09/11/2024
Pain Management 🐱🐶
Did you know the common signs of pet pain?
• Limping
• Licking at a specific area
• Avoiding things they use to do (getting up on couch or jumping up into the car)
- Always start with a veterinary consultation to accurately diagnose the cause of pain and determine the best treatment options.
- Ensure you give medications exactly as prescribed and never use human painkillers, as some can be harmful to pets.
- Maintain your pet at a healthy weight to reduce strain on their joints and overall body. Your vet can recommend a suitable diet and portion sizes
- Regular, moderate exercise helps keep your pet's weight in check and can also improve joint health and flexibility.
- Glucosamine and Omega-3 Fatty Acids these supplements can help support joint health and reduce pain in pets with arthritis. Always consult your vet before starting any new supplements.
- Keep your pet’s nails trimmed to prevent pain and discomfort from overgrown nails.
- Regular grooming can help maintain your pet’s skin and coat health, which is important for overall comfort
Acute Pain
• Duration: Short-term, usually lasting for a brief period.
• Onset: Sudden, often following an injury or surgery.
• Cause: Typically caused by a specific, identifiable event like a broken nail, bone, surgery, or an injury.
• Symptoms: The pain is often sharp and intense. Pets may show signs like vocalizing, limping, reluctance to move, or guarding the affected area.
• Treatment: Treatment usually involves addressing the underlying cause plus medication for pain relief. Acute pain generally resolves as the injury heals.
Chronic Pain
• Duration: Long-term, persisting for weeks, months, or even longer.
• Onset: Develops gradually over time, often due to ongoing conditions like arthritis or degenerative diseases.
• Cause: Usually associated with chronic conditions or diseases that cause ongoing pain, such as arthritis, cancer, or dental issues.
• Symptoms: Pain may be more subtle and less intense than acute pain but is persistent. Pets may exhibit signs like reduced activity, changes in behavior, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, or changes in grooming habits.
• Treatment: Management focuses on controlling pain and improving quality of life. This may involve a combination of medication, physical therapy, dietary changes, and sometimes surgical interventions.
