When your pet isn’t feeling well, they can’t simply tell you what’s wrong. And while some discomforts are easy to spot like limping or whimpering, others can be subtle. During Animal Pain Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to learn how to recognize those quieter signs and understand what your options are to help your dog or cat feel more comfortable.
Pain affects pets both physically and emotionally. Whether it’s a stiff walk in the morning, a refusal to jump onto the couch, or an unexpected change in mood, your furry family member may be signaling something’s not right. Recognizing those signs and acting early can improve your pet’s quality of life dramatically.
Let’s explore how you can identify pain in pets, what may be causing it, and how a trusted veterinarian can help guide you toward safe and effective treatment options.
Why Animal Pain Awareness Month Matters
Animal Pain Awareness Month, held each September, was launched by the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. The goal is to help pet owners understand that pain in animals is common, manageable, and not something to ignore.
Pets don’t always cry or yelp when they hurt. Instead, they may just seem “off” or not like themselves. This makes it easy for pain to go unnoticed for months or even years. By becoming more aware of what pain can look like, you can become your pet’s best advocate.
While any pet can experience pain, it’s especially common in:
- Senior dogs and cats
- Pets recovering from surgery or injury
- Animals with chronic conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia
- Dogs and cats with dental disease
Recognizing and addressing pain early not only improves comfort, it may help slow the progression of disease and reduce the need for stronger medications later on.
Is Your Pet Hurting? Signs to Watch For
Pain in pets can be easy to miss because animals often mask their discomfort. In nature, hiding pain is a survival tactic, but at home, it just makes things harder for the humans who love them.
If you notice any of these changes in your dog or cat, it may be time to schedule a veterinary exam:
- Limping, stiffness, or difficulty moving
- Trouble climbing stairs or jumping onto furniture
- Decreased appetite or changes in eating habits
- Whining, groaning, or increased vocalization
- Resting more than usual or becoming withdrawn
- Excessive licking or biting at a specific area
- Sudden aggression or irritability
- Difficulty getting comfortable while lying down
Cats, in particular, are experts at hiding pain. You may notice more subtle signs like avoiding the litter box, not grooming themselves, or hiding in unusual places. These behaviors are often misinterpreted as “just getting older,” but in reality, they may be signals that your cat is uncomfortable.
What Causes Pain in Pets?
Pain can be acute, like a sprained leg or a surgical incision, or it can be chronic, developing slowly over time. Some of the most common causes of pain in pets include:
- Arthritis and joint disease: Especially common in older dogs and cats
- Injuries: Sprains, strains, or fractures from falls or rough play
- Dental disease: Infections or broken teeth can cause constant oral pain
- Cancer: Tumors or cancer-related inflammation can be painful
- Surgical recovery: Post-operative pain must be carefully managed
- Spinal or nerve issues: Conditions like intervertebral disc disease
No matter the cause, untreated pain can lead to a downward spiral in health. Pets who are in pain may stop eating, stop exercising, and isolate themselves. All of which can have lasting effects.
How Our Veterinary Team Can Help Manage Pain
If you suspect your pet is in pain, a veterinary visit is the first step. Our veterinary team will perform a physical exam and may recommend lab work or imaging to better understand what’s going on.
Once the source of pain is identified, our veterinary team will create a treatment plan that may include:
- Prescription medications to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
- Joint supplements that support mobility and cartilage health
- Therapeutic laser treatments to promote healing and decrease inflammation
- Acupuncture or physical rehabilitation therapy when appropriate
- Weight management guidance to reduce joint strain
Pain management should always be tailored to the individual pet. What works for one dog may not be the right fit for another. Our veterinary team will guide you in finding the safest and most effective options for your companion’s needs and lifestyle.
Please Don’t DIY Pain Relief
It may be tempting to reach into your own medicine cabinet when your pet is hurting, but this can be extremely dangerous. Medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen are toxic to pets and can cause severe side effects even in small doses.
Fortunately, there are many safe and effective pain relief options available specifically for pets. These may include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) formulated for dogs or cats
- Joint support chews containing glucosamine and chondroitin
- Prescription medications for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis
- Specialized diets or supplements to reduce inflammation
To explore pain relief products and prescription options recommended by our veterinary team, visit our online pharmacy. These products are veterinarian-approved, quality-assured, and delivered right to your door.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Treat Pain
One of the hardest things to accept as a pet owner is realizing your animal has been in pain longer than you thought. Pets are incredibly resilient, but that doesn’t mean they’re not suffering.
Here’s why prompt treatment is so important:
- Pain reduces quality of life: Pets may stop playing, interacting, or eating.
- Chronic pain leads to more complications: Muscle wasting, behavior changes, and depression can follow.
- Early treatment is more effective: Addressing pain early can reduce the need for stronger medications later.
Many pet parents are amazed at how much better their pet feels once their pain is under control. That “slowing down” that you thought was just aging? It might be a treatable issue. Your dog could be running after balls again. Your cat might jump back on the windowsill like they used to.
Pain management doesn’t just extend your pet’s life. It improves the life they’re living today.
Helping Your Pet Live Pain-Free in Shoreview
At Minnesota Veterinary Hospital in Shoreview, we understand how deeply pain can affect your pet’s daily life. Our experienced team is trained to recognize and manage both obvious and subtle signs of pain, and we work closely with pet families to develop safe, effective treatment plans.
Whether your pet is showing signs of arthritis, recovering from surgery, or just not acting like their usual self, we’re here to help. With Fear Free Certified staff, your pet will be treated with the gentle, compassionate care they deserve.
If you suspect your pet is hurting—or just want peace of mind—schedule an appointment with us today by calling (651) 484-3331. You can also browse safe and veterinarian-approved pain relief products through our online pharmacy.