Dog Pain Management

image credit: mikeasaurus (flickr.com)

Pain management is one of the most important subjects in the veterinary profession. It is through the mastery of this and related topics that you can help to improve the quality of life of our canine companions. It is important to educate dog owners and give them a good understanding about this subject because dogs cannot verbalize the discomfort and pain they are going through.  

As a pet owner, you play a major role in easing your dog's pain. It is your responsibility to learn and understand the signs that your pet is experiencing pain and discomfort. You must be proactive in finding possible solutions to alleviate your pet's suffering. Taking a step in requesting dog pain-relieving medications for example, is an indication of your concern and advocacy for your pet's welfare. As pet owners, each one of us must aggressively strive to understand the different causes of dog pain and discomfort.

Pain management is not just the responsibility of a dog's attending veterinarian.  It necessitates the active participation of pet owners. The development of pain management strategies is crucial to the lives of our furry friends. And dog owners and vets have the primary responsibility to make it happen.

One of the very first steps towards the treatment of dog pain is to recognize it in the first place. Pain manifests itself through slight changes in your dog's behavior. When you see that he or she has become more withdrawn, reluctant to climb stairs, or reacting strangely when you hold or pick him/her up, he/she is experiencing pain. You should not take these for granted; these may be the only clue that your pet is hurting - and you are his/her only hope.