Pain management for pets is one of the often-overlooked aspects of pet care that Augusta Animal Clinic in Indianapolis, IN does so well. We believe that pain prevention and management are critical components of effective animal care. Unfortunately, pets are experts at hiding pain from their owners. They are so eager to please and driven to make their owners happy that they often overlook or disguise their own pain.

This means your veterinarian is a key ally in your efforts to help your pet manage its pain from injuries, illnesses, and more.

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How Can a Veterinarian Help with Pain Management?

If you have been actively involved in seeking routine pet care for your pet from an early age, then you are already well-positioned to protect your pet from many of the common causes of pain. Sometimes, though, pets become ill, despite the best of care. Things like age, disease, breed, genetics, and a hard life of naps, treats, and play can take their toll. Even failing to get sufficient dental care for older dogs can leave your pet in need of pain management therapies as it ages.

Signs Your Pet is Experiencing Pain

While pets are quite adept at hiding pain from their owners, the fact is there are almost always indicators that owners do not understand for what they are. Some common symptoms that all is not well include:

  • Slow getting up or reluctance to do so.
  • Progressively limiting activities.
  • Inability or unwillingness to climb stairs, jump on or off furniture, or into or out of vehicles (things they were easily able to do previously).
  • Lower tolerances for exercise and activities.
  • Changes in urination or defecation.

These signs may warrant a conversation with our veterinarian about your pet’s health and comfort.

Effective Pain Management Treatments

Fortunately, technology, particularly in the field of veterinarian medicine, has advanced over the years and there are many pain management treatments available today that were not available in the past. They can help treat pain related to formerly unimaginable conditions, like hip dysplasia.

While it is true that there is no cure for all pains, these new treatments can help your pet manage pain while treating some conditions or, in worst cases scenarios, until owners can find a way to say goodbye.

Common pain management treatments include a variety of the following:

  • Supplements for joint health.
  • Topical sprays.
  • Weight loss.
  • Exercise therapies.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (nonsteroidal).
  • Acupuncture.
  • Physical rehabilitation.
  • Hot and cold therapies.