Our pets bring immeasurable joy, companionship, and love into our lives—but unlike us, they can’t tell us when they’re hurting. That’s why September’s designation as Animal Pain Awareness Month is so vital: it’s a time to sharpen our awareness and stand by our pets when they need us most.
Why Pet Pain Awareness Matters
Pets often mask their discomfort as an instinctual survival trait. By the time pain is evident, the underlying issue may already be serious. Veterinary professionals encourage pet parents to become sleuths for wellbeing, tackling pain proactively rather than reactively.
How Many Pets Are Affected?
More than 45 million pets in the U.S. suffer from chronic or acute pain, according to the North American Veterinary Community according to the North American Veterinary Community.
Approximately 1 in 5 dogs will experience osteoarthritis during their lifetime, affecting mobility and quality of life.
In cats, degenerative joint disease is equally widespread, estimates suggest it affects 40% to 90% of feline patients.
These numbers underscore the scale and urgency: pet pain is a pervasive issue, one that deserves our full attention.
Common Signs of Pain in Pets
Be vigilant for these behavioral and physical changes, many of which overlap with signs of chronic discomfort:
Mobility Changes: Limping, stiffness, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, difficulty rising from rest.
Behavioral Shifts: Withdrawal, irritability, aggression, hiding, or reduced sociability.
Appetite and Eating Changes: Loss of interest in food, difficulty chewing, or weight loss.
Vocalization: Increased whining, growling, yowling, or unusual sounds.
Grooming Habits: Excessive licking or chewing of one area, or, conversely, reduced grooming, especially in cats.
Posture and Physical Signs: Hunching, head lowered, increased respiratory rate, or changes in heart rate.
Helpful Tips:
Schedule a vet visit immediately if you observe any of the signs above. Early detection can be transformative.
Share your observations clearly with your veterinarian. Behavior, appetite, mobility, grooming, vocalization, and sleep patterns all matter.
Inquire about a comprehensive pain management plan, which may incorporate medications, physical rehabilitation, weight management, supportive bedding, acupuncture, MLS Laser Therapy, or other options.
Never give your pet human pain medications (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen), these can be toxic and even life-threatening.
Enhancing Your Pet’s Comfort & Quality of Life
Effective pain management is multi-faceted and not just medication:
Weight control and regular, gentle exercise help reduce joint stress.
Supportive bedding or orthopedic mattresses can ease movement and rest.
Physical therapies like hydrotherapy, massage, stretching, and MLS Laser Therapy support mobility and well-being.
Cutting Edge At-Home Therapy Laser
Especially with diseases like osteoarthritis, early intervention can add meaningful, active years to your pet’s life, often delaying or avoiding the need for more drastic measures.
MLS® Laser Therapy: Advanced Pain Relief Without Risk
We’ve spent more than 20 years helping veterinary professionals elevate patient care while strengthening their practices. As the exclusive provider of the patented and clinically validated MLS Laser Therapy, we are proud to set the standard in veterinary pain management. From in-clinic solutions to at-home care, we partner with practices to provide innovative, effective tools that enhance quality of life for pets while driving better outcomes and sustainable growth for veterinary teams.
MLS Laser Therapy is a patented emission system designed to deliver powerful, simultaneous effects on pain, inflammation, contracture, and edema, all without risk of thermal damage. Its unique synchronization of therapeutic wavelengths ensures that results are not only effective but also reinforced by the synergy of multiple biological effects.
Extend Care Beyond the Clinic
The Cutting Edge At-Home Therapy Laser empowers pet owners to continue supportive laser treatments safely and conveniently between visits. Because the effects of laser therapy are cumulative, at-home treatments work synergistically with in-clinic MLS Therapy Laser sessions maintain progress, improving outcomes, and increasing patient comfort.
