{"id":6586,"date":"2026-09-21T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tankopetfood.com\/?p=6586"},"modified":"2026-09-22T17:36:03","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T14:36:03","slug":"september-is-animal-pain-awareness-month-is-your-pet-trying-to-tell-you-theyre-in-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tankopetfood.com\/en\/for-companion-pets\/september-is-animal-pain-awareness-month-is-your-pet-trying-to-tell-you-theyre-in-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"September Is Animal Pain Awareness Month: Is Your Pet Trying to Tell You They\u2019re in Pain?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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September is dedicated to an issue that often goes unnoticed: the pain our pets may be experiencing without us realizing it.<\/p>\n

Dogs and cats feel pain just as we do. The difference is that they rarely express it in a way that is immediately obvious to us. Instead of \u201ccomplaining,\u201d they may simply sleep more, lose interest in playing, or become less willing to jump onto the sofa.<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s how pain can quietly become part of their everyday lives without us noticing.<\/p>\n

Why Do Pets Often Hide Their Pain?<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the wild, showing signs of weakness can put an animal\u2019s survival at risk. That is why many pets have an instinctive tendency to hide pain or discomfort, particularly cats.<\/p>\n

Even when the pain is significant, the signs can be very subtle. Often, there is no sudden change in behavior, but rather a series of small differences that appear gradually.<\/p>\n

And because these changes happen so slowly, it is easy to simply put them down to\u2026 getting older.<\/p>\n

What Signs Should You Never Ignore?<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is no single way in which pain manifests itself.<\/p>\n

Depending on their personality, age, and the health issue they are experiencing, you may notice:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Less interest in playing or going for walks<\/li>\n
  • Difficulty getting up or lying down<\/li>\n
  • Limping or stiffness, particularly after resting<\/li>\n
  • Reluctance to climb stairs or jump onto furniture<\/li>\n
  • Changes in appetite<\/li>\n
  • Changes in sleeping habits<\/li>\n
  • Excessive licking of a specific area<\/li>\n
  • Changes in mood or increased irritability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    In short, if your pet starts doing less than they used to, there is a possibility that pain may be the reason.<\/p>\n

    Chronic Inflammation Can Go Unnoticed<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Pain is often associated with inflammation.<\/p>\n

    Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism that helps the body heal after an injury. However, when it becomes chronic, it can place additional strain on the body and significantly affect a pet\u2019s quality of life.<\/p>\n

    One of the most common examples is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition that occurs more frequently in older dogs and cats.<\/p>\n

    What Is Osteoarthritis?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage that protects the joints gradually wears down.<\/p>\n

    Over time, movement can become more difficult and painful, while chronic inflammation can have a significant impact on an animal\u2019s everyday life.<\/p>\n

    Factors that can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis include:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Advanced age<\/li>\n
    • Previous injuries<\/li>\n
    • Congenital orthopedic conditions, such as hip dysplasia<\/li>\n
    • Obesity, which places additional stress on the joints<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Pain Can Also Change Your Pet\u2019s Behavior<\/strong><\/p>\n

      When a pet is in pain, it is not only their mobility that can be affected.<\/p>\n

      They may become more withdrawn, avoid being petted, or even react differently when you touch a sensitive area.<\/p>\n

      Some animals may eat less, not because they dislike their food, but because even the journey to their food bowl can cause discomfort.<\/p>\n

      Others may sleep more or stop taking part in the everyday activities they once enjoyed with the family.<\/p>\n

      Sometimes, what looks like \u201cgrumpiness\u201d or \u201claziness\u201d is actually your pet\u2019s way of telling you that something is wrong.<\/p>\n

      When Should You Visit the Veterinarian?<\/strong><\/p>\n

      If you notice persistent changes in your pet\u2019s behavior or mobility, it is a good idea to consult your veterinarian.<\/p>\n

      Early diagnosis can make a significant difference in managing pain and improving your pet\u2019s quality of life.<\/p>\n

      Depending on the individual case, your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests, lifestyle changes, weight management, medication, or supplements that support joint health.<\/p>\n

      The Right Daily Care Can Make a Difference<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Prevention remains one of the most important tools for maintaining good health.<\/p>\n

      Maintaining a healthy body weight, providing gentle daily exercise, and offering a complete and balanced diet all contribute to overall well-being and healthy joint function.<\/p>\n

      As part of this approach, complete Tanko foods, including the Belize and Welly ranges, provide high-quality, easily digestible ingredients and balanced nutritional support for the daily needs of dogs and cats. They can therefore form part of a comprehensive approach to care throughout every stage of your pet\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

      Why September Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Animal Pain Awareness Month<\/strong>, an initiative supported by the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM), reminds us that our pets cannot tell us in words when they are in pain.<\/p>\n

      But they can show us.<\/p>\n

      We simply need to pay attention to the small changes in their everyday lives.<\/p>\n

      Because that, after all, is what family is for.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      September is dedicated to an issue that often goes unnoticed: the pain our pets may be experiencing without us realizing it. Dogs and cats feel pain just as we do. The difference is that they rarely express it in a way that is immediately obvious to us. Instead of \u201ccomplaining,\u201d they may simply sleep more, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":6585,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[197],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6586","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-for-companion-pets"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n% - TANKO<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"September is dedicated to raising awareness about animal pain. 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