#1: Behavior changes in your pet

Like people, pets have unique personalities that make them special. Many also have distinct behaviors such as barking at the mailman or whining when a pesky squirrel runs through the yard. However, if your dog starts to ignore the mail truck or delivery person or your grumpy cat has suddenly become a purring cuddle companion, it may be an indication they are in pain. Sudden behavior changes may be a clue they are experiencing discomfort. Pets are creatures of habit, and subtle changes are often the first clue something is wrong. Bring your pet in for a veterinary examination if you notice the following behavior changes:

• Growling, hissing, or biting in a usually calm or docile pet
• Calm, quiet behavior in a pet who is usually aggressive or unfriendly 
• Unusual vocalization including howling, whining, whimpering, or yelping 
• Excessive hiding
• Avoiding being touched, held, or picked up 
• Seeking more affection than usual or exhibiting needy behavior 

#2: Activity level changes in your pet

Many pet owners can set a timer based on their pet’s playtime, walking, and park visit schedules. Naptime is also an important activity for many pets, especially cats. Changes in your pet’s desire to play or reluctance to get up after a long nap may be an indication they are in pain. Joint diseases such as arthritis can make it difficult for pets to climb stairs or chase after their favorite toy. Other activity changes that may indicate your pet is in pain include: 

• Trembling or excessive circling before attempting to lie down
• Difficulty getting up or lying down
• Reluctance to move, run, or play
• Restlessness

#3: Daily habit changes in your pet 

Most pets eat the same amount of food and snacks every day and drink a consistent amount of water. That could change with warmer weather or if their activity level increases. However, if there have been no recent changes in your pet’s planned activities or environment, then habit changes such as eating one cup of food when they normally eat two cups daily could be a clue they are in pain. A pet’s decreased or absent appetite may be an indication of an underlying medical problem such as gastrointestinal distress or a stomachache. Dental disease also can cause a hungry pet to reduce their food or water intake because of painful, infected teeth. Other habit changes that may indicate pain include:

• Inappropriate urination in the house or increased litter box visits
• Changes in sleeping habits such as sleeping during times when they are usually active
• Decreased desire to socialize with household members
• Ignoring treats or meal times 
• Dropping food from the mouth while eating

#4: Grooming changes in your pet  

Your pet’s shiny coat, healthy fur, and clear skin are good indicators of their overall health and wellness. Pets, especially cats, regularly groom themselves to keep clean and distribute their natural skin oils. However, excessive grooming that leads to self-mutilation or injury is an indication they may be experiencing pain. Pets who excessively lick, bite, or scratch their skin may have a painful skin infection or an injury.  Bring your pet in for a veterinary examination if you notice changes in their grooming habits.

#5: Facial expression changes in your pet  

Your dog’s wagging tail and slobbery tongue are some of the many ways they show their love and affection. In some cases, it may seem that your dog is smiling when they see you approach the cookie jar for a much-deserved treat. Pets, like people, use their faces to communicate, and subtle changes in facial expression such as a grimace or closed-mouth smile may indicate they are nauseous or in pain. Decoding your cat’s facial expressions is often challenging because most cats have mastered the ability to hide signs of pain. Fortunately, the feline grimace scale is available to help pet owners interpret their cat’s expressions. Expressions that may indicate pain include:

• Glazed or sleeping eyes
• Enlarged pupils
• Flattened ears
• Appearing to stare off into space
• Excessive panting when at rest

Call your family veterinarian if you suspect your pet is experiencing pain. If your pet is showing signs of pain after hours, call Animal Emergency Care. #AECprevents

Source:

https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/pain-management/painmanagement_dogs_web.pdf

The post Tell Me Where It Hurts: 5 Signs Your Pet May Be in Pain appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.

Anti-inflammatory medications and pets 

Pets who have had surgery or a traumatic injury such as a broken leg, or who have been diagnosed with chronic osteoarthritis may be prescribed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). This group of medications is used to reduce inflammation, pain, or fever and may be given by injection or an oral formulation. NSAIDS are similar to human OTC medications like aspirin. However, never give any human medications to your pet without direction from your veterinarian. Cats are sensitive to NSAIDs, especially acetaminophen, which can be deadly. Additionally, it is vital to follow all medication instructions because an NSAID overdose can lead to gastric ulcers or organ failure which can be life-threatening without treatment. Bring your pet in for immediate care if they show signs of NSAID toxicity, which may include:

• Vomiting which may contain blood
• Diarrhea 
• Decreased appetite

Steroid medications and pets

Steroid medications such as prednisone are used to reduce inflammation and are often prescribed short-term with a tapering dose. This group of medications is commonly used for allergic reactions such as swelling from a bee sting. However, some steroid medications may be prescribed for other painful inflammatory conditions, including back pain or cancer-associated pain. Steroids also may be used in some cancer therapies because of their immunosuppressive properties in high doses. Steroids typically have more side effects than NSAIDs, and the two are never prescribed together. Before a steroid can be prescribed, your pet will require a veterinary examination and blood tests to ensure their organs can properly metabolize the medication. Side effects, which will subside once the medication course is completed, may include increased hunger, thirst, urination, and panting.

Narcotic medications and pets

Opioid medications are a large class of narcotic drugs that are naturally and synthetically derived from the opium poppy. Opioid medications such as butorphanol or hydrocodone may be prescribed short-term for your pet to alleviate acute pain or coughing, or to provide mild sedation before a medical procedure. In most cases, your veterinarian will not prescribe these medications for long-term use because they are closely regulated by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and have a high potential for dependence or abuse by humans. Opioid medications are primarily administered when your pet is hospitalized. This allows your pet to be monitored for any adverse effects and decreases the chances the medication could be ingested accidentally by a child or other pet in the household. Generally, opioid side effects are minimal for pets and may include sedation or an upset stomach. However, giving your pet the wrong dose or an extra dose can cause a low heart rate, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and death in some cases.

Muscle relaxant and nerve pain medications in pets

Pets who are experiencing back pain or other chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis may be suffering from muscle spasms from inflamed nerves. Muscle relaxants like methocarbamol are commonly prescribed to alleviate discomfort in pets with back or disc disease and in cats with bladder spasms from urinary tract disease.

It is not uncommon for pets with nerve pain or chronic arthritis pain to be prescribed gabapentin in conjunction with other anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants. Most nerve pain medications and muscle relaxants have minimal side effects, but they may cause your pet to become drowsy.

Pet pain medication safety

Bring your pet in for a veterinary examination if they are experiencing any pain to ensure they quickly receive relief. Like people, pets may react to medications differently and it is critical to ensure they can properly metabolize any medication. Additionally, pet owners must carefully store their pet’s prescriptions because many are flavored and your pet may accidentally take an extra dose. Other pet medication safety tips include:

• Never share your pet’s prescription with another pet or human.
• Store pet medications out of the reach of paws and little hands. 
• Bring your pet in for immediate care if they show any unexpected medication side effects. 
• Never give your pet an expired medication. 
• Never give your pet OTC human medications unless directed by your veterinarian.
• Carefully read your pet’s prescription instructions and possible side effects.

Call your family veterinarian if you have any questions about treating your pet’s pain. If your pet is experiencing pain after hours, call Animal Emergency Care. #AECprevents

Sources:

https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/guide-pain-management-pets

https://ivapm.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/2015_aaha_aafp_pain_management_guidelines_for_dogs_and_cats-03.10.17.pdf

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/product-safety-information/veterinary-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-nsaids

https://www.dvm360.com/view/wvc-opioids-in-veterinary-medicine-panacea-and-pandemonium

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952756

The post Pain Relief 101: A Pet Owner’s Guide to Pet Pain Medications appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.