Additional resources

Treating pain

Although, in the wild, pain may have a protective function in helping to prevent further tissue damage to the injured site, there is no need or rationale to allow domestic cats and dogs to suffer. Pain can result in sleep deprivation, delayed wound healing, and magnified pain perception.¹ An animal in pain will be agitated, restless, and scared and more likely to damage stitches or lick surgical wounds than an animal who is more comfortable.

Any time an animal is in pain, treatment should be considered. Various treatments, such as the use of splints or bandages to prevent limb movement, can more effectively — and humanely — achieve the protective function of pain.

When pain can be anticipated — such as in surgery — pain medication can be administered pre-emptively to reduce sensitization of the pain pathways, minimize pain, and reduce the need for pain medications post-operatively.

Several additional non-pharmacologic therapies can be used as adjuncts to medication to enhance pain prevention and management as well as quality of life.

Treating pain in cats

After injury or surgery or in the case of a chronic condition, there are a number of options that can ease pain and speed recovery or help keep the cat more comfortable. ¹

In-hospital or in-clinic recovery care may include:

The use of soft padded bedding during illness or surgery to enhance comfort.
The use of warm water or air blankets to decrease pain and facilitate recovery from anaesthesia.
Minimizing the length of stay to reduce patient anxiety.
Gentle and respectful patient handling.
Decreased visual and auditory stimulation.
Separate areas for dogs and cats.
A box or similar structure in the cage of shy or anxious cats to provide a hiding place.
Frequent reassuring and gentle human voice and contact.

Care at home may include:

Easy access to litter boxes (no hood, ramp, or stairs and a low-entry side).
Soft bedding.
Non-slip floor surfaces, especially in food and litter areas.
Confinement to one room or one floor of the house.
Modified access to outdoors, especially in hot or cold weather.
Limited and supervised contact with other pets and young children.

Chronic pain in cats

In addition to the helpful measures above, in the case of chronic pain, the following options may also be considered:

Nutraceuticals and chondroprotective agents.
Special diets.
Acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy.
Controlled exercise and weight management.

Treating pain in dogs

After injury or surgery or in the case of a chronic condition, there are a number of options that can ease pain and speed recovery or help keep the dog more comfortable.¹

In-hospital or in-clinic recovery care may include:

The use of soft padded bedding during illness or surgery to enhance comfort.
The use of warm water or air blankets to decrease pain and facilitate recovery from anaesthesia.
Minimizing the length of stay to reduce patient anxiety.
Gentle and respectful patient handling.
Decreased visual and auditory stimulation.
Separate areas for dogs and cats.
Frequent reassuring and gentle human voice and contact.

Care at home may include:

Soft bedding.
Raised food and water dishes.
Non-slip floor surfaces, especially in food areas.
Confinement to one room or one floor of the house.
Modified access to outdoors, especially in hot or cold weather.
Limited and supervised contact with other pets and young children.

Chronic pain in dogs

In addition to the helpful measures above, in the case of chronic pain, the following options may also be considered:

Controlled exercise to help control weight, improves muscle strength and, over time, increase range of motion.
Weight loss in an overweight dog.
Supplements or an EPA-enriched diet.
Well-designed, regular physical rehabilitation, including cryotherapy, heat therapy, massage, stretching, passive range-of-motion exercise, hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise, use of dry land or underwater treadmill, and strength-building.
A warm bed in a draught-free area.

1. Hellyer P, Rodan I, Brunt J, et al. J Feline Med Surg. 2007 Dec;9(6):466-80.