This includes play-time injuries, dog/cat fights, accidents, geriatric patients or any other condition in need for supportive pain management.

Many dogs will instinctively hide their pain as a survival mechanism, which, in the past, led well-meaning experts to presume that dogs did not feel pain the same way humans do. We now know that dogs have a nervous system very similar to humans, and we know better how to recognize and manage their pain.

What is pain?

Pain is very subjective and difficult to measure. Because dogs instinctively hide their pain to prevent potential predators from targeting them when they are injured, pain assessment in dogs can be challenging. The outward demonstrations of pain vary widely from dog to dog. It is important to recognize that just because a dog does not cry, limp, or show other obvious signs of pain, that does not mean it is not in pain. A good general rule is that if it would hurt you, it would hurt a dog.

How can I tell if my dog is in pain?

With obvious injuries or after surgical procedures, it can reasonably be assumed that a dog will experience pain. Although the signs may be subtle, careful observation will often reveal signs of pain in most dogs. Most dogs experiencing pain alter their behavior in some way. A dog may be reluctant to climb stairs, jump into the car, show decreased activity, or resist being handled or picked up. Subtle signs may be our only clue that the dog is hurting.

Arthritic pain is common in older dogs. Anyone who has witnessed an older dog struggle to rise or be unable to stand after lying down can imagine the discomfort these dogs must endure.

Other signs of pain include (but are not limited to):

• whimpering or vocalizing
• becoming quiet, withdrawn, and anti-social
• holding the ears flat against the head
• increased licking of a painful/sensitive area
• decreased appetite
• reluctance to walk, run, climb stairs, jump, or play