In recent years, veterinarians have made great progress in understanding how dogs feel pain and the best ways to manage that pain. Many dogs instinctively hide their pain as a survival mechanism, which led experts to presume that dogs do not feel pain the same way humans do. Veterinarians now know that dogs have a nervous system very similar to that in humans, and we know better how to recognize and manage their pain.
What is pain?
Pain is subjective and difficult to measure, and there are as many manifestations of pain as there are injuries, conditions, and individuals. Dogs instinctively hide their pain to prevent potential predators from targeting them when they are injured, so pain assessment in dogs can be challenging. Demonstrations of pain vary widely among dogs. It is important to recognize that a dog can be in pain even if it does not cry, limp, or show other obvious signs. In general, if something would hurt a human, it would hurt a dog.
How can I tell if my dog is in pain?
With obvious injuries or after surgical procedures, you can reasonably assume a dog will experience pain. If you carefully observe your dog’s everyday behaviors, you can often notice pain when it is present, although the signs may be subtle. Most dogs experiencing pain alter their behavior in some way. A dog may be reluctant to climb stairs, jump into the car, show decreased activity, or resist being handled or picked up. Subtle signs may be our only clue that the dog is hurting.
Arthritic pain is common in older dogs. Anyone who has witnessed an older dog struggle to rise or be unable to stand after lying down can imagine the discomfort these dogs must endure.
Other signs of pain include:
- Whimpering or vocalizing
- Becoming quiet, withdrawn, and anti-social
- Showing uncharacteristic aggressiveness when approached or touched (an attempt to protect themselves from further pain)
- Holding the ears flat against the head
- Licking a painful/sensitive area more than usual
- Eating less (decreased appetite)
- Reluctance to walk, run, climb stairs, jump, or play
- Stiffness or limping
- Lagging or completely stopping while on walks
- Showing changes in personality
- Increased panting and/or restlessness
How is pain treated in dogs?
If your dog is undergoing a surgical or dental procedure, ask what pain management will be provided. Most of these procedures require some postoperative pain management, though the duration of treatment will vary with the procedure. Generally, your dog will receive pain-relief medications before, during, and after a surgery or dental procedure. Your veterinarian will choose the appropriate drugs based on your pet’s specific needs.
Some common veterinary pain-relief medications include:
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs interfere with the body’s production of inflammatory molecules that trigger pain and swelling. NSAIDs must be used with caution because there is the potential for liver, kidney, stomach, and/or intestinal problems. Some NSAIDs prolong blood-clotting time. NSAIDs are used to treat mild to moderate pain and discomfort.
Opioids. Opioids are used for more severe pain. This class of pain-relief medication includes morphine, codeine, fentanyl, buprenorphine, and hydromorphone. Opioids are used to treat severe surgical pain and may also be used in advanced cases of cancer or to control severe arthritis pain. Opioids may play a role in maintaining a good quality of life for a dog with severe chronic pain.
Other Options. There are new applications of existing medications that offer additional pain relief options for dogs, such as gabapentin (Neurontin®, Aclonium®, Equipax®, Gantin®, Gabarone®, Gralise®, Neurostil®, Progresse®), tramadol (Ultram®, ConZip®, Durela®, Ralivia®, Rybix®, Ryzolt®, Tridural®, Zytram®), amantadine, Bedinvetmab (Librela®), and maropitant citrate (Cerenia®).
Cortisone and synthetic cortisone-like drugs, such as prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone, are potent anti-inflammatory medications and can have a profound impact on treating pain. However, newer and more effective therapeutics are more commonly used.
Untreated pain is something that no pet should experience. By observing your pet for subtle signs of pain and working with your veterinarian, you can help your dog enjoy a pain-free life.
