Site Menus Section Skip to page content
Site Accessibility Features: Skip to page menus
Site Menus Section Skip to page content
Nov 12 2020
Home » News » Senior Pets And Pain
November is Senior Pet Month! As pet age, it‘s important to pay attention to subtle changes in your pet‘s behavior and daily habits. As with humans, aging brings about changes in health, mobility, stamina, appetite and sleep habits. Some of these changes are to be expected, but it’s important to differentiate normal aging behaviors from behaviors arising from pain.
Chronic pain caused by age-related osteoarthritis and dental pain are experienced by many older pets. And when our pets are experiencing pain, they can’t tell us when and where it hurts. But by being keenly attuned to changes, pet owners can recognize when their pet is experiencing pain.
Never try to treat your pet’s pain on your own. Not only are human pain relievers unsafe for pets, the source of the pain needs to be identified. Different sources of pain need different types of treatment.
The following are some of the signs that your cat or dog may show if they are in pain:
If notice changes in your pet‘s daily habits or his/her appearance (such as urination or defecation habits, sleeping habits, exercise tolerance, or skin and coat condition), pay attention, make notes, and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will perform a senior wellness check which may include a complete physical exam, dental check, body condition score, pain assessment, bloodwork, urinalysis, and nutrition review.
Once your veterinarian has determined the underlying cause of your pet’s pain, a treatment plan will be developed and the following recommendations may be a part of that plan:
Senior pets deserve special attention and care—they’ve been with us through good times and bad and need you to help them enjoy their final years as comfortably and pain-free as possible.
LifeLearn News
Note: This article, written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written permission of Lifelearn. Please note that the news information presented here is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian.
© 2025 Bennetts Creek Veterinary Care. Powered by LifeLearn Veterinary Websites