Pets feel pain much like we do, but they can’t really tell us where or how bad it hurts—and they often instinctually hide illness or injury. That’s why the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management has selected September as Animal Pain Awareness Month, to educate people about the symptoms of chronic pain and discomfort in animals.
Some signs to look for include:
- Heavy panting
- Decreased activity
- Reluctance to jump up on surfaces (cats)
- Overgrooming or licking a particular area
- Difficulty standing after lying down
While acute or urgent pain is obvious, chronic pain can be subtle and pet owners may see it as simply “getting old” or “slowing down”. In fact, recurring or prolonged pain can be treated and sometimes even prevented when the cause is found early.
At Aspen Arbor Animal Hospital, we take treating pain seriously and offer many options for treatment. They include medications as well as acupuncture and laser therapy, both of which are non-invasive and have been shown to be effective for treating arthritis in older pets. We have also seen great post-surgical pain management results with the new nerve-blocker Nocita.
If your pet is exhibiting any of the pain symptoms above, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment online or call us at (720) 279-9471.
Our clients love the Aspen All-Stars Program, where they can earn free perks and discounts just for using the PetDesk app. Simply download the app and then sign up for the Aspen All-Stars Program and you’ll start earning points for free rewards. Every $1 you spend with us = 2 loyalty points towards free stuff for your pet, like
- Nail trims
- Discounts on veterinary services
- Reduced price and free exams
- Discounts on product purchases
- Free anal gland expressions (worth every point!)
Questions? Call us at (720) 279-9471.