September is all about noticing the little things. Our pets may not be able to tell us when something doesn’t feel right, but they often show us in subtle ways. This month, we’re sharing what to watch for when it comes to pain, itching, and allergies, and small changes in your pet’s everyday habits that may be worth a closer look. Knowing what’s normal for your pet can help you recognize when something isn’t.
What is your pet trying to tell you? Read our September newsletter to learn what your pet may be trying to tell you.
They Can’t Tell Us, But They Do Show Us
Our pets can’t tell us when something hurts or doesn’t feel right, but they often show us in subtle ways. This month, we’re looking at some of the little changes that can tell us a lot about their health.
September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. Pain isn’t always obvious. Slowing down, hesitating on stairs, sleeping more, avoiding favorite activities, or simply acting differently can all be signs that your pet is uncomfortable.
As an AAHA Accredited hospital, we follow AAHA pain management standards and offer a variety of options based on each patient’s individual needs, including arthritis treatments such as Librela and Solensia, laser therapy, and acupuncture with Dr. Goodwin.
Getting older doesn’t mean your pet has to live with pain.
Read More: How to Recognize & Manage Pain in Your Pet
If your pet is constantly scratching, licking their paws, shaking their head, or battling recurring ear infections, allergies may be behind it.
Environmental and food allergies, fleas, and secondary skin infections can all cause similar symptoms. That’s why an exam is often necessary to determine what is actually causing the itch, rather than simply treating the scratching.
The good news? While allergies usually can’t be cured, they can be successfully managed, and we have many options to help your pet feel more comfortable.
Read More: Understanding Pet Allergies
You know your pet’s “normal” better than anyone.
Drinking more water, losing weight, developing bad breath, slowing down, finding a new lump, changing bathroom habits, or simply not acting like themselves can all be worth mentioning to your veterinarian.
Photos and videos can be extremely helpful, but they cannot replace everything we learn from examiningyour pet. Our patients can’t tell us where it hurts or what feels different, so sometimes seeing them in person is the safest way for us to determine what they need.
Read More: 7 Changes Worth Mentioning to Your Veterinarian
Main Street Veterinary Hospital will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
Please plan ahead for prescription and food refills.
If your pet needs medical assistance while we are closed, Main Street clients can call our regular hospital number for after-hoursveterinary guidance through our partnership with Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG). We will reopen with normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8.
Saturday, September 26
Come see us at the Tawba Walk music and arts festival in Downtown Cornelius!
Sunday, September 27 | 2–8 PM
Find us at the All American Dog Show at Robbins Park in Cornelius!
Register your pup for competitions like Best Dressed, Best Trick, Cutest Puppy, and more! We’re proud to be a 1st Place Prize Sponsor for the fifth year in a row!
Save the Date!
Our 2nd Annual Main Street Trunk or Treat is coming Friday, October 23!
Thank you for trusting us to care for your pets. Pay attention to the little things, trust what you notice, and never hesitate to reach out when something just doesn’t seem right.
Sometimes the smallest changes tell us the most.
