09/02/2026
🎸🐾 YOUR PET CAN’T SAY “OW”… BUT THEY CAN SHOW YOU. 🐾🎸
September is Pet Pain Awareness Month, and we’re shining a spotlight on something every pet parent should know:
Animals are really good at hiding pain. In the wild, showing weakness can make an animal vulnerable. Our pets may still have those instincts, which means pain doesn’t always look like crying, limping, or an obvious injury.
Some signs of pain can be surprisingly subtle:
🐶 Changes in behavior — becoming withdrawn, unusually irritable, clingy, restless, or less interested in normal activities.
🍽️ Changes in eating or drinking — eating less, dropping food, chewing differently, or suddenly avoiding hard treats.
🛋️ Changes in movement — reluctance to jump, climb stairs, get up, lie down, or play.
😴 Sleeping differently — sleeping more, being restless, changing positions frequently, or struggling to get comfortable.
👅 Excessive licking or grooming — especially repeatedly focusing on one area of the body.
🗣️ Changes in vocalization — whining, whimpering, growling, or making unusual noises.
🐕 Posture changes — a hunched back, lowered head, tucked tail, or unusual body position.
⚠️ The biggest clue? A CHANGE from what is normal for YOUR pet.
You know your pet’s normal personality, habits, appetite, and routine better than anyone.
If something seems “off,” don’t ignore that feeling.
📞 When pain is suspected, your veterinarian is the right person to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Never give your pet human pain medication unless specifically directed by a veterinarian. Some medications that are safe for people can be dangerous or even fatal to pets.
Your rockstar may not be able to tell you where it hurts…but learning their language could help you hear them. ❤️🎸
