In honor of Animal Pain Awareness Month, Mount Carmel Animal Hospital informs us of ways to assess pain in dogs.
No pet owner desires their dog to be in pain. But since they instinctively attempt to hide their pain and can’t tell us when they are hurting, we must recognize the subtle signs of pain. Many behaviors and physical changes can determine pain in dogs. In honor of Animal Pain Awareness Month, Mount Carmel Animal Hospital informs us of ways to assess pain in dogs.
Type of Pain in Dogs
Dogs feel pain similarly to humans but don’t always show it in the same ways. You can determine pain dogs through physical symptoms, behavioral changes, or mobility problems. Here are a few signs of pain in dogs:
- Excessive panting
- Tight or twitching muscles
- Holding their head below their shoulders
- Not wanting to be touched
- Excessive licking
- Restlessness
- Change in sleeping habits
- Reluctance to jump or use stairs
- Difficulties lying down or rising
- Walking slower or refusing to walk
Treatment Types
If you believe your dog is experiencing pain, know that there are many different things you can do to assist them to feel better. The most common treatments for pain in dogs include:
Weight Loss
Just like humans, extra weight adds extra strain onto your dog’s joints. The best way to treat pet obesity is to speak to one of our friendly and experienced veterinarians at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital. Calorie control is significant regarding weight management. Also, consistency is crucial when managing a pet’s weight.
Physical Therapy
- Underwater Treadmill – The treadmill belt assists patients in using less of their effort and muscles to walk independently.
- Laser Therapy – Low-level laser therapy uses brilliant light to decrease dog inflammation and pain while healing patients with issues like arthritis and other wounds.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound – This therapy releases sound waves of various frequencies and intensities to increase your dog’s blood flow and simplify wound healing when applied to tissues.
- Electrotherapy – Increases range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength, improves muscle tone, accelerates wound healing, and controls pain in dogs.
Supplements
Dasuquin Advanced is a comprehensive joint supplement that helps support joint function and mobility, encourages cartilage and tissue repair and minimizes dog breakdown. In particular, this supplement may reduce pain in dogs caused by daily activity.
Medications
NSAIDs are the most commonly prescribed medications for pain in dogs. Dogs can also benefit from other medications designed to help with pain. Some medications include:
- Rimadyl or Novox, Galliprant, and Deramaxx – These NSAIDs are used to decrease inflammation and pain by blocking the production of prostaglandins.
- Gabapentin – It’s used to treat seizures, anxiety, and nerve pain in dogs.
- Librela – Coming soon! This is the first and only monthly injectable antibody therapy for dogs with osteoarthritis pain.
Overall, your dog depends on you to be her or his voice to get her or him the help they need. So, set up a wellness care appointment with Mount Carmel Animal Hospital as soon as possible!
HERE AT MOUNT CARMEL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WE’LL TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!