Pet Pain Awareness: How To Understand & Manage Pain in Our Fur-Babies
As pet owners, we always want the utmost for our furry companions, so that they may live happy, healthy lives. However, just like humans, pets can experience pain. And pain, especially when left unmanaged or unnoticed, can significantly impact your pet’s quality of life.
Unfortunately, pets often suffer in silence, as they can’t communicate their discomfort in the same way we do. This makes it crucial for pet owners to learn to recognize the signs of pain and understand the various types and management options available. In this month’s pet blog, in honor of September’s pet pain awareness month, we’ll explore common causes of pain in pets, the types of pain they may experience, and how to manage and alleviate their discomfort.
Common Causes of Pain in Pets
Just like in people, there are common categories of pain causation. These five common causes of pain include:
1. Arthritis and Joint Pain:
- Description: Arthritis is a common condition in older pets, causing inflammation and pain in the joints. This can lead to stiffness, difficulty moving, and reluctance to engage in physical activities.
- Note: the age at which your pet is considered older, or geriatric, differs from breed to breed. The age at which your pet is considered senior is, typically broken down by the size of your pet, as follows:
- XS-SM pets: ~10 years
- Med-LG pets: ~8 years
- XL pets: ~6 years
- Signs: Limping, difficulty getting up or climbing stairs, decreased activity levels, and reluctance to be touched or groomed.
2. Dental Pain:
- Description: Dental issues, such as periodontal disease, broken teeth, or oral infections, can cause significant pain and discomfort for pets.
- Signs: Drooling, bad breath, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth, and swollen or inflamed gums.
- Note: Read more, about pet dental health, HERE!
3. Injuries and Trauma:
- Description: Accidents, falls, or rough play can lead to injuries like sprains, fractures, or soft tissue damage, resulting in acute pain.
- Signs: Limping, vocalizing, swelling, and reluctance to move or be touched.
4. Post-Surgical Pain:
- Description: Pets may experience pain following surgery, which needs to be managed carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.
- Signs: Whining, restlessness, licking or biting at the surgical site, and changes in behavior.
5. Chronic Conditions:
- Description: Chronic conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, or pancreatitis can cause ongoing pain and discomfort.
- Signs: Weight loss, lethargy, changes in appetite, and hiding.
Types of Pain in Pets
Apart from common causes of pain, your pet may also experience different levels of pain. When we go to the doctor, this is often referred to as a “pain scale”. These pain levels are heavily influenced by the type of pain your pet is experiencing. These pain types can be broken down into the following three categories:
1. Acute Pain:
- Description: Acute pain is sudden and typically short-term, often resulting from an injury, surgery, or infection.
- Examples: Cuts, broken bones, and post-surgical pain.
- Management: Acute pain is usually treated with medications like analgesics or anti-inflammatories, along with rest and supportive care.
2. Chronic Pain:
- Description: Chronic pain is long-lasting and often related to ongoing conditions like arthritis, cancer, or degenerative diseases.
- Examples: Arthritis, hip dysplasia, and cancer-related pain.
- Management: Chronic pain management may include a combination of medications, physical therapy, dietary changes, and alternative therapies like acupuncture.
3. Neuropathic Pain:
- Description: Neuropathic pain is caused by damage or dysfunction in the nervous system, often presenting as a burning or tingling sensation.
- Examples: Spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, or conditions like diabetes.
- Management: Managing neuropathic pain often involves a combination of medications, specifically targeting nerve pain, and other supportive treatments.
Recognizing Pain in Pets
Pets often hide their pain, so it’s important to be vigilant and look for subtle signs:
- Changes in Behavior: Increased irritability, aggression, or withdrawal.
- Vocalizations: Unusual whining, growling, or purring (in cats) when touched.
- Physical Signs: Limping, stiffness, changes in posture, or guarding a particular area of the body.
- Decreased Appetite: Reluctance to eat or drink can be a sign of pain, especially if the pain is related to the mouth or digestive tract.
- Altered Grooming Habits: Over-grooming a painful area or neglecting grooming altogether.
As always, an annual vet exam can help ensure that your pet is healthy, and pain free. If you suspect that your pet may be experiencing pain, be sure to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to set up an appointment. Your veterinarian will best be able to deduce both the type of pain, and approximate pain level, your pet may be experiencing.
Pain Management Options, For Pets
Just as your vet can help identify any pain points in your pet, they might also suggest different forms of pain management.
1. Medications:
- Description: Prescription pain relievers can be used to manage pain in pets. Always consult your veterinarian before administering any medication.
- Benefits: Medications can provide immediate relief and are essential for managing both acute and chronic pain.
2. Physical Therapy:
- Description: Physical therapy, including massage, hydrotherapy, and controlled exercise, can help improve mobility and reduce pain, especially in pets with arthritis or injuries.
- Benefits: Non-invasive and can enhance overall quality of life by improving joint function and muscle strength.
3. Dietary Supplements:
- Description: Supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids can support joint health and reduce inflammation. These are typically given daily, with your pet’s food.
- Benefits: Natural approach to managing chronic pain, especially in older pets with arthritis.
- Note: For senior pets, it’s highly recommended that you switch to an age appropriate pet food, and add in a glucosamine & congruent supplement (often a 2-in-1 supplement), both for your pet’s overall health and pain prevention.
4. Alternative Therapies:
- Description: Acupuncture, laser therapy, and chiropractic care are increasingly popular options for managing pain in pets.
- Benefits: Can be used alongside traditional treatments to enhance pain relief and improve overall well-being.
5. Environmental Modifications:
- Description: Making changes to your pet’s environment, such as providing orthopedic beds, using ramps, or adjusting feeding stations, can help reduce pain and discomfort.
- Benefits: These simple, and cost effective, changes that can make a big difference in your pet’s comfort level and daily mobility.
Just as with our own bodies, the above pain management strategies require consistency, and ongoing maintenance, to achieve the necessary results. Make a point to talk in depth with your pet’s veterinarian, to help determine which solutions may work best for you and your pet.
When to Consult a Veterinarian
Identifying discomfort in your pet can be difficult to decipher, especially with small gradual changes, when you see them every day. Having pet centered resources are invaluable in helping to identify any significant changes in their health or lifestyle. At Your Pet Care Connection, our in-home pet sitters and dog walkers are trained to help our pet parents identify any such changes in your pet since we last saw them. We’ve commonly aided in identifying weight and mobility issues, for our YPCC pet parents, to help ensure that their pet’s are the best they can be.
If you suspect your pet is in pain, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and tailored pain management plan. Early intervention can prevent pain from becoming chronic and improve your pet’s quality of life. Your vet can guide you on the best treatment options, including medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes to ensure your pet remains comfortable and happy.
Conclusion
Understanding pet pain and knowing how to manage it is essential for every pet owner. By recognizing the signs of pain and taking proactive steps to address it, you can ensure your pet enjoys a life full of comfort and joy. At Your Pet Care Connection, we’re here to support you with expert advice and care, helping you keep your furry friend pain-free and content, each and every day.