Canine Pain Management

Friends and Neighbors,

We have made great progress is understanding how our patients feel pain and the best ways to manage that pain. Many patients will hide their pain as a survival mechanism, which may have lead us to think they don’t feel it the same way humans do. We now know that they have a nervous system very similar to ours and this gives us a better insight on how to help your pets stay comfortable!

Subtle Signs:

• Posture changes: hunched back, drooped head

• Temperament changes: reactivity, hiding, becoming quiet

• Vocalization: howling, moaning, crying

• Locomotion changes: reluctance to move, lameness

• Other: decreased appetite, play resistance, increased licking of sensitive area

Experts define it as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.” The demonstrations of pain vary from patient to patient. It’s important to recognize that just because they don’t cry, limp or show other obvious signs, doesn’t mean they are not in pain. A good rule of thumb is that if it would hurt you, it would probably hurt them!

With obvious injuries or surgical procedures, we can reasonably assume that pets would experience pain. For less obvious circumstances, we want you to monitor for the subtle signals. Most pets experiencing pain change their behavior in some way. A dog may be reluctant to climb stairs, show decreased activity or resist being handled.

Untreated pain is something no pet should experience. While all medication have potential side effects, veterinarians will determine the appropriate treatment to minimize the risks for maximum benefits. We feel pet owners should be empowered to be apart of the medical decision-making!

By closely observing your pet for subtle signs of pain and working with your veterinarian, you can help your pet remain comfortable.

We hope you find these tips useful and that they help keep your pets happy and healthy. Contact us with any questions or to schedule a visit. We’re always here for you and your pets!

Sincerely,

The BLVD Team