How to Tell When Your Dog or Cat is in Pain

What if your dog or cat could tell you if they were in pain? We have the advantage of describing our aches and pains, but our pets don’t have it quite so easy.  We may not be able to ask them, but we can learn what signs to look out for. It’s important to watch for subtle behavior changes. These may include changes in daily habits, activity level, body postures, vocalization, and facial expressions. Noticeable behavior changes may include aggression, self-mutilation, or self-protection. These changes are especially apparent when a normally friendly animal starts showing signs of aggression or vice versa. Some signs of pain are very distinct, for example, if your dog suddenly starts limping or has difficulty getting up from the floor. Keep in mind that cats are especially adept at hiding pain, and the warning signs may mimic other health problems, and vary widely.

 Painful Signs In Dogs

  • Less playful, social, or hiding
  • Reduced daily activity
  • Changes in appetite and drinking
  • Vocalizing
  • Changes in sleeping
  • Guarding or self-protection
  • Trembling, circling, or restless
  • Aggression
  • Resists being held or picked up
  • Scratching, licking, or biting a certain body part
  • Limping or changes in mobility
  • Excessive panting at rest

Painful Signs in Cats

  • Restless
  • Reduced appetite
  • Won’t use the litterbox
  • Vocalizing
  • Reluctance to jump up or down
  • Scratching, licking, or biting a certain body part
  • Increased sleeping
  • Avoiding physical contact or petting
  • Resists being held or picked up
  • Seeks more attention
  • Slows or stops grooming
  • Flattened ears, arched back, or tucked feet and/or abdomen

What Causes Pain?

Our pets can experience pain for a variety of reasons whether it’s acute pain, which happens suddenly due to injury, surgery, or illness. Chronic pain, which is persistent over time, may be due to conditions like arthritis, infections, cancer, nerve disorders, and other diseases. The exact source can be complex, so if you suspect your dog or cat is experiencing pain, the first step is always to talk to your veterinarian. Your vet will examine your pet to help diagnose the cause of it and provide treatment options that best fit your dog or cat’s needs.

Refrain from treating your dog or cat’s pain on your own. Certain types of pain relievers are toxic to animals, especially cats. Also, different types of pain require different types of treatment. Let your veterinarian decide if a pain reliever will manage their symptoms and prescribe the appropriate dosage.


VetRxDirect pharmacy offers a variety of prescription pain relievers for dogs and cats.  We’ve included some of the most popular below. Visit our website for more information.

Onsior for Cats at VetRxDirectOnsior

Onsior (robenacoxib) is the first non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) designed to relieve pain and inflammation in cats. This medicine is particularly useful for cats recovering from surgery or soft tissue injury.

 

Galliprant at VetRxDirect Galliprant

Galliprant is a prescription medication for dogs with osteoarthritis that contains grapripant, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works to target pain and swelling at its source by blocking the receptor, so your dog can keep moving. Learn more on our blog.

 

Meloxidyl at VetRxDirectMeloxidyl

Meloxidyl (Meloxicam) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation in the body. Meloxicam is commonly prescribed for dogs with osteoarthritis and those who have undergone surgery.

 

Identifying Pain For Dogs and Cats

Do you know how to tell if your pet is in pain? September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, so we’ve put together a brief list to help you identify pain for both dogs and cats.

What if your dog or cat could tell you if they were in pain? As humans, we have the advantage of being able to describe our aches and pains, but dogs and cats don’t have it quite so easy. As owners, we know that our pets can suffer from pain just like we do, but we may not be able to tell right away or know what to look for. Sometimes it’s easy to notice, for example, if your dog suddenly starts limping. But not always. For example, cats are especially adept at hiding pain. While signs vary widely, here are some behaviors to look out for.

 Signs of Pain In Dogs

  • Less playful or social
  • Reduced activity
  • Reduced appetite
  • Submissive behavior
  • Whimpering or howling
  • Guarding behavior
  • Aggression, biting, or growling
  • Self-mutilation
  • Changes in posture or gait

Signs of Pain in Cats

  • Reduced activity
  • Loss of appetite
  • Less playful
  • Reluctance to jump up or down
  • Repeated grooming – especially in one area
  • Changes in posture or gait
  • Avoiding physical contact or hiding
  • Stops grooming
  • Tail flicking, hissing, or spitting

 

Our pets can experience pain for a variety of reasons whether it’s acute, which happens suddenly due to injury, surgery, or illness or chronic, which is persistent over time due to conditions like arthritis or more serious diseases. The exact reasons can be complex, so if you suspect your dog or cat is experiencing pain, the first step is always to talk to your veterinarian. Your vet will examine your pet to help determine the cause of it and provide treatment suggestions and may prescribe a pain reliever to manage their symptoms.

VetRxDirect offers a variety of medications for both dogs and cats. Learn more about these to popular medications, or visit website.

Onsior Pain Medication for Cats at VetRxDirectOnsior, robenacoxib, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) designed to relieve pain and inflammation in cats. This medicine is commonly prescribed for cats recovering from surgery, soft-tissue injury, or cats with certain types pain. Onsior comes in small, flavored tablets.

 

 

 

OstiLox Pain Medication at VetRxDirectOstiLox, meloxicam, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation for dogs. This medication is prescribed for dogs with discomfort caused by osteoarthritis or other joint problems. OstiLox comes in a flavored liquid.

 

 

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