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If you see the signs of pain in dogs and cats, how should you best treat them? Read this guide of helpful information.
It is very hard for pet owners to see their pets in pain. With that being said, it is very common. With plenty of outdoor activities, rough and tumble play, accidents and sudden bursts of illnesses are clearly unavoidable. Injuries and health ailments can create serious pain and discomfort in your pets.
Whether you own a dog or a cat, pain can completely change their behavior and is one of the most common indicators of pain and discomfort. Most of the animals’ whimper, show signs of anxiety, along with other changes to show something isn’t quite right. It’s their way of communicating.
Common Signs of Pain in Dogs and Cats
Both dogs and cats show different signs of pain along with certain overlapping signs such as:
- Loss of appetite
- Whimpering, howling, growling sounds
- Being extraordinarily quite
- Submissive behavior
- Licking oneself
- Biting oneself
Signs of Dog Pain
While there are certain common symptoms, there are certain signs of pain that are unique to dogs. Look out for these signs:
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Increased Aggression
If your pet dog is showing signs of aggression, it is an indicator that they aren’t feeling well. See it as a way of communication instead of taking it personally. Aggression in dogs while being sick is their defense mechanism to avoid unnecessary bothering.
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Restlessness
If your dog is unable to settle down and seems stiff, agitated, limp, and lethargic, it might be an indicator of pain (primarily arthritis and hip pain). If your pet dog is arching its back or stretching more than often, it might indicate issues with the back or spine.
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Squinting
If your dog is dealing with eye pain, it can be indicated by excessive squinting. Closely look at pupils. If they seem smaller than usual, it is also a huge indicator of eye pain. Some of the possible causes of eye pain include corneal ulcers or other eye diseases. Make sure you take your dog immediately to the vet to prevent lasting damage.
Signs of Cat Pain
Most of the cats are quiet and lackadaisical. It is quite hard to know when they are hurting. Look out for these behaviors:
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Hiding
If your cat is hiding more than usual, it is an indicator that your kitty doesn’t want to be bothered. Excessive hiding of these social creators signal pain or some sort of physical illness.
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Hunching Posture
Pay close attention to the posture of your cat. One of the ways cats show pain is by altering their posture. If your pet cat is sitting with its paws underneath them, showing disinterest in its surroundings, it could indicate some sort of a health ailment.
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Trouble Using Litter Box
If your cat is dealing with hip or back pain, it prevents the cat from getting in a crouching position that is required to use the litter box. If you are witnessing feces and urine on the sides of the box or around the house, it is an indicator that your cat has mobility issues.
What to Do When Your Dog/Cat Shows the Signs of Pain?
If your pet is showing one or more of these symptoms, it is best to book an appointment with a veterinarian. Most of the pets are really good at masking their injuries and ailments. Hence, it is important to pay close attention to them and take them to the vet immediately.
There are multiple ways to treat pain in your pet depending on the source of the pain. Some of the common options are analgesic medications, physical rehabilitation, compounding medicine, acupuncture, laser therapy, and therapeutic massage.
Your vet will be able to better guide you on what is happening with your pet and discuss the possible treatment options. Avoid giving them any medications on your own as it can make matters far worse.
Common Pain Relievers for Pets
Following are some of the most common pain relief options used for pets:
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NSAIDs
NSAIDs are typically the first line of defense against pain in dogs and cats. NSAIDs are not approved by FDA for long-term pain management but certain ones are safe to use on a short-term basis. Your vet might prescribe robenacoxib, meloxicam, or aspirin to treat pain for shorter durations.
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Opioids
Opioids are another type of medication used to treat pain after surgery or prescribed for pets suffering from chronic conditions such as arthritis or advanced stages of cancer.
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Corticosteroids
These drugs help with pain relief if your pet is dealing with any kind of allergies, inflammation, or arthritis. It includes dexamethasone and prednisolone.
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Gabapentin
This is a seizure medication that helps combat pain in muscles, nerves, and bones.
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Amitriptyline
Although it is used as an antidepressant in humans, it helps with nerve pain in animals.
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Buprenorphine HCl
It is an opiate partial agonist that comes in both injectable and oral forms and is considered safe to be used by animals struggling with pain.
Compounding Medication for Cats and Dogs
There are certain cases when conventional medication isn’t the option for your beloved pet. Sometimes, it is extremely hard to give you pet medication in the form of pills. A compounding pharmacist can alter the form and turn it into an injection or a syrup. If your pet is allergic to a particular ingredient in the medication, a compounding pharmacist can work together with your vet to eliminate that ingredient.
Moreover, one can also alter the taste, smell, and form of medicine to make it more appealing to pets. If your pet requires multiple medications, a compounding pharmacist can turn it into a single pill. The benefits here are endless.
We all know that pets can get quite fussy when it comes to medication. Compounding can make medication delivery much easier and more effective.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational/educational purposes only. Do not substitute it for veterinarian advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Please seek the advice of a professional vet to get answers to any questions you might have regarding your pet’s illness. In case of a medical emergency, immediately get in touch with your nearest veterinary emergency hospital or give your vet a call.