Understanding pain in our pets to provide swift, effective relief
When we have a toothache, we often cry, “Ouch!” When we don’t feel well, we can say so. Our pets can’t do the same. So, sometimes, it takes a special set of observational skills to really understand how our dogs or cats feel. Adding to the complexity of this situation, our animal companions tend to be very stoic. They often hide their pain. This truth underscores the importance of maintaining regular wellness exams and visits at Upper Village Veterinary Hospital, located in Toronto, Ontario.
Our team, led by Dr. Steven Davidson, supports prompt and effective pain management. In part, we detect the subtle signs of pain and the underlying causes of often painful and potentially serious conditions that require treatment. With treatment, we can provide lasting relief from debilitating pain and other symptoms that affect our four-legged friend’s quality of life.
How do pets exhibit pain, then?
Your pet may be attempting to hide their pain if:
They no longer show interest in play or activities that are typically enjoyable to them.
A normally ravenous pet fails to eat or drink as much, even showing a lack of interest in their favourite foods or treats.
Their gait or typical walking pattern seems “off” or appears to be adjusted (they may be overcompensating in some way to alleviate the stress on their joints).
They appear restless – pace often and make the same movements or behaviours seemingly compulsively and repeatedly.
They vocalize outside of what’s normal for them. Some animals or even breeds are known to be particularly vocal. But, if a typically quiet pet suddenly becomes loud and “talkative” (or vice versa), this could be a red flag.
You notice changes in grooming behaviours; for instance, they no longer groom themselves, and their coat appears dull. Or, they may groom themselves excessively, focusing on specific areas of the body.
Personality changes also warrant attention. For example, it can be a cause for concern if the “life of the party” persistently retreats to another room to get away from visitors or other pets or if a very calm and easygoing pet suddenly becomes irritable, touchy, and grouchy.
How can you help with my pet’s pain right away?
We have many methods that can ease the pain over the short term. Of course, the best approach for your pet depends on many factors, including the species, whether the pain is acute or chronic, and the underlying cause of such discomfort. These solutions might include medications like NSAIDs and local anesthetics, as well as cold therapy. Lifestyle interventions may be recommended that can help to manage the pain over the longer term. These may include keeping your pet’s weight in check and incorporating supplements like omega-3s. Disease-specific drug therapies may be integrated, and as necessary, we can recommend therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation, and even surgery. Discussing pain can be challenging because it is linked to various factors, contributors, and health conditions. Rest assured, we have the comprehensive expertise and onsite capabilities to develop a care plan that is just right for your dog or cat and that gets them back on the right paw.
Will treatments hurt?
Upper Village Veterinary Hospital is in the business of pinpointing, understanding, and resolving pain. We do not cause additional or unnecessary pain. We have all sorts of anesthetic options to complement therapies that are designed to provide relief from short-term and sudden pain and chronic or long-lasting pain alike. We also use special and precision techniques to minimize any additional discomfort. We strive to return your pet to feeling their best without the risk. If you are worried about any changes with your pet, do not hesitate to phone our team in Toronto, ON today at (647) 560-9276.
