Home / Pets / Pet Pain Management: Types of Pain, Medications & Therapies

Pet Pain Management: Types of Pain, Medications & Therapies

By: Claire Beutel • 4 cited sources • Updated Oct 29, 2024

The process of caring for an aging or terminally ill pet can be one of the most emotionally difficult times for a pet owner. Ensuring your beloved companion’s comfort during their final days is one of the kindest things you can do for them. Discover practical advice on managing your pet’s pain, recognizing signs of discomfort, and exploring various pain relief options to control pain and make their remaining time as comfortable as possible.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding and recognizing the types of pain (acute, chronic, and neuropathic) in pets is crucial for effective pain management.
• Acute pain in pets is often temporary and associated with specific injuries or surgeries, requiring timely intervention.
• Chronic pain, typically related to aging or long-term illnesses, significantly impacts a pet’s quality of life and necessitates ongoing management.
• Neuropathic pain, resulting from nerve or spinal cord issues, requires a multi-dimensional approach for treatment.
• Regular veterinary check-ups and open communication with your vet are essential for tailoring pain management plans and ensuring your pet’s comfort.

Types of Pain Your Pet May Experience

Pain is an individual experience for animals, making it challenging to grasp exactly how your dog, cat or pet may feel. Since our pets cannot speak directly to us, we depend on behavioral cues and our knowledge of potential pain sources to inform and direct pain management strategies^[1]. Observing these signs early allows for prompt intervention and pain management.

Acute Pain in Pets

Acute pain is known for its short-term discomfort, and in pets, can be associated with a specific or sudden injury, infection, or illness. It is the normal, anticipated response to an undesirable stimulus, for example, your dog cutting its paw or twisting its ankle at the park. Postsurgical or procedural pain also falls into acute pain. This type of pain generally improves within a few days, but healing can last up to three months. If acute pain is not properly addressed, it can evolve into chronic or long-lasting maladaptive pain^[2]. For cases of more severe pain, such as post-surgical recovery or advanced cancer pain, opioids like morphine and buprenorphine may be used.

Symptoms of Acute Pain in Pets:

• Vocalization, such as meowing or whining
• Limping or favoring certain legs over others
• Unusual hiding or resistance to your handling
• A change in facial expression or posture
• Restlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Licking or biting the affected area^[3]

How to Treat Acute Pain

Acute pain is much easier to manage than chronic pain and focuses on removing the source of pain from your pet to relieve pain effectively. If your animal undergoes surgery, your veterinarian will likely start pain relief treatments right away to ensure your pet doesn’t come out of the procedure with significant discomfort^[4]. Depending on your pet’s underlying cause of pain, your vet may also recommend:

• Administering pet medication daily after the procedure
• Applying hot or cold therapy to the affected area
• Making environmental modifications, such as setting up cushions on the ground or moving the water bowl to a more accessible place
• Participating in physical therapy 

Chronic Pain in Pets

As its name suggests, chronic pain, including arthritic pain, is a long-lasting discomfort that often comes with old age or chronic illness such as arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, or kidney disease. This pain is typically dull and ongoing and can decrease your pet friend’s quality of life significantly.

Common Signs of Chronic Pain in Pets:

• Behavior changes like irritability
• A change in breathing patterns
• Litter box avoidance or house soiling
• Lack of enthusiasm for things your pet once loved, like playing or going on walks
• Difficulty getting up from a sleep position

How to Treat Chronic Pain

Depending on the condition your pet is suffering from, chronic pain treatment will vary. For example, if your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, your veterinarian may recommend:

• A surgery to remove a tumor or eliminate the spread of cancer
• Administration of narcotics like Tramadol, Rimadyl or Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Regular blood tests to monitor liver and kidney function during long-term NSAID treatment

It’s important to note that you should never give your pet human medication, as they can be toxic. If your vet does recommend a pain relief medication they will be able to tell you what to expect and if there are any known side effects to look out for in your pet.

On the other hand, if your dog is experiencing chronic pain from a joint condition like osteoarthritis, your veterinarian may recommend:

• Changing your pet’s diet to a healthier alternative
• Adding dietary supplements to help fight inflammations
• Cold laser therapy for the affected area
• Acupuncture
• Regular massages to alleviate discomfort and joint pain
• Heat therapy to alleviate muscle stiffness and joint pain
• Shock wave therapy to promote healing and reduce joint pain through enhanced blood circulation

Neuropathic Pain in Pets

If your pet has been diagnosed with an injury or disease that affects its nerves or spinal cord, they may experience the discomfort of neuropathic pain. Conditions that may result in neuropathic pain may include diabetes, autoimmune disease, bacterial infections, or degenerative myelopathy. This type of pain often comes in the form of a tingling, pins-and-needles sensation in a pet’s limbs and can be difficult to diagnose^[3].

Signs of Neuropathic Pain in Pets:

• The shaking or twitching of skin
• Increased irritability or aggression
• A heightened sensitivity to touch
• Limping or lameness
• A reluctance to move

How to Treat Neuropathic Pain

Veterinarians often use a multi-dimensional approach when treating neuropathic pain. If your pet has been diagnosed with this type of pain, your veterinarian may recommend:

• A surgery that will address the underlying cause of nerve damage
• Specific pet medications that target nerve pain, including gabapentin
• Physical therapy to help improve your pet’s mobility
• Alternative therapies such as acupuncture 

The Importance of Veterinary Guidance for Pet Pain Management

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for ensuring your pet’s comfort and well-being. Your veterinarian can create a pain management plan tailored to your pet’s unique needs, making adjustments to medications and treatments as necessary. Maintaining open communication with your vet helps ensure that you are providing the best possible care for your beloved pet during this critical time.

Ensuring Comfort and Care in Your Pet’s Final Days

By understanding the different types of pain your pet may experience and exploring various treatment options, you can help ensure their comfort and well-being. Remember, regular veterinary guidance and maintaining open communication with your vet are key to providing the best possible care during this critical time. Your dedication and love will make a significant difference in your pet’s final days, offering them the comfort and peace they deserve. Managing severe pain effectively is crucial, especially in cases related to surgical procedures, cancer, and severe trauma.