Recognizing and managing pain is a vital part of veterinary care—but it’s often overlooked or misunderstood. Unlike humans, pets can’t tell us when something hurts, and they often show pain in subtle or unexpected ways. When left untreated, pain can lead to serious health issues and a reduced quality of life.

To help pet parents catch pain early and understand how it’s treated, the Animal Emergency and Referral Associates team has put together this guide on how to recognize discomfort, why it matters, and how a well-rounded, personalized approach to pain management can make all the difference.

The role of pain management for pets

Pain isn’t just an uncomfortable sensation. Unchecked pain can lead to negative changes in the body, resulting in problems such as:

• Delayed healing

• Hypersensitivity

• Decreased immune function

• Decreased mobility

• Changes in behavior (e.g., fearfulness, anxiety, or aggression)

• Decline in the pet’s original condition or complications

In chronic or ongoing conditions such as arthritis or after significant events like surgery, early and proactive pain management is crucial to preventing problems.

Total relief: Multimodal pain management for pets

Pain doesn’t only occur at the site of injury. It’s the result of a complex pathway of nerves that transmit messages up and down the spinal cord to the brain. This is why local pain control, such as a topical ointment, isn’t enough to relieve deeper pain from a joint or the abdomen.

Multimodal pain management is an approach that uses multiple methods or therapies to target pain from several angles along the pain pathway. This not only ensures comprehensive relief but also allows veterinarians to use lower doses of medication, which helps pets experience fewer side effects.

Components of multimodal pain management may include:

• Medications — Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), opioids, nerve or muscle relaxers, and joint supplements

• Veterinary rehabilitation — Laser therapy, massage, underwater treadmill, therapeutic exercises, and more

• Integrative medicine — Alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, or herbal remedies to relieve pain and inflammation

• Weight management — Weight loss to reduce strain on joints and tissues

• Environmental modifications — Pet ramps, orthopedic bedding, traction mats or rugs, and body harnesses

Because pain, like pets themselves, is highly individual, your veterinarian will work closely with you to determine the best management plan for your pet.

How to recognize pain in pets

For animals, showing pain is a sign of weakness. In the wild, this may have led to being abandoned or preyed upon by larger predators. As a result, pets instinctively hide pain, making subtle signs easy to miss.

Signs of pain in dogs may include:

• Limping, favoring a limb, or reluctance to walk

• Changes in posture

• Whining or restlessness

• Behavior changes

• Difficulty rising, lying down, or using stairs

• Decreased appetite or sleep changes

Compared to dogs, cats are often more subtle in how they express pain. Signs of pain in cats may include:

• Hiding or avoiding social interactions

• Decreased grooming

• Accidents or changes in litter box habits

• Changes in activity, such as jumping less or avoiding high places

• Irritability when petted or groomed

When it comes to your cat, trust your instincts. If something seems unusual or concerning, contact us to schedule an appointment.

Pain management isn’t one-size-fits-all

Pets, like people, experience pain differently. This means that what works for one pet may not work for another. Factors such as age, breed, health, and the type of pain can influence how your pet perceives pain and how they respond to treatment. Because pain management is an ongoing process, especially for chronic conditions such as arthritis or cancer, your veterinarian will work closely with you to determine your pet’s response and make adjustments as necessary.

Communication is Key

Whenever your pet begins a new pain medication or therapy, you’ll need to closely monitor their response and report any changes to their veterinarian. Consistent communication helps ensure your pet gets the help they need, avoids troubling side effects, and allows your veterinarian to fine-tune each part of your pet’s plan for the best chance of improvement.

If at any time you notice your pet’s condition worsening or new side effects, contact your pet’s veterinarian. Don’t adjust your pet’s plan or give additional medication doses without veterinary approval, as this can lead to serious complications.

Partnering together to help pets live a pain-free life

Don’t let unmanaged pain affect your pet’s quality of life. Partnering with your pet’s regular veterinarian to address pain through targeted therapies improves comfort, mobility, and overall health and well-being. With early recognition, proactive care, and modern tools and techniques, no pet should have to suffer in silence.

Concerned your pet might be in pain? Our specialty team is here to help. From advanced diagnostics to surgical services and expert pain management, we work closely with your primary veterinarian to provide the care your pet deserves. Contact us to schedule a referral or learn more about our services.