Recognizing Pain in Pets
Animals instinctively hide pain — by the time signs are obvious, the condition may already be advanced. Look for these subtle indicators:
- Limping or reluctance to bear weight
- Difficulty rising, climbing stairs, or jumping
- Changes in posture or gait
- Decreased activity or reluctance to exercise
- Excessive grooming of a specific area
- Growling or snapping when touched
- Loss of appetite or behavioral changes
- Hiding or social withdrawal
Common Sources of Pet Pain
Pain in pets frequently stems from:
- Arthritis — the most common cause of chronic pain, especially in older pets
- Dental disease — tooth pain is often silent but severely impacts quality of life
- Injuries — sprains, fractures, and soft tissue trauma
- Post-surgical pain — managed proactively as part of any procedure we perform
- Cancer — bone or soft tissue involvement
- Ear infections — often extremely uncomfortable
Pain Management Options
We take a multimodal approach — combining therapies for the best outcome:
- NSAIDs — the cornerstone of arthritis management
- Gabapentin and other neuropathic pain medications
- Joint supplements (omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin)
- Weight management to reduce joint load
- Referral for specialized therapies (laser therapy, hydrotherapy, physical rehabilitation) when appropriate
Never give human pain medications to pets. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin are toxic to dogs and cats — always consult our team first.
Schedule a Pain Evaluation
If you suspect your pet is in pain, don't wait. Call us at (657) 331-9481 and we'll get them seen as soon as possible.