Recognizing pain in your pets is one of the hardest things to do. Let me share another personal story with you. My parents have an 11 year old golden retriever (Callie) who has pretty well replaced my brother and me, and by far wins the best child award. She wakes my mom up for her walk before 6:00 every morning and my mom jumps up and off they go on their 2ish mile adventure. In the past my mom has mentioned how Callie was slowing down some. I explained to her that she is getting older and for her size/breed of dog that her joints are very old. She may have a touch of arthritis and some pain medicine wouldn’t hurt to try and see if it makes her more comfortable to continue to easily walk the 2 miles. The response I get back is “I don’t think she’s in any pain, she doesn’t limp or anything she just goes slower. She does everything else just fine.” Then, about a year ago Callie had to undergo a minor surgical procedure and was prescribed a pain medication as aftercare for the procedure. About 4 days after the surgery (Callie still being on pain medication) my mom calls and says Callie hasn’t walked this good in years!
I tell you this little story to show that dogs and cats don’t tend to show pain in the way that we as humans do. As the primary caregiver for our four-legged friends, we have to be aware of changes so that we can keep them healthy and pain-free for as long as possible. In order to do this, we must be able to recognize their signs of pain. Below are good guidelines for determining pain in your dog or cat.
Dog signs of pain:
Cat signs of pain:
It is important to get your pet into your veterinarian if you notice these signs, especially if they persist or progress. Good physical and orthopedic exams are needed to determine the source of pain or discomfort so the correct pain management protocol can be determined. Pain management protocols include pain medications, physical therapy, and a cold therapy laser.
Managing pain is an excellent way to help increase your pet’s quality of life and extend their life by allowing them to continue to be active.
I tell you this little story to show that dogs and cats don’t tend to show pain in the way that we as humans do. As the primary caregiver for our four-legged friends, we have to be aware of changes so that we can keep them healthy and pain-free for as long as possible. In order to do this, we must be able to recognize their signs of pain. Below are good guidelines for determining pain in your dog or cat.
Dog signs of pain:
- Looks uncomfortable when resting
- Whimpering and licking or rubbing a wound or growth/mass
- Droopy ears, worried facial expression
- Reluctance to respond
- Not eager to interact
- Slowing down from normal activity
- Guarding or protecting site of pain (arched back, limping, shifted body position)
- Decreased appetite
Cat signs of pain:
- Withdrawal from surroundings or change in normal routine
- Seeks solitude
- Lays or sits curled/tucked up
- Hair coat appears rough (indicates he/she is not grooming)
- Over-grooming a specific area
- Decreased appetite
- Yowling, growling, or hissing when unattended
- Unlikely to move if left alone
It is important to get your pet into your veterinarian if you notice these signs, especially if they persist or progress. Good physical and orthopedic exams are needed to determine the source of pain or discomfort so the correct pain management protocol can be determined. Pain management protocols include pain medications, physical therapy, and a cold therapy laser.
Managing pain is an excellent way to help increase your pet’s quality of life and extend their life by allowing them to continue to be active.
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