Many pets will instinctively hide their pain as a survival mechanism, which in the past, led well meaning experts to presume that pets do feel pain the way we humans do. We now know that animals have a nervous system that is very similar to humans and we know how to recognize and manage their pain.
Pain may be caused by an injury or a condition and it can be difficult to measure since dogs and cats cannot tell us what they are feeling. Recognizing pain in pets can be challenging and it is important to understand that just because a pet does not cry, limp or show other obvious signs of pain, that does not mean it is in pain.
How can I tell if my pet is in pain?
Although the signs may be subtle, pets will often show signs of pain by altering their behavior in some way. A pet may be reluctant to climb stairs or use the litterbox, have a decreased appetite, or resist being touched. Sometimes these are the only signs of pain.
Arthritic pain is common in older pets. Watching an older pet struggle to enjoy activities that they used to love or have difficulty getting comfortable to relax can be hard to watch and are cues that your pet may need pain control.
Other signs of pain in pets include(but are not limited to):
- whimpering or crying
- hiding or being anti-social
- aggressive behavior when touched(attempting to protect themselves from further pain)
- reluctance to play
- not using the litterbox
- increased licking of a painful/sensitive area
- decreased appetite
- reluctance to run, jump, climb stairs, or jump
- stiffness or limping
- changes in personality
- increased panting and/or restlessness
How is pain treated in pets?
There are many ways to prevent or lessen pain. Your veterinarian can work with you to determine the best options for your pet. These may include medications, physical therapy, cold laser treatment, supplements/nutraceuticals, swim therapy, and more.
Many pets will instinctively hide their pain as a survival mechanism, which in the past, led well meaning experts to presume that pets do feel pain the way we humans do. We now know that animals have a nervous system that is very similar to humans and we know how to recognize and manage their pain.
Pain may be caused by an injury or a condition and it can be difficult to measure since dogs and cats cannot tell us what they are feeling. Recognizing pain in pets can be challenging and it is important to understand that just because a pet does not cry, limp or show other obvious signs of pain, that does not mean it is in pain.
How can I tell if my pet is in pain?
Although the signs may be subtle, pets will often show signs of pain by altering their behavior in some way. A pet may be reluctant to climb stairs or use the litterbox, have a decreased appetite, or resist being touched. Sometimes these are the only signs of pain.
Arthritic pain is common in older pets. Watching an older pet struggle to enjoy activities that they used to love or have difficulty getting comfortable to relax can be hard to watch and are cues that your pet may need pain control.
Other signs of pain in pets include(but are not limited to):
- whimpering or crying
- hiding or being anti-social
- aggressive behavior when touched(attempting to protect themselves from further pain)
- reluctance to play
- not using the litterbox
- increased licking of a painful/sensitive area
- decreased appetite
- reluctance to run, jump, climb stairs, or jump
- stiffness or limping
- changes in personality
- increased panting and/or restlessness
How is pain treated in pets?
There are many ways to prevent or lessen pain. Your veterinarian can work with you to determine the best options for your pet. These may include medications, physical therapy, cold laser treatment, supplements/nutraceuticals, swim therapy, and more.
