How Do I Know if My Pet is Painful?

Pain medications (analgesics) are often prescribed with a broad dosing range, and you will be asked to adjust the dose according to your pet's level of discomfort. By providing adequate pain control for your pet, their recovery may be improved and accelerated. Unfortunately, it is hard to objectively judge the severity of pain in any animal, be it a human, a cat, or a dog. Ultimately, your knowledge of your pet's usual behaviors and habits makes you the best judge of their comfort level. We have listed below some of the more common signs of pain or discomfort that may be observed in cats and dogs. It is important to note that pain thresholds differ dramatically between individual animals, and pain perception depends on species, breed, age, gender, time of day and individual temperament. In general, younger animals tend to have a lower threshold to pain. Older and debilitated pets may not show much response to pain but feel it just the same. Recognizing Pain in Cats Cats in pain are more stoic than dogs and mask their pain more effectively. However, there are many different behaviors a cat may exhibit if painful or uncomfortable. Some of the more common signs are:  Loss or decrease of appetite  Hiding or refusal/reluctance to move  Refusal or reluctance to change body position (may stay in a hunched position)  Personality changes (increased affection, aggression, or anti-social behavior)  Changes in resting patterns (insomnia or increased sleeping/lethargy)  Excessive grooming (licking, chewing, or pawing) of painful areas  Guarding painful areas by scratching, biting, or hissing when touched  Flattening ears, or adopting an irritated/perturbed expression  Favoring painful areas (limping or avoiding bearing weight on painful limbs)  Changes in vocalization patterns (crying, growling, purring, or change in the tone of vocalizations)  Changes in voiding behaviors (how often and where animals eliminate waste)  Dilation of eyes, rapid or open-mouthed breathing, or fever Recognizing Pain in Dogs Hunting and working breeds of dogs are generally more stoic and resistant to pain than are toy and miniature breeds. There many different behaviors a dog may exhibit if painful or uncomfortable. Some of the more common signs are:  Loss or decrease of appetite  A fixed or staring expression  Refusal or reluctance change body position (may stay in a hunched or arching position)  Excessive salivation or licking of the lips  Personality changes (increased attention-seeking, aggression, timidity, or anti-social behavior)  Changes in resting patterns (insomnia or increased sleeping/lethargy)  Excessive grooming (licking, chewing, or pawing) of painful areas  Guarding painful areas by scratching, biting, or growling when touched  Favoring painful areas (limping or avoiding bearing weight on painful limbs)  Changes in vocalization patterns (whining or whimpering, or change in the tone of vocalizations)  Changes in voiding behaviors (how often and where animals eliminate waste)  Dilation of eyes, rapid breathing (panting), or fever The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.