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.

 

New Pain Medicine for Cats

Wouldn’t it be great if when your cat was in pain, it could just say “Mee — ooooowwwww”?  But, seriously, it’s tough to know when your cat is hurting and what to do about the pain. Felines are especially adept at hiding pain; it’s an instinctive survival strategy. In the wild, weak or injured cats are likely to get less food and lose their status in the pride or colony.  So hiding weakness or pain helps protect the cat’s survival.

House cats experience pain for a variety of reasons whether it’s from an injury, surgery, or from internal issues like disease. While signs of pain in cats vary widely, here are some behaviors to look for:

  •  being withdrawn and less playful
  •  acting anxious and seeking more attention than usual
  •  eating and drinking less
  •  changed posture which can indicate pain in a certain area of the body
  •  repeated grooming – especially in one specific area
  •  changing sleeping patterns
  •  avoiding physical contact

The reasons for feline pain can be complex, so if you suspect your cat is experiencing pain, the first step is always to talk to your veterinarian. He’ll examine your cat, help determine the cause of pain and provide treatment suggestions.

Onsior Pain Reliever for Cats

Onsior is Available at VetRxDirect

The good news is there’s a new, pain relief medication on the market for cats. Onsior (robenacoxib) is the first non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for cats. NSAIDs like Onsior are very effective at relieving pain and inflammation and have few side effects. Onsior is usually prescribed for cats recovering from surgeries. And because the medicine comes in small, flavored tablets, it’s not a pain to dose your cat with. Learn more about Onsior on VetRxDirect’s product page and then talk with your veterinarian.

 

To your cat’s health!

 

Wes