Managing Pet Pain: Keeping Rochester’s Pets Comfortable

Northern Valley Animal Clinic is committed to keeping pets comfortable through medical procedures, recovery from injury, and through illness. In addition to being more comfortable, pets that are not in pain have been shown to have faster recovery times, as they are able to get more complete rest, have better appetites, and continue to exercise.

How can I tell if my pet is in pain?

In the wild, animals hide their pain to avoid attracting the attention of predators. Pets also hide their pain and make it difficult for their owners to detect when they are not feeling their best. Pets don’t necessarily cry out in pain but express their pain with silent body language. Our veterinarians evaluate each pet that visits the clinic to assess if they are hiding pain, and they will help you recognize the symptoms of pet pain so it can be quickly addressed. Some common symptoms include:

• Biting
• Licking or chewing at a part of the body
• Behavioral changes—more aggressive or unusually submissive
• Restlessness, difficulty sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Seeking more affection than normal
• Whining, whimpering, or howling

Is it normal for older pets to experience regular pain as they age?

While people associate old age with normal aches and pain, much of the pain pets display is due to underlying treatable conditions. As Northern Valley Animal Clinic has treated pets with chronic pain, their owners have remarked how the pets begin to act like they did when they were young. A pet’s quality of life increases dramatically when pain is brought under control, and any sign of pain should be investigated.

What options are available for managing pet pain?

Depending on the cause of the pain, our veterinarians may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation, increase the body’s ability to heal, or lessen sensations. Beyond medication, your pet may need to modify activities or add some exercise or weight management to reduce stress on the affected part of the body and encourage healing. Our doctors will work with you to provide the best pain management protocol possible for your pet’s unique condition.

Anytime a pet is showing signs of pain, it should be investigated. The veterinarians of Northern Valley Animal Clinic will partner with you to provide your pet much-needed relief.