To protect themselves from predators, pet's naturally hide their pain. Your pet might be suffering even though he isn’t showing obvious signs. Advancements in veterinary science have decoded subtle telltale signs of pet distress. Observing your pet’s behavior is vital to managing his or her pain.

How well do you know your companion pet? Use below provided clues to help you understand your best friend pet’s body language.

Clue 1—Abnormal chewing habits: If your lovely pet is showing abnormal chewing habits, such as dropping its food or chewing on one side of the mouth, it might have a dental disorder or a mouth tumor. Additional signs may include weight loss, bad breath or excessive face rubbing. Routine dental checkups are important to prevent and treat dental disorders and related pain.

Clue 2—Drastic weight gain or loss: Pain directly influences your loving pet’s weight and eating habits. Dog cats, horse, rabbit pets carrying excess weight have an increased chance of tearing ligaments and damaging joints. Pets with arthritis or muscle soreness may not want to access their food because bending over is uncomfortable. Arthritis pain may also cause pets to gain weight while their eating habits remain the same due to lack of exercise. Pain can also cause animal pet to loose their appetites which will lead to weight loss.

Clue 3—Avoids affection or handling: Did your pet used to be active and energetic, but now sits quietly around the house? Avoiding affection or handling may be a sign of a progressive disease such as osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc disease. Although your companion pets may appear to be normal before petting or handling it, the added pressure applied to its body may expose sensitive and painful areas. Hiding is also a sign of pain. Because the dear pet is hurting, she will hide to avoid a vulnerable position (this allows the pet to prevent painful interactions).

Clue 4—Decreased movement and exercise: Osteoarthritis or joint disease is the most common cause of pain among pets. Pets that limp may be reluctant to go up or down stairs, exercise, or play. Weight and joint injuries can also go hand-in-hand. Losing unnecessary pounds will help overweight pets decrease pressure on sore joints and reduce pain. Consult your favorite pets veterinarian about his exercises, diets and medical therapies that can help improve your pet’s health.

Clue 5— “Accidents” Pet owners often believe that “accidents” are a result of pets behavioral issues. Although pets behavior issues may cause unwanted surprises, going to the bathroom in inappropriate places may be caused by pain. Pets with sore joints or arthritis may not make it to a convenient location due to painful obstacles like stairs.

Urinary tract infections also may cause a messy situation. In addition to having “accidents,” symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include, lethargy, fever, tender lower abdomen and difficulty urinating. Even after the urinary tract infection is dealt with it may be necessary to get a new litter box because the cat makes painful associations with the old litter box.

The lack of verbal expression does not mean that your pet is not experiencing pain. Minor pets behavioral change can be cause for the alarm. Being aware of your pet’s habit can help you and your veterinarian assess and treat your lovely pet’s pain. Pain management has become an integral part of your pet’s overall healthcare. Diagnosing and managing pain is among the 900 standards an animal/pet hospital is evaluated on in order to become accredited through AAHA.