Is My Pet In Pain?

OUCH! A sharp cry in the kitchen might indicate someone who burned their hand on a hot stove.  Tears in someone’s eyes and holding their head in their hands might be a result of a headache that won’t go away.  Someone who is always laughing and happy that becomes quiet and subdued might cause us to think that he or she may not be feeling well.

It might be easy for some of us to read human body language and know if another person is in pain, but what about your pet?  Do they have the same symptoms?  Since our furry friends cannot tell us what they are feeling, oftentimes it is the Veterinarians who can help pet owners understand their pet’s current state of health. 

According to Veterinary Medicine, dvm360, “The pet owner is likely to be the first to notice that their pet is in pain if they know what to look for. Signs of pain in dogs can include:

·         decreased appetite

·         limping

·         sleeping more

·         interacting less with family members

·         shaky legs

·         difficulty rising or lying down

·         difficulty jumping

·         difficulty going up and down stairs

·         general inability to do the things they like to do.

With cats, it can be tricky for owners to identify pain because cats are masters at hiding signs of weakness. Cat owners should watch for:

·         decreased use of the litter box

·         not jumping up on counters or couches (when they used to do that)

·         not interacting with their family

·         decreased grooming

·         a negative reaction to touch, such as biting.”

Source: http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/tips-dog-and-cat-owners-recognizing-signs-pain-pets

We asked Dr. Gloria Ku to help answer the question:  how do I start a conversation with my Veterinarian if I have concerns about my pet’s pain and can pain management be long term or short term?

"As caretakers for our furry friends, we are our pets’ advocates.  One should never be shy to speak to your veterinarian about your pet’s possible pain, asking what to watch for, and what can be done to alleviate it.  Luckily veterinarians today have many resources to alleviate pain in animals, and knowing what signs of pain are presenting, what may be causing the pain, and what side effects may be associated with pain medications are all important considerations.  In some cases, when side effects of medications are not acceptable, one can even consider alternative treatment options such as acupuncture or massage. 

Pain is subjective for each pet, and our ability to recognize pain can also vary.  It is important to spend some time discussing the situation, particularly if it is a chronic issue, in order to best understand the type of pain we are trying to control.  Short term pain management may look differently than long term pain management, and sometimes both are required to keep your pet comfortable. 

If you, as your pet’s advocate, ever feel there is a concern for pain that is not being addressed, it is important to bring it to your veterinarian’s attention.  You know your pet better than anyone else, and they count on you to speak for them.   Your veterinarian will always appreciate your input. " 

-Dr. Gloria Ku