Pain Control for Dogs and Cats: Pain Management Options, Considerations and Warnings

It can be heartbreaking to see your beloved pet in pain, and you’ll naturally want to do anything you can to help them. One effective pain management option is an anti-inflammatory for dogs or cats, which can ease the inflammation associated with painful conditions. Read on to learn more about what anti-inflammatories do and how they can help your pet to feel happy and comfortable again.

Pain management for dogs and cats

As with humans, pain in dogs and cats is a natural response to illness, infection or injury. Whether the pain is sudden and short-lived (acute), or long-lasting (chronic), effective pain management for cats and dogs can help us to alleviate their discomfort and maintain their quality of life.

Cats and dogs will generally try to avoid showing pain. In addition, chronic pain often develops gradually. That’s why pet owners can often be unaware that their pets are suffering from a painful issue. If your pet is in pain, you’ll typically notice behavioral changes instead, such as:

• Lethargy or fatigue. 
• Loss of interest in play and interaction. 
• Loss of appetite. 
• Increased aggressiveness.
• Change of habits like lying on soft surfaces, e.g. carpets, rugs or sofas. 
• Low tolerance for exercise. 
• Flattened ears. 
• Grumpiness or irritability.
• Red or swollen areas that may be warm to the touch. 
• Crying, whining or yelping. 
• Retreating from physical contact.
• Limping or lameness. 
• Excessive licking, biting or scratching at a certain area. 
• Difficulty walking, running, climbing or jumping. 

Keep in mind that these signs can be caused by lots of different health conditions, and pain is usually another symptom of these conditions, rather than a condition in itself. Any change of behaviour or habits can be linked to pain. So if your pet is showing signs of discomfort, it’s important to see your vet so that the underlying problem can be diagnosed and treated.

Understanding anti-inflammatory drugs

One of the most common treatments for pain in cats and dogs is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs. Given by mouth or injected, NSAIDs are a popular and recommended first-choice anti-inflammatory for cats and dogs with mild or moderate short-term pain, e.g. post-surgical pain.

Alternatives to anti-inflammatory drugs

When it comes to pain management for cats and dogs, anti-inflammatories are invaluable tools. However, they may be even more helpful when used as part of a wider holistic approach. Consider the following additional strategies to improve your pet’s quality of life:

• Weight management. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), excess weight doesn’t just place strain on the joints; fat tissue can also secrete inflammatory chemicals that degrade the joints and increase nerve pain. 
• Diet. In addition to supporting weight management, diet may help to manage pain via anti-inflammatory nutrients. The AAHA says that omega-3 fatty acids, as found in Virbac’s Veterinary HPM food, have been shown to be helpful for dogs with osteoarthritis.
• Exercise. Gentle exercise can offer a wealth of benefits for pets in pain. The most effective exercise for your pet will vary greatly depending on the cause of their pain, so always ask your vet about the safest way for your pet to get moving. This might include controlled physical therapy or rehabilitation, but it may be as simple as a light daily stroll. 
• Acupuncture. According to several sources, acupuncture is shown to ease pain from inflammation and nerve damage. It blocks inflammatory processes and releases endorphins, the body’s own natural painkillers.

Anti-inflammatory drugs for dogs and cats are a valuable first-line pain control tool for pets. Even though your vet is trained to recommend the best pain management options for your pet, it’s on us as pet owners to stay alert for the first signs of pain so we can get them that professional help. Signs like lethargy, loss of appetite and other behavioral changes can sometimes be seen as a “fact of life,” especially as our pets get older, but it’s important to remember that our pets express pain differently to us. By familiarizing yourself with the various changes that can signal pain, you can make sure you don’t miss the signs in your pet. If you’ve noticed a change in your pet’s behavior, always ask your vet for advice.