PET PAIN MANAGEMENT
- Pets can’t tell us when something hurts. They can be experts at hiding pain. Cats are particularly adept at masking injury and illness because they instinctively hide signs of weakness from potential predators. Too often, “bad behavior” actually has an underlying medical cause.
- Pay close attention to any changes in your pet’s normal routine. What we sometimes attribute to old age could actually be arthritis.
- Your dog or cat might be in pain if you notice decreased activity or appetite, lethargy, vocalization, restlessness, aggression, less interaction with people, or reacting with a flinch to touch in a sensitive area. Signs of pain in cats may also include flattened ears, decreased grooming, or hiding. If you see any signs of pain, call your veterinarian.
- Unfortunately, pain can cause a pet to lash out at even the most well-meaning caregiver because fear and anxiety can amplify pain. Be as gentle as possible when handling your pet and speak soothingly, but also be careful not to get hurt in the process.
- Your veterinarian may recommend multiple pain medications to be given at the same time. That’s because pain can be controlled in many ways to decrease soft tissue, bone/joint, and nerve pain.
- Modern veterinary medicine involves an integrated approach to pain management. Cold compression, acupuncture, and adjustments to the home environment can be complementary options for alleviating pain.
- Soft bedding, easy access to food bowls and litter boxes, gates to limit access to stairs, and nonslip rugs can make a big difference.
- At home, you are the eyes and ears of your veterinarian, and you’re always the voice for your pet. Never overstep your role by administering pain medications meant for people or another pet, as there can be life-threatening consequences.
- Questions to ask your veterinarian:
- How do my pet’s teeth look? Any signs of dental disease?
- Is my pet at a healthy weight?
- My dog is hesitant to walk upstairs or jump into the car. Is this just aging?
- Why won’t my cat use her litter box?
- Now that my pet is a senior, is there anything I can do to increase her mobility?
- If my pet is injured, can I give her over-the-counter medications or do I need drugs specifically for animals?
- Can laser therapy treatments, acupuncture, or physical therapy help ease my pet’s chronic pain?
- Can my pet get “addicted” to pain meds?
- What kind of pain medications will you offer my pet before, during, and after a surgical procedure?
- What side effects should I watch for when administering prescribed pain medication? Do these side effects outweigh the benefits of the medication?
- Should I give this pain medication every day or just on “stiff” days?
- I know my pet has a terminal, painful disease, but I’m not ready to euthanize her yet. What are my options for keeping her comfortable?