September Is Animal Pain Awareness Month: Recognizing Pain in Your Purcellville Pet

Each September, the veterinary community observes Animal Pain Awareness Month,

a designation from the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management meant to raise awareness about how animals experience and mask pain, timed to align with human medicine's own Pain Awareness Month. As the weather in Loudoun County starts to cool and pets get back to regular walks and hikes, it's a good time to pay closer attention to how our pets move, behave, and respond to daily activity.

At Hoof & Paw Veterinary Clinic, we see firsthand how often pain in pets goes unnoticed simply because it doesn't look the way people expect.

Pets Are Experts at Hiding Pain

Unlike people, animals can't tell us in words when something hurts. Because hiding discomfort is an instinctive survival behavior, pets often don't show obvious signs of pain until an underlying issue has already become serious. Acute pain, like a limp after an injury, tends to be easy to spot. Chronic pain is far more subtle and is frequently mistaken for a pet simply "getting old" or "slowing down." Ivapm

That distinction matters. Age is not a disease, but pain is treatable, and catching it early makes a real difference in a pet's quality of life.

Signs of Pain to Watch For

Pain can show up in a wide range of behaviors, some more obvious than others. Keep an eye out for:

• Decreased activity or reluctance to play

• Difficulty going up or down stairs, or trouble standing after lying down

• Hesitance to jump onto furniture, especially in cats who normally enjoy high perches

• Limping or noticeable changes in gait

• Decreased appetite or interest in food and water

• Increased licking or grooming of one area, or conversely, a drop-off in grooming altogether

• Changes in urination or bowel habits

• Restlessness, pacing, or difficulty getting comfortable

• Increased vocalization, hiding, or withdrawal from family members

Any one of these on its own might not mean much. Several together, or a pattern that develops over a few weeks, is worth a conversation with your veterinarian.

Common Causes of Chronic Pain in Pets

Osteoarthritis, cancer, and other degenerative conditions are among the most common sources of chronic pain in dogs and cats. Arthritis pain is estimated to affect roughly 25 percent of dogs and as many as 90 percent of cats, though far fewer pet owners recognize it, largely because cats in particular are skilled at masking discomfort. Across the country, more than 45 million pets are estimated to be living with chronic or acute pain. AeravetAeravet

This isn't limited to cats and dogs. Birds, rabbits, and other exotic pets are often even better at concealing pain, since showing weakness can make them a target in the wild. If you have an exotic companion at home, subtle changes in posture, appetite, or activity level are worth mentioning at their next visit.

Treatment Options Available

The good news is that pain management has come a long way. Depending on the cause and severity, treatment options may include:

• Pain medications tailored to the pet's condition and species

• Physical rehabilitation to maintain mobility and strength

• Laser therapy to reduce inflammation and support healing

• Therapeutic massage and acupuncture for chronic conditions

• Weight management, which plays a major role in reducing joint stress for pets with arthritis

There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, which is why a proper exam and conversation with your veterinarian is the best starting point.

When to Schedule a Visit

If your pet has slowed down, seems less interested in walks around Fireman's Field or the W&OD Trail, or has started showing any of the signs above, it's worth scheduling a wellness exam. Chronic pain rarely resolves on its own, and pets who receive treatment often become noticeably more comfortable and active.

This September, take a few minutes to really watch how your pet moves and behaves. It's often the small changes that tell the biggest story.

If you have questions about your pet's mobility, comfort, or overall quality of life, the team at Hoof & Paw Veterinary Clinic is here to help our Purcellville and Loudoun County pet families recognize and manage pain at every stage of life.

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