The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) has dedicated the month of September to raising awareness about pain and pain management in our pets.

According to the IVAPM, animals suffer from the same kinds of acute and chronic pain as humans, from causes like arthritis, cancer, and post-surgery pain.  They note that also like humans, older pets can suffer from chronic pain that owners may attribute to age or just “slowing down.”

There are many ways to manage pain in our pets, including physical therapy, medications, acupuncture, massage, and laser therapy.

Common signs of pain in pets are:

• Decreased play and activity
• Not going up or down stairs
• Reluctance to jump (especially for cats)
• Difficulty standing after lying down
• Decreased appetite (mouth pain)
• Over-grooming or licking a specific area of the body

Do you suspect your dog, cat, or other pet is suffering from pain?  Be sure to make an appointment with your veterinarian for a wellness check and come prepared with your questions.

To learn more about pain management in our pets, be sure to visit the IVAPM website for lots of useful information.