Understanding Pain Management in Pets
Understanding pain management in pets is crucial for their well-being and quality of life. No pet owner wants to see their beloved companion suffer. Knowing how to address it means a better quality of life for your pet.
Signs of Pet Discomfort
Pets can hurt themselves in many everyday ways, just like us. They can slip on a wet floor, trip up the stairs, or get injured during “roughhousing.” Illnesses and arthritis could cause pain as well. You may need to contact your vet if you notice your pet consistently:
- Limping
- Trembling
- Yelping or whining
- Avoiding stairs, walks, or playtime
- Eliminating in the home and/or outside of the litter box
- Refusing food or treats
- Snapping, growling, and/or hissing if you try to touch them
These are not all the signs that your dog or cat may be suffering, and sometimes they signal something else entirely. But you should be ready to reach out to your veterinary team if you notice your pet behaving out of character in general.
Pet Pain Relief
Sometimes, all it takes to relieve sore muscles is a bit of rest. For instance, if you took your dog on a long hike and they seem a bit slower or sleepier, maybe just a few quick potty break walks are in order for the next day.
Arthritis
To help your older pet with arthritis, your veterinarian might suggest you follow a regulated exercise routine of short walks and careful play sessions. Cats with arthritis could benefit from shorter climbing perches and wide litter boxes with shorter sides.
Over the Counter Medications (OTCs)
Do NOT give over-the-counter human pain medication to pets. These products can be highly toxic. Instead, you should consult your vet to learn which supplements or medications will prevent daily pain or treat flare-ups.
Veterinary Pain Solutions
Of course, if your dog or cat exhibits any signs of pain, we at Bayside Animal Hospital don’t want you to feel that you have to manage your pet’s pain alone. We’re here to help you track down the source of the discomfort, and X-rays, ultrasound, lab work, and general exams can give you the answers you need. Think about these scenarios:
- A tooth abscess can be treated with dental care
- Gastrointestinal distress might be resolved with medication
- A wound might require surgical intervention
Each of these situations can become quite serious without veterinary care, but the right diagnostics and treatment can bring your pet the comfort of pain relief.
Alternative Pain Management Therapy for Pets
Bayside’s own Dr. Kelsey Hansen is a certified veterinary acupuncture therapist, which means that we can offer this service to help heal injuries, manage chronic conditions, and even potentially prevent future problems. Acupuncture can be less invasive and more convenient than other conventional treatments and medications. Additionally, it can be used for many different issues, including arthritis, allergies, and GI upset. Call us at (916) 791-8387 or request an appointment online for an initial consultation to see if acupuncture could be right for your pet.
Pain is hard, especially when your pet can’t tell you where it hurts. Thankfully, we can help you and your pet find routes to pain recovery.