Do dogs and cats feel pain? YES

Dogs and cats most definitely feel pain.  Pain in animals, just like in people, contributes to slower recovery times post surgery, delays the desire to eat normally, and changes behavior.  Dogs and cats, especially, are designed to conceal their pain from the outside world.  So small changes in behavior can be a signal that your pet is experiencing pain.  Changes in eating habits, personality, their level of exercise,  and "crying out" can all be signs of pain. 

Our veterinarians at WAH, use a variety of drugs to prevent and treat pain in your pets.  Currently, pain management is a hot topic in veterinary medicine today.  Our veterinarians make sure they stay up-to-date in pain management procedures by reading current journal articles and going to continuing education seminars.

Signs of Pain

Aggression (biting)      
Limping     
Trembling      
Hiding in a Closet      
Self Mutilation       
Frequent Urinations       
Arched Back      
Unable to Sleep       
Lack of Appetite        

Our Veterinarians at WAH use a number of drugs (MULTI-MODAL THERAPY) to establish your pets pain management plan.  These are just a few of the drugs and ways our veterinarians treat your pets.

Buphrenorphine       
Valium      
Morphine Derivatives       
Ketamine       
Lidocaine       
Meloxicam     
Rimadyl      
Epidurals    
Nerve Blocks       
Constant Rate Infusions (CRI's)

NEVER give your pet a medication without first consulting a veterinarian.  NEVER give your pet one of your medications.  Most often human medications are too strong for dogs and cats.  Some over the counter medications given to humans can KILL a cat or dog if they take them.