Chronic pain in pets is challenging to identify, diagnose, and manage. Pets often conceal weakness and pain from the outside world with a stoic sense of survival. However, untreated chronic pain is debilitating and may shorten a pet’s life. The following tips can improve and extend the lives of pets who experience chronic pain from arthritis, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), or other inflammatory or neurological conditions. 

Have your senior pet examined by a veterinarian

Twice-yearly exams are recommended for senior pets, starting at 7 years of age. Senior pet health can change rapidly, so establishing a baseline while they are still healthy can give your veterinarian a reference point when their pain is first noticed. Veterinarians monitor chronic pain in pets regularly, to ensure medications provide appropriate pain control, check kidney and liver function, and detect new or worsening pain.

Learn how to recognize chronic pain in pets

No one knows your pet as well as you do, and that knowledge is important for detecting changes in your pet’s pain level. Chronic pain can go undetected when owners do not know the warning signs. Use our quality of life daily assessment to record your pet’s pain. Look for patterns over time, and watch for the following behavior changes:

* Decreased appetite — Food-loving pets may lose interest in eating.

* Hesitation or avoidance — Painful pets may avoid stairs, jumping, or specific physical positions.

* Isolation — Painful pets may avoid social interaction.

* Personality changes — Pain can cause pets to react defensively with aggression.

* Anxiety — Painful pets may exhibit increased stress or nervousness.

* Depression — When pain and discomfort limit a pet’s activities, they may become sad and lethargic.

Ask your veterinarian about alternative therapies for your pet’s pain

Many pets with chronic pain benefit from non-pharmaceutical therapies, such as acupuncture, laser therapy, chiropractic care, massage, and herbal medicine. 

Veterinary rehabilitation (i.e., physical therapy) can provide senior pets with improved mobility through targeted exercises. Rehabilitation often uses pet-friendly exercises to develop core strength, balance, and flexibility. Hydrotherapy (e.g., swimming, or underwater treadmill) offers painful pets low-impact exercise, and improves their range of motion. 

Ask your veterinarian if these options are suitable for your pet, and for a referral to qualified practitioners. 

Make your home senior-pet friendly

Senior-proof your home to improve your pet’s comfort and confidence, and to minimize injury risk. Some simple, affordable modifications include:

* Pet stairs or ramps, to prevent jumping

* Non-slip rugs or yoga mats on slick floors 

* Orthopedic pet beds

* Low-sided litter boxes

* Motion-sensor lighting in dark areas

Keep your senior pet’s body in motion with tailored exercise

Appropriate exercise reduces joint stiffness and pain. Discuss low-impact exercises, such as walking your senior dog, with your veterinarian. Encourage your cat to move by hiding their food throughout the house, or with gentle toy play. Avoid running, jumping, or concussive activity like ball or disc retrieval, and always monitor your pet for soreness after exercise.

Provide enrichment games to keep your senior pet’s mind sharp

If your pet’s body cannot handle much exercise, engage their mind through puzzle toys, food-stuffed Kongs, and snuffle mats. An internet search will reveal many fun games and tricks to teach pets with restricted mobility. Consider your senior pet’s cognitive skill level when introducing new games and toys, and ensure they can sometimes “win,” to maintain their confidence.

Frequently assess your pet’s condition with objective measurement tools

Love is blind to many aging changes, and unbiased assessments can be challenging. The following tools, used monthly for pets with manageable pain, and weekly or daily for pets with progressing conditions, can help.

* Numerical scoring systems — Have multiple household members fill out our quality of life assessment and quality of life scale to provide various perspectives on your pet’s status.

* Pictures — Take photos of your pet standing naturally in profile and from the front. These can reveal a painful posture, loss of body condition, and physical compensation for pain, such as shifting off one leg or side.

* Video — Take a short video of your pet moving toward and away from the camera, and in profile. Video can speak volumes about your pet’s comfort during mobility. 

If your results suggest worsening pain, discuss your observations with your pet’s veterinarian. You can also reach one of our veterinarians through our telehospice service for an objective, and considerate review of your pet’s quality of life.

Consider Lap of Love veterinary hospice care when your pet’s chronic pain is no longer manageable with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Or, for compassionate end-of-life services, schedule in-home euthanasia with a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area.