Page 31 - Fourways Gardens April Issue 2025

Animals Matter

IS YOUR PET EXPERIENCING SILENT PAIN?

opefully, in today’s world, people Again, what we are not good at is observation with his wife, she mentioned
recognise that animals are recognising when our animals are in pain. that four weeks previously she had seen
sentient beings. They experience Statistics have shown that nearly half the Mitzi lose his step and fall down the stairs.
Hemotions, just like us, and world’s dogs and cats (450 million dogs She assumed that the dog was fine as he
although they do not possess the same and 300 million cats) are suffering in silent just shook himself and carried on, business
cognitive abilities, they are able to feel pain. That’s an awful lot of animals. Our pets as usual. No one had realised that Mitzi had
(amongst others) happiness, playfulness, may still wag their tails and come running injured himself as the behaviour of the dog
sadness, fear, grief, pain and terror. up to greet us on arrival home whilst had not changed. The veterinarian had been
Although they cannot speak, we often can experiencing silent pain. practising for over two decades and had not
tell from the animal’s body language as to noticed that Mitzi was suffering in silence.
what emotion the animal is feeling and A veterinarian who gave an extensive talk
how they interact with others. on this subject mentioned that he was Often, when pets go to groomers, we drop
playing with his dog, Mitzi, when he felt his them off and pick them up. We don’t know
We all recognise when animals play and dog’s muscles tighten when his hand went what happens during their time there,
get the zoomies. What we are not good at, near the neck area. When he discussed this behind the scenes. The calm dog or cat that
however, is noticing when our companion went off in the morning may come home
animal is in pain. Sure, we can pick up on reactive and “not themselves”. If this goes on
the obvious: the active dog no longer wants for a while, then they may be experiencing
to go for a walk and is limping, and the silent pain without us ever realising it. Even
once ravenous cat is no longer interested if the animal looks physically fine, there is
in food or play. We can observe these types a good chance that he is suffering in silent
of behavioural changes, which are clues as pain. Feel your pet’s body gently but firmly,
to what the animal may be feeling. We can section by section if you suspect this may be
see something is wrong, so we schedule an the case. He will let you know when you hit
appointment with the veterinarian. the spot. Therapeutic touch works wonders.

Jeanette Furstenburg is a certified animal behaviourist. She holds a diploma in Companion Animal
Behaviour (DipCABT) with distinction. She is a member of the COAPE Endorsed Association of Applied
Pet Behaviourists and Trainers International (CABTi), which is a member of the UK Dog Behaviour &
Training Charter 2024. She is part of the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN). In addition,
she is a member of the South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals (SABCAP).

For more information, call 082 445 8422,
email: jeanette@animalsmatter.co.za or visit: www.animalsmatter.co.za

Fourways Gardens • 29 • April 2025