When Pets Hurt: Shining a Light on Animal Pain

Every September, the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) leads a powerful initiative: Animal Pain Awareness Month. This campaign runs alongside human medicine’s Pain Awareness Month with one vital message—animals feel pain, too, and it's time we get better at recognizing it.

More than 45 million household pets suffer from acute or chronic pain. But unlike humans, they can’t tell us where it hurts. Instead, they rely on subtle shifts in behavior—many of which go unnoticed until the pain becomes severe. From arthritic joints and back injuries to dental disease and internal conditions, undiagnosed pain can quietly impact a pet’s mobility, appetite, and quality of life.

Pain is often hidden; it’s a survival instinct. That’s why regular pain assessments—at least once a year—should be part of every veterinary exam.

Recognizing the Signs

The IVAPM outlines common behaviors that may indicate a pet is experiencing pain:

• Reduced activity or reluctance to exercise
• Difficulty with stairs or standing up after rest
• Decreased playfulness or avoidance of jumping
• Changes in appetite or interest in food
• Over-grooming or licking a specific area, or a lack of grooming (especially in cats)
• Accidents or difficulty using the litter box
• Faster breathing, especially at rest
• Altered routines, including sleep or hiding behavior

Even small changes in a pet’s habits can signal a deeper issue. What may seem like a pet “just getting older” could actually be untreated pain.

Proactive Pain Management

Fortunately, veterinary medicine has evolved to offer a wide spectrum of effective pain treatments. Alongside traditional medications, many practices now offer non-pharmacologic therapies such as:

• Acupuncture
• Laser therapy
• Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF)
• Ozone therapy
• Shockwave therapy
• Regenerative Medicine / Joint Injections
• Physical rehabilitation and exercise plans

Combined with proper nutrition and low-impact daily activity, these integrative therapies can significantly improve a pet’s comfort and longevity—often with fewer side effects than medications alone.

Take Action

If your pet seems “off,” don’t write it off as age or personality. Schedule a thorough veterinary exam that includes a pain assessment. Catching discomfort early leads to better outcomes, happier pets, and more peace of mind for pet parents.

The IVAPM continues to lead the charge in education and advocacy around animal pain. Their goal is simple: empower veterinary professionals and pet owners to prevent, recognize, and treat pain—before it steals your pet’s joy.  Please visit www.ivapm.org for more information.