A Vet’s Guide to Pain Relief for Dogs & Cats

“We use the acronym BEAM, which stands for behavior, energy, appetite, and mood. When assessing pain, we always start by looking for changes in those things. Often, owners will come in and tell us about all the behavioral changes their pet has had, and we realize that they are in pain and their pet has been trying to tell them that all along.”

Jeff Feinman, DVM, Founder of Holistic Actions

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), approximately 86.9 million families in the U.S. own pets, which translates to 67 percent of US households. In the United States, pets are not just animals. For many of these families, pets provide more than mere companionship; they are integral to emotional support and well-being. Pets have a unique way of offering unconditional love, comfort, and stress relief to their owners. The bonds formed between humans and their pets can be profoundly strong, making the health and happiness of these animal companions a top priority for pet owners.

In recent years, there has been a growing concern for the health and well-being of our furry companions. One major issue pet owners face is how to alleviate their pets’ pain and discomfort due to age, injury, or illness. Dogs and cats are known to hide their pain, making it challenging for pet owners to identify when their pets need relief.

However, it can be hard to identify pain in a pet and even harder to find a treatment that will benefit them in the long term. “The framework of molecular biology is one of individuality. Every single being is different. There are no protocols that work for every animal. There are protocols that we’ve learned because they work for a lot of animals,” says Dr. Jeff Feinman, veterinarian and founder of Holistic Actions, a resource for improving your pet’s life. “Sometimes, the medications we use can even hurt our pets. I’ve seen many pets with liver failure because of Metacam. Pharmaceuticals have a big place in medicine, but they don’t have to have a central place.”

Because of this, there is an increasing interest in alternative and holistic approaches to pet pain management. While traditional medicine always has its place, pet owners and veterinarians are exploring options such as acupuncture, physical therapy, herbal supplements, and dietary changes to provide relief without the potential side effects of conventional medications. Such methods focus not only on treating the symptoms but also on promoting the pet’s overall well-being.

Keep reading to learn firsthand from Dr. Feinman how to spot pain, help your pets, and what alternative treatments you can use to help relieve pain.

Identifying Pain In Your Pet

Identifying pain in your pet begins with observation, a critical skill every pet owner must develop. Pets are adept at concealing discomfort, an instinct that can make it challenging to realize they’re suffering. Dr. Feinman emphasizes the importance of knowing your pet’s standard behavior patterns and daily activities to bridge this gap. “We use the acronym BEAM, which stands for behavior, energy, appetite, and mood. When assessing pain, we always start by looking for changes in those things,” he explains. “Often, owners will come in and tell us about all the behavioral changes their pet has had, and we realize that they are in pain and their pet has been trying to tell them that all along.”

As Dr. Feinman describes, the BEAM score provides a structured approach to evaluating a pet’s well-being by focusing on four key areas: behavior, energy, appetite, and mood. This score can be an invaluable tool for pet owners to monitor their pets for signs of discomfort or pain.

Changes in behavior include a pet being less playful or avoiding interaction. A decline in energy could be noticed if a pet starts to sleep more than usual or shows reluctance to go on walks. A change in appetite might be observed if a pet suddenly loses interest in food or begins eating less. Lastly, a shift in mood could manifest as increased irritability or aggression, which is out of character. By paying close attention to these aspects of their pets’ lives, owners can better communicate with their veterinarians about potential issues, leading to faster diagnosis and treatment.

Ways to Address Pain and Discomfort in Pets

Addressing pain and discomfort in pets can be challenging, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, the best place to start is with accessible activities that will help boost morale and release endorphins, effectively decreasing pain and discomfort.

Engage the Nose

Sniffing plays a crucial role in how pets perceive the world around them and is a significant means for them to alleviate stress, curb discomfort, and promote mental well-being. “You have to know what your pet loves more than anything else in the world. So, for many of our pets, it’s food and treats. So one of the first things I advise to help raise the BEAM score and treat pain is to give your pet a snuffle mat loaded with treats,” advises Dr. Feinman. “Another option is to take them on a therapeutic five- to ten-minute sniff walk. Not only does the sniffing help, but it also provides engagement and connection with you.”

Get Your Cat To Purr

Cats prefer a quiet and peaceful environment to rest and heal. Providing them a cozy bed in a secluded area can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation: “They have built-in mechanisms to shift out of the painful sympathetic zone and into the parasympathetic relaxing zone. And the primary way they do this is by purring. Focus on what your cat loves to do the most that makes them purr,” advises Dr. Feinman.

CBD Supplements (With Caution)

In recent years, CBD supplements have become popular for managing pain and anxiety in pets. While there is still much research to be done on its effectiveness and safety, some pet owners have reported positive results with their pets using CBD products.

However, Dr. Feinman urges caution when using these supplements, stating that quality control can vary significantly between brands, leading to potential harm, especially when it comes to accidental overdosing.

Arnica

Arnica is a well-regarded homeopathic remedy that has gained traction among pet owners seeking natural solutions for their pets’ pain and discomfort. This herb is traditionally used to reduce inflammation, ease muscle pain, and alleviate bruising. Dr. Feinman recommends arnica for pets undergoing surgery or those experiencing the aches and pains associated with aging: “I just had an older dog have full mouth extraction and reconstructive surgery. The owners gave the dog arnica beforehand and requested that they give arnica during recovery. Instead of five days in the hospital, the dog was back to normal the next day,” he shares.

Physical therapy and acupuncture

For more severe or chronic pain, seeking treatment from a certified therapist or acupuncturist may benefit your pet. Physical therapy can help improve mobility and reduce inflammation, while acupuncture can target specific areas of discomfort and promote the release of endorphins. “Musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain, and post-knee replacement are great times to rely on physical therapy, rehab, and acupuncture,” says Dr. Feinman.

Diet for Pain Relief

The food we give our pets can also play a role in managing pain and discomfort. “It’s critical for two reasons. The first is the happiness factor. Giving them foods they really love will increase their BEAM score and help give them vitality and energy. Second, the more processed the food, the more difficult it can be to control the pain situation, so I recommend a fresh diet versus a commercial one. That alone can also be enough to help ease pain,” encourages Dr. Feinman. Including natural anti-inflammatory ingredients such as turmeric, ginger, and omega-3 fatty acids in their diet can help alleviate symptoms.