How to Recognize & Manage Chronic Pain in Pets

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), over 45 million pets in the United States live with or experience chronic pain. That’s 40% of pet dogs and 50% of pet cats! While acute pain can be obvious and distressing, signs of chronic pain can be subtle. In this blog, we’ll spotlight some common pain symptoms in pets and give you the tools to recognize and manage your pet’s condition.

Understanding Acute Vs. Chronic Pain 

Our pets feel pain just like we do! And, just like ours, their pain comes in many different forms. Acute pain is sudden and generally related to a specific event or injury. For example, when you stub your toe, get stung by a bee, or sprain an ankle, you experience acute pain. Importantly, acute pain goes away when the injury heals or is treated. 

On the other hand, chronic pain lasts for months or even years. It can be hard to recognize because it comes and goes or varies in severity from day to day. In pets, the most common cause of chronic pain is osteoarthritis. Because our pets can’t tell us they’re in pain, chronic pain often gets written off as “just getting old” or “starting to slow down.”

Recognizing Signs of Chronic Pain

Unlike people, animals often hide their pain. This can make it difficult for us to know when something is wrong. That’s why it’s so important for us, as their caretakers, to stay tuned in to their behavior and recognize changes in their behavior. A few common signs of chronic pain include: 

Changes in Behavior or Activity Level

Something might be up if your usually playful pup suddenly prefers to lay around! Pets experiencing chronic pain tend to play and jump less, are hesitant to walk on certain surfaces, and may have difficulty standing after lying down. 

They might also hesitate when going up and down stairs or jumping onto and off furniture. If you notice your height-loving cats are suddenly wary of climbing to the top of the cat tower, it’s a good sign they’re experiencing pain. 

Pets in pain may also exhibit behavioral changes. For example, your cuddly cat may suddenly avoid you at nap time, or your affectionate dog could stop asking for belly rubs. Pets experiencing persistent pain may become more withdrawn, irritable, or even aggressive.  

Changes in Appetite

If your pet loses interest in food or water, you should always call your vet! A loss of appetite can signal a serious medical condition. In terms of pain, a decreased appetite could mean dental pain or more general discomfort. During a physical exam, your veterinarian can look at your pet's mouth to help rule out dental disease as a cause of appetite loss.   

Changes in Potty Habits

For cats, difficulty using the litter box or reluctance to jump in and out of it can be a sign of pain. Similarly, dogs might hesitate or struggle to go outside or to assume the right “potty” posture. Any change in bathroom habits or reluctance to engage in normal activities warrants attention.

Changes in Grooming Behavior

Chronic pain can cause animals to either overgroom or stop grooming altogether. Contact your veterinarian if you notice your pet excessively licking, chewing, or gnawing at a specific part of the body. Chewing on one limb could be a sign of joint pain from osteoarthritis while overgrooming the belly could indicate GI pain.

Alternatively, pets may stop grooming because it’s difficult or painful. For example, a cat that is normally fastidious about grooming might suddenly have a tough time twisting to reach those hard-to-groom places. 

Vocalization, Whining, or Anxiety

Just like in humans, living with chronic pain can cause anxiety and depression in our companion animals. Signs of anxiety include more panting, restlessness, or irritability. You may also notice your pet wining or vocalizing more often, especially when you touch or pick them up. 

Managing Chronic Pain in Pets

At Mountainside, we focus on managing pain symptoms and slowing the progression of chronic disease to help pets live happier and healthier lives. Your pet’s tailored treatment plan will include comprehensive diagnostics to find the underlying cause of pain so we can recommend an appropriate treatment plan. When creating a management plan, we’ll consider your pet’s breed, age, and lifestyle. Treatments may include pain management medications, physical therapy, or changes in diet and lifestyle to improve your pet’s quality of life. 

Working Together to Relieve Pain

You can help keep your furry friend comfortable for the long haul by learning to recognize subtle signs of chronic pain. If you’ve noticed any of these changes in your pet’s behavior, contact the team at Mountainside to discuss your options! 

​