How to Tell if Your Pet Is in Pain
January 17th, 2025
At Newport Center Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to providing effective pain relief and management protocols to help our furry patients live happy, pain-free lives. Whether your treasured pet is battling a chronic illness or has experienced a traumatic injury, managing pain is always our topmost priority. Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring our patients are as comfortable as possible while providing them with top-tier care.
What Are Tell-Tale Signs of Pain in Pets?
It is not always easy or straightforward to spot signs of pain in pets. This is because animals instinctively mask their pain or discomfort to avoid being perceived as weak, which can make them targets for potential predators. Even if your pet has always lived in a household, their survival instinct results in them displaying as little discomfort as possible.
The following are some of the most common signs of pet pain:
- A noticeable decrease in appetite or shying away from food altogether
- Whimpering, whining, or yelping
- Excessive pawing, licking, or scratching
- Withdrawal or hiding under furniture
- Limping or avoiding the use of one or more limbs
- Shaking, trembling, instability, or changes in posture
- Reduced activity, slower movement, or increased sleep
- Avoidance of activities such as playing, jumping, or running
- Behavioral changes such as a sudden onset of aggression, biting, or irritability
- Bathroom accidents in your home
If your pet shows any of these signs of pain or you sense that something is just not quite right, do not wait. Contact Newport Center Animal Hospital to schedule a consultation. Pain can be an indicator of serious underlying health concerns that require prompt treatment.
Understanding Different Types of Pain in Pets
Understanding the types of pain your pet may experience can help identify the best course of action to provide relief. Acute pain often occurs suddenly and can be severe but is usually temporary. It usually develops after surgery or in response to injury or illness that is fairly easy to notice in your pet. Acute pain typically resolves in a few days.
Chronic pain, on the other hand, may increase over time and is often related to conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia. As pet parents, it’s important not to dismiss chronic pain as simply getting older. Seeking prompt care if you see signs of pain can help in early diagnosis in many cases and get your pet’s health back on track.
Pain Management Protocols at Newport Center Animal Hospital
At Newport Center Animal Hospital, we strive to manage pain to help enhance your pet’s well-being and overall quality of life. Pain relief helps lower stress, supports recovery, and reduces the risk of complications.
Our dedicated veterinary team strives to ensure our furry patients are as comfortable as possible while addressing any underlying concerns. The first step in providing the needed relief is running diagnostic tests and evaluating any visible symptoms to create a customized pain management plan.
Whether your pet has experienced trauma, is battling with a chronic illness, or is recovering after surgery, we are dedicated to providing prompt relief. We may recommend medication, nerve blocks, or other interventions to control and minimize your pet’s pain. In some cases, we may recommend non-pharmaceutical options to provide lasting relief.
Veterinary Pain Management Near Me in Newport Beach, CA
At Newport Center Animal Hospital, we understand how stressful it can be to see your precious furry companion in pain. We treat our patients with the same love and compassion as we do our own pets, providing them with the needed relief. You can count on us for pain management and compassionate care that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. We invite you to contact our office at 949-644-5460 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!