It is difficult to see your pet in pain, but pain management can provide the relief they need. At Aloha Animal Hospital in Vista, CA, we offer veterinary care, including pain management.
How to Know if Your Pet Is in Pain
Pets often hide their pain. This is a survival mechanism. When an animal is sick or injured, they are a target for predators. Since your pet can't talk to you when they are in pain, it's up to you to recognize the signs.
Pets in pain may avoid movement when possible. You may notice that they are stiff or move slower than they used to. Limping can also be a sign that they have pain.
When it comes to their behavior, they may meow, whine or howl. They may also avoid being picked up, become aggressive, or seem depressed. Some pets may experience anxiety when they are in pain. They may pace or lick themselves frequently.
Pet Pain Management
Pet pain management falls into a few basic categories. These are condition or injury treatment, medication, and alternative therapies, among others.
Condition or Injury Treatment
If a treatable condition or injury is causing your pet pain, treating the issue will be part of their pain management plan. This may involve surgery, a cast, or antibiotics for an infection.
Medication
A veterinarian on our team can prescribe medications to reduce your pet's pain. Most are similar to human medications.
Some medications are often prescribed to help reduce inflammation. The reduction in inflammation can help reduce pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs can be a great option for pain caused by arthritis or a mild injury, and can be prescribed for mild to moderate pain. Stronger medications may be another pain management option. These strong pain relievers are often prescribed for dogs after a severe injury or surgery.
Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies can help provide the relief your pet needs. They can be used along with the treatments listed above, for pain relief.
One alternative therapy is laser therapy. A special type of laser is beamed onto the painful area of the body. This can help speed healing and reduces pain and inflammation.
Acupuncture is another option for pain relief. Many issues, including pain, can be helped by using different types of acupuncture techniques. This method uses tiny needles or other methods to help release endorphins that may help provide pain relief and pain management.
Get Pet Pain Management with Us at Aloha Animal Hospital
If your pet is in pain in Vista, CA, contact us at Aloha Animal Hospital. We offer pain management options to keep your furry friend comfortable if they are suffering from a disease or injury. Call us at (760) 724-8313 for more information from a veterinarian on our veterinary team.