Do you know the kinds of pain signs cats and dogs give when they’re hurting? If the answer is “No,” you’re not the only one. And sadly, many people (a few vets included) still don’t know that current animal pain management studies prove animals feel pain similarly to humans. This is why each September the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management works extra hard to get the word out through Animal Pain Awareness Month.
Common Pain Signs Cats and Dogs Show Us
Tripawd cat parents have the toughest time trying to pinpoint when their cat is hurting. Cats are extremely stealth about showing weakness, even more than dogs! But a few pain signs that cats demonstrate also include:
- Less desire to interact with people and animals
- Sleeping in an unusual position or location
- Unusual aggression when approached.
Humans owned by Tripawd dogs have things a bit easier when trying to decipher pain signs dogs demonstrate. In addition to the pain indicators listed above, you should watch for:
- Panting or trembling when resting.
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Excessive licking, biting or scratching a body part.
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Changes in eye expression (staring, dilated pupils, vacant look, squinting).
What to Do If You Suspect Pain
Dogs and cats can’t tell us they’re in pain. Their inborn survival instinct is what keeps them from showing it — even during amputation surgery recovery! But if your inner voice is telling you that something is wrong, listen to it. Whether your cat or dog is in amputation recovery or long past it, don’t wait until their pain is so bad it’s obvious. By then, an animal is likely experiencing horrific pain that would put any human in the hospital.
Download these handy Cat and Dog Pain Signs Checklists. Then call your vet asap to discuss what you’re seeing.
Pain Signs Checklist for Cats
Pain Signs Checklist for Dogs
Please ask your vet for a clear action plan for treating the pain. Sometimes all it takes is rest and medication. Other times managing animal pain may require additional support from a certified animal rehabilitation therapist.
If you’re not seeing improvement in your pet after following your vet’s plan, we urge you to discuss this with them. If the vet seems stumped, ask for a referral to a veterinary pain management specialist near you. Excellent vets won’t be insulted you did, and will often give you a referral before you even ask for one.
We encourage you to visit a members of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. These vets know more than most about animal pain because they’re on the leading edge of pain management studies and treatments. Visit one like Dr. Mike Petty and your Tripawd will be feeling good again in no time!
Learn More About Pain Management for Tripawds and All Animals
How Dogs Show Pain and What You Can Do About It
Is Your Dog or Cat in Pain? Here’s How to Know the Signs.
Is Your Vet Following Current Pain Management Guidelines?
Post-Surgery Pain in Tripawd Dogs and Cats
Learn How to Prevent and Treat Pain, Sunday on Tripawd Talk Radio
What Rehabilitation Therapy Can Do for Your Tripawd (and how to start for free!)
All Tripawds News blog posts about Rehabilitation Therapy for Tripawds
IVAPM: How We Assess Your Feline’s Pain Level
How long after the surgery can I allow my cat to attempt to walk? Right now she is in a large dog cage.
Hi Lynette, generally, most cats are up and about within a day or two after surgery, but kept in a safe confined place for at least a week. Little by little after that, most parents allow their cat a bit more freedom but still in a controlled environment, like a bedroom with the door closed (as long as they can’t get trapped in a box spring or jump up onto high shelves). When stitches come out is typically when the restrictions end, but still in a home with safe places to land and climb. You know your cat better than anyone. The slower you reintroduce her world the safer it is for her recover. Please join us in the Trikitty Discussion Forums for more help from members and keep us posted!
Thanks for posting this! Milhouse has a ton of anxiety and between thunderstorms and fireworks here, I’ve had a hard time trying to figure out nerves vs. pain. I think it’s nerves!