What Pet Parents Need to Know About Pain in Pets

What Pet Parents Need to Know About Pain in…

September 26, 2023September 26, 2023
by ruthmacpete

September is Pain Awareness Month. Like humans, pets experience pain, but unlike us, they cannot tell us with words. So how can you tell if your pet is in pain and what can you do about it?

First it is important to know that animals instinctively hide or mask their pain, making it difficult to diagnose pain. In the wild, showing signs of illness or pain made animals vulnerable to others, so animals adapted to mask signs of pain or sickness. Unfortunately for us, this means that our pets are very good at hiding any signs or symptoms associated with pain, making it hard to know when there is something wrong with them.

What are the common causes of pain in animals?
Dogs and cats feel pain for many of the same reasons humans do. They can experience acute pain from injuries like a bite wound, torn nail, surgery or from infections. They can also suffer from chronic pain caused by conditions like arthritis, dental disease, cancer and other degenerative diseases.

What are some of the common signs of pain in dogs and cats?
Some of the common signs a pet may be in pain are vocalizing (whining, groaning, yelping), change in activity level (trouble getting up, reluctance to move), decreased appetite, sleeping more, licking or biting at a particular area on their body, limping, change in body posture (tucked tail, hunched over) and a change in behavior. Some animals in pain become more aggressive.

It is important to know that dogs and cats do not always vocalize if they are in pain. Of course, most animals (and humans) will yelp if you accidentally step on their toe but for the most part many pets in pain just quietly suffer. They may have only subtle changes in behavior and just not behave like themselves. Remember, no one knows your pet better than you and you are in the best position to identify subtle changes in their behavior that may mean your dog or cat is in pain. Stay alert and notify your veterinarian if you see any concerning changes in your pet’s behavior.

It is also important that you do not attribute changes in your pet’s behavior to just “slowing down,” or “getting old”. Changes in behavior may signal something much worse than typical aging. Chronic pain isn’t normal, and further investigation into the cause should always be conducted. The sooner your animal’s pain is diagnosed and treated the sooner they will feel better and can resume a normal happy life.

What should you do if you see signs your pain may be in pain?
It is important to act quickly if you notice a pet showing symptoms of pain and seek treatment from a veterinarian. Untreated pain can worsen and lead to additional health complications.
Bring your pet to a veterinarian right away to determine what is causing your pet’s pain. Your veterinarian will examine your pet and determine what is causing your pet’s discomfort and explain the various treatment options.

How is pain in pets treated?
Depending on the cause of your pet’s pain and their diagnosis, your veterinarian may recommend treatment options such as pain medication, antibiotics, wound care, or surgery. Your veterinarian may also recommend various types of alternative treatments (acupuncture, laser therapy), rehabilitative therapies and/or over-the-counter supplements to help manage your pet’s pain and treat their conditions. Remember every pet and every condition is treated differently. Your veterinarian will work with you to determine the best treatment options for your particular pet.

Can you give your pet your pain medication?
NO!! Never administer medication to your pet without first consulting your veterinarian. Even over-the-counter pain medications that are safe for humans can be toxic to pets. For example, even small amounts of acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be toxic to dogs and cats. Always check with your veterinarian.

The good news is that dogs and cats are living longer and longer. The bad news is that, like us they are also experiencing the deterioration and debilitation that goes along with aging. Thankfully we have all kinds of treatments and medications available to help keep pets comfortable. There is no reason in this day and age that a pet should be in pain or suffer.

***If you think your pet may be suffering from pain be sure to speak with your veterinarian right away. Remember our pets depend on us to be their voice!

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Holiday Pet Hazards

December 13, 2018October 21, 2020
by ruthmacpete

Singing Christmas carols, lighting the Menorah, visiting Grandma…going to the vet? Probably not your idea of a holiday event, but unfortunately many families find themselves visiting their veterinary clinics during the holiday season for unfortunate and preventable emergencies. While the holidays are festive times, they can also be very dangerous times for our pets. Each year thousands of pets are seriously injured during the holidays; intestinal obstructions, chocolate toxicity, burns, and pancreatitis are a few of the most common reasons pets need medical attention during the month of December. In order to ensure that your nights are filled with visions of sugarplums, rather than long waits in a veterinary emergency room, keep these things in mind:

Holiday Decorations
Pets are inquisitive by nature and their curiosity can get them in trouble. While a Christmas tree adorned with glistening ornaments and lights may be a feast for our eyes, we would never think of putting one of those shining ornaments in our mouths. However, our pets see these twinkling objects as new toys beckoning to be examined, played with, and even eaten. Shattered glass ornaments are razor sharp and can injure pets and their people. We know ornaments can choke animals but unfortunately many of us don’t realize that linear objects, like tinsel, string, yarn, and ribbons, are also quite dangerous. Not only can pets become entangled but, if ingested, linear objects can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages unless they are promptly removed surgically. This is especially common with kittens and puppies.

Candles
Little paws can do more than break fragile glass ornaments; they can also knock over candles. Tipped candles can burn your pet or even worse lead to household fires.

Plants
If you have pets, avoid lilies, ivy, holly, mistletoe, Christmas greens, and poinsettias. These traditional holiday plants, if eaten, can cause symptoms as mild as vomiting and diarrhea or as serious as kidney failure leading to death. Lilies in particular are highly toxic to cats and chewing on leaves, flowers or any part of these plants can be deadly so I recommend keeping all lilies out of the house if you have cats!

Food
Holiday food can have serious consequences for pets. Animals should never have access to chocolate or alcohol. Bones, except for those specially treated and intended for canine consumption, should also be avoided. Poultry bones can splinter and get lodged in the gastrointestinal tract. Ham and beef bones can break teeth or cause intestinal obstructions. Though tempting, and always appealing to dogs, you should avoid giving your pet leftovers or tastes of your own food, especially during the holidays. Not only can this lead to obesity and encourage annoying begging, it can cause a pancreatitis attack. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas usually caused by fatty foods like turkey, ham, gravy, and chicken skins. It is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated.

Remember these important tips during the holidays. Watch out for choking and obstruction hazards. Avoid pet-toxic plants or, at least, be sure to keep them out of reach of your pets. Don’t give animals chocolate, alcohol, or bones to your pets. And instead of giving your pet scraps from your holiday meal, buy your pet a pet-safe treat, a new toy, or a new outfit. Paying careful attention to these warnings will help keep the holidays happy for you and your pet and should prevent unscheduled visits to the vet.

Tag: <span>veterinary emergency</span>

What Pet Parents Need to Know About Pain in…

Holiday Pet Hazards