Managing Your Pet’s Pain: 6 Tips

We wish our pets could tell us when they’re not feeling well or point their snout to where it hurts. But they can show us in other ways if we’re picking up on their cues! If your dog or cat begins to show behavior that’s out of the ordinary, like eating or drinking less, it could be a sign that it’s time to fetch some support.

Here’s what to look for:

1. Changes in appetite

2. Hiding, lethargy, or decreased human/animal interaction

3. Unusual whining, vocalizing, or aggression

4. Inappropriate urination or defecation

5. Limping or abnormal walking

6. Excessive grooming, licking, or chewing/scratching

Keeping an eye on these signs, as well as other subtle symptoms, such as panting, trembling, shaking, or general restlessness, will help you recognize when your pet is in pain. Contact your veterinarian to determine a treatment plan; they may recommend an exam or medication from our Online Pharmacy. By catching signs early, you have a better chance of helping your cat or dog get back to purr-fect health.

To learn more about how to control and be aware of your pet’s pain:

Pet Health: Recognizing and Managing Pain Recognizing pain in animals is notoriously difficult. Not every animal responds to the same type of pain with the same behavior. Some animals may be vocal and others more withdrawn. Cats, in particular, are very good at hiding pain and illness. But generally, any injury or surgical procedure that would be painful for humans, will be painful for animals. Here are some of the signs that indicate your animal may be in pain and that you should contact your veterinarian.

• Eating or drinking less

• Hiding, lethargy or decreased human/animal interaction

• Seems painful when touched

• Unusual whining, vocalizing, or aggression

• Cat hissing or growling that is unusual

• Inappropriate urination or defecation

• Limping or other abnormal walking or sitting

• Sleeping less or not at all, or restlessness

• Excessive grooming, licking, or chewing

• Panting, trembling, or shaking

• Altered facial expressions including squinting, flattened ears, or dilated pupils

To understand the source of your pet’s pain, your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam and ask pertinent questions. The doctor may also ask for additional tests. There are several types of pain control available to help your pet, frequently used in combination. These medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), opioids, and topical anesthetics.

NEVER use human pain medication for your pet. Animals have different metabolisms than humans and medications created for us could be very harmful to animals. Your veterinarian may make recommendations for physical therapy and weight loss for some types of chronic pain.

If you are concerned that your pet may be experiencing pain, don’t wait to see if it goes away. The hormones released during stress and pain can delay healing and make your pet sick in other ways. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian and follow all instructions to get your beloved animal on the road to recovery.

For more information call 1.415.554.3030 or visit us online at sfspca.org

Blog courtesy of SF SPCA: https://www.sfspca.org/blog/managing-your-pets-pain-6-tips/