Vancouver Veterinarians: Recognizing Pain in Dogs and Cats

Research has verified that animals feel pain to the same extend as human beings.  Pain sensation originated either in the skin, the deep tissues such as bone, joint and muscle, or in the internal organs.  Pain is evidenced by decreased use of the painful part, possibly by overall decreased activity. 

Dogs may cry out in pain, especially if the pain is intermittent and sharp in nature; they may not cry out even when in severe pain if the pain is dull, aching and continuous.  Thus the absence of crying, whining, or groaning is not an indication that pain is absent.  Better indicators of the presence of pain include:

  • attempts to decrease use of the painful part, such as by limping
  • reluctance to move the neck or back
  • reluctance to change body position or to assume any particular body position (refusing to lie down or to stand or sit up)
  • withdrawal from all unnecessary activity  

Touching a painful area may elicit sights of resentment, such as motion away from the touch, tightening of the muscles in the area (splinting), or aggressive behavior such as growling or biting.  Some dogs, however, may be so tractable or stoic in nature that it is difficult to elicit signs of pain even when pain is undoubtedly present.

Pain may be useful in localizing the disease process to a particular body part, but it does not provide much information regarding the cause of the pain.  Pain is mainly used as an indicator that further diagnostic investigation is required so that the underlying cause may be identified and if possible treated.

Because animals feel pain to the same extent as human beings, pain control is desirable when pain is moderate to severe.  A great deal of research has been conducted in the area of pain control, especially over the past twenty years.   At our Vancouver Animal Hospital in house vet pharmacy we have several effective and safe means of pain control.  However, pain control medications should not be used without prior consultation of a veterinarian.  The use of pain control drugs should not substitute an appropriate diagnostic effort to identify the cause of the pain.

If you notice any indications of pain in your dog or cat seek a vet consultation at our Vancouver Animal Hospital in Killarney or see your veterinarian. 

For Vancouver Vet appointment call 604 433-5500.