent. For example, prey animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs tend to hide it their pain silently, as in the wild, showing signs of pain, such as vocalising, would attract predators and increase the chance of being caught and killed. It is therefore often a challenge for someone to recognise when their pet is in pain, especially when there are no identifiable causes, making it vitally important to pay vigilant to our pets behaviors.
Animals can often hide pain. Watch out for the signs!
Changes in posture & movement
posture (e.g. curved posture) & movement (e.g. difficulties getting up)
Change in
eating and drinking behaviour
(e.g. loss of appetite, excessive drinking, increased or decreased urination or passing stools)
Changes in behaviour
(e.g. seclusion, increased sleeping, sudden aggression or agitation, change in house training)
Change in
appearance
(e.g. dull coat or eyes, dry or flaky nose, brittle broken claws)
