Pain in Pets

What your pet feels, and how to understand the warning signs

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.

Dog in pain

What is Pain?

Did you know: animals are able to feel pain as much as humans?

Two rabbits

Recognising Signs of Pain in Animals

Important knowledge for pet owners

Dog panting in the heat

Fake Animal Rescue Videos

How to spot orchestrated animal rescues

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)

Cat is petted

How can we avoid Pain for our Pets?

There are some things that responsible pet owners can do to avoid pain for their pets

Old dog

How to manage Pain in your Pet

How you can help your pet in pain management

How to protect your pet and MINIMIsE risk

There are multiple things you can do to minimise the risk of you pet experiencing any pain

Dog is petted

Guinea pig