Is My Pet in Pain? Signs That Are Easy to Miss

September is National Animal Pain Awareness Month, making it a good time to talk about something pets are very good at hiding: pain. 

Pain doesn’t always look like crying, limping, or refusing to move. Some of the most common signs are subtle and can easily be mistaken for normal aging or simply a change in personality. 

Watch for the Little Changes 

Your pet may be telling you they’re uncomfortable if you notice: 

• Hesitation before jumping on furniture or using stairs 

• Moving more slowly or seeming stiff after resting 

• Difficulty getting comfortable 

• Less interest in walks, play, or favorite activities 

• Licking or chewing repeatedly at one area 

• Changes in grooming habits 

• Becoming more withdrawn, restless, or irritable 

• Difficulty getting into the car or using the litter box 

• Changes in appetite or everyday routines 

One of the most common things we hear is, “They’re just getting old.” While aging certainly brings changes, slowing down can also be a sign of arthritis or other discomfort. Getting older doesn’t mean your pet has to live with pain. 

Pain Management Is Part of Better Care 

As an AAHA Accredited hospital, Main Street follows AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for dogs and cats. That means we take a proactive approach to recognizing, treating, and monitoring pain rather than waiting until discomfort becomes obvious.

Pain management is rarely one-size-fits-all. We look at the whole patient and may combine different therapies based on your pet’s age, health, lifestyle, type of pain, and response to treatment. 

For pets living with osteoarthritis, treatment options may include therapies such as Librela® for dogs and Solensia® for cats, along with other medications and supportive care when appropriate. 

We also offer non-medication options, including laser therapy and acupuncture, which can be incorporated into a more comprehensive pain-management plan. 

Don’t Wait for a Limp 

You know your pet better than anyone. Changes you notice at home are an important part of helping us identify pain, especially when those changes happen gradually. 

If your pet isn’t doing something they used to love, is moving differently, or simply seems “off,” tell us. Sometimes the smallest change is the first clue that we can help them feel better. 

A Quick but Important Reminder: Human Pain Medications Can Be Dangerous 

When we see our pets hurting, it can be tempting to reach for something in our own medicine cabinet. Never give your pet a human pain medication unless your veterinarian has specifically instructed you to do so. 

Common medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®/Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®), aspirin, and acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can cause serious or even life-threatening problems in pets. Pets process medications differently than we do, and what is safe for a person may be toxic to a dog or cat.

Potential risks include: 

• Stomach and intestinal ulcers or bleeding 

• Vomiting and diarrhea 

• Kidney damage or kidney failure 

• Liver damage or liver failure 

• Damage to red blood cells and their ability to carry oxygen 

• Severe poisoning and, in some cases, death 

Cats are particularly sensitive. Acetaminophen can be fatal to cats. 

If your pet seems painful, call us before giving any medication, including medication previously prescribed for another pet. We can help determine the safest and most appropriate way to make them comfortable. 

Noticing a change? Schedule an exam and let’s take a closer look.