8 Things Your Pet Wants You to Know

1. "I'm sick" or "I'm in pain" Our animal companions can't tell us when they're hurt or feel sick, and many types of pets, such as cats, are wired to actually hide discomfort and therefore, vulnerability. Fortunately, there are many subtle and not-so-subtle hints our pets give us that indicate they're not feeling well, for example, refusing to eat, drinking an excessive amount of water and urinating more frequently, getting up slowly, or limping. It's important as your pet's guardian to be aware of any type of physical or behavioral changes she displays, and to make an appointment with your veterinarian if the problem persists. 2. "I'm afraid" This is a point of confusion for many pet parents, because animals often behave aggressively in response to fear. A behavior that looks, on the surface, like anger or belligerence is often fear-based. It's important to know the difference, because fear must be dealt with much differently than other types of aggressive behavior. In fact, you may want to consult a veterinary behaviorist to help you determine what's causing your pet's behavior and how best to handle it. 3. "I'm mad at you" Cats tend to get bent out of shape more often than dogs when things don't go according to plan. In fact, any kind of disruption to your kitty's routine or environment may bring out his crabby side. For example, some cats act out if the cleanliness of the litterbox isn't up to snuff, or if breakfast isn't served at precisely 6:00 am every morning....
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news