Pain Management Options for Pets That Are Hurting

Pain is a symptom of disease or injury and much like humans, animals that are in pain do not thrive. Whether chronic or acute, pain places undo stress on the body and over time can impact a companion animal's overall health. When observing a senior dog or cat limping, many pet owners pass it off as simply a condition of old age. The truth is, if your furred housemate is limping, he or she is in pain.

Dogs and cats do not show pain the same way that humans do, however. Dogs are very good at hiding their discomfort, and cats are masters of disguise. As a result, we must be aware of subtle changes in our pet’s behavior that might indicate they could be experiencing discomfort or pain and be in need of veterinary treatment.

How to tell if your dog is in pain: To help you determine if your family hound is in pain, please read this PetMD article: How to Tell If a Dog Is in Pain and What You Can Do to Help.

How to tell if your cat is in pain: To help you determine if your kitty companion is in pain, please read this PetMD article: How to Tell If a Cat Is in Pain: 25 Signs You Can Look For.

Treatment Options

Pain management starts by determining the source of the pain. Even if the source of the pain seems obvious, as in cases of injury, your doctor needs to determine if the pain is coming from more than one source. This is accomplished through a thorough examination, which may include blood work and x-rays. Our skilled veterinarians will then recommend a treatment plan.

There are a variety of pain medications available to give your beloved pet some relief. Our doctors are committed to creating a pain management plan that will work for your pet. Medications come in a variety of forms, including pills, oral liquid, and transdermal (absorbed through the skin). We are dedicated to staying up-to-date on the latest advances in pain management. Some long-term medications will require periodic blood checks to monitor for side effects.

It is very important that you do not give your pet any medication without consulting your veterinarian. Certain human painkillers, including acetaminophen (found in Tylenol), or combinations of medications can be toxic to pets in very small doses.