Your veterinarian relies on you to note subtle changes in your pet’s behavior. These subtle changes could mean all the difference in your pet’s health and quality of life.

One of the hardest things to do is notice if your pet is in pain. Pets are excellent at hiding pain, especially when in the vet’s office, so ideally, you are the best source of information concerning your pet’s pain level and overall health. Tell your vet about all changes you notice in your pet’s behavior, including things like this:

Does your pet strain to get up when he/she first wakes up?

Have you seen your dog limping during or after walks?

Has your cat stopped jumping up the sunny window to bask in the sun?

The answers to these types of questions provide valuable information that can help a veterinarian accurately assess your pet’s health and get him on the path to recovery. It will also improve your pet’s overall quality of life, so be sure to notice the little things your pet does and anything out of the ordinary.