Behavioral Signs of Pain in Companion Animals
One of the more difficult situations for people with companion animals is recognizing and alleviating their animals' pain, whether from an acute incident such as spraining a limb or a chronic condition such as cancer. Pain can be difficult to detect in some animals because hiding pain and injury is beneficial to surviving in the wild. In addition, the reaction to pain can differ by lifestage; newborns and senior animals, for example, may not be as demonstrative if they are experiencing pain. Research in pain management in animals has provided better medications to treat pain, and more information about the behaviors of animals in pain is helping owners to more readily recognize it. By becoming informed about the behavioral signs of pain, one can anticipate painful events or reactions to disease. This may also lead to increased ability to tell where the pain is being felt or what type of pain the animal has so more specific and appropriate pain relieving measures can be given.
The American Animal Hospital Association mentions some general signs of pain in companion animals. A common sign is a loss of normal behavior expression, wherein animals may appear lethargic or stop grooming or eating. This is more readily recognized in the animal’s home and by the animal’s family members. Another sign is the expression of abnormal behaviors, such as aggression, a change in the amount of interaction with family members, self-mutilation, or inappropriate elimination. A more dramatic sign is a change in reaction to being petted or touched. Regular touches may be met with flinching or a stiffening of the muscles and posture because of pain in that area of the body. Some animals may vocalize in response to being petted in a painful area. In cases of extreme pain, an animal may bite in response to touch. Other signs that an animal may be in pain include changes in its physiology, such as increased heart and breathing rates, an increase in temperature, or dilated pupils. Although physiological signs may be easier to measure in the veterinarian’s office, knowing that these are possible signs of pain can help family members be aware and know when to consult their veterinarian.
Daniela Sharma, Ph.D. - Rutgers University
