09/08/2026
🍂🐾 September is Animal Pain Awareness Month 🐾🍂
Our pets can’t tell us, “My knee hurts,” “My hips are sore,” or “I’m uncomfortable today.” And unfortunately, many dogs and cats are very good at hiding pain.
That’s why recognizing the little changes at home can be so important. ❤️
You may notice your pet:
🐾 Taking longer to get up after resting
🐾 Hesitating before jumping on furniture or getting into the car
🐾 Struggling with stairs
🐾 Limping or walking more slowly
🐾 Sleeping more or playing less
🐾 Licking or chewing at a certain area
🐾 Becoming irritable or not wanting to be touched
🐾 Having difficulty getting comfortable
🐾 Grooming themselves less, especially cats
🐾 Simply “not acting like themselves”
The good news is that there are many ways we can help manage pain. 🩺
Depending on your pet, their diagnosis, age, overall health, and other medications, your veterinarian may discuss options such as:
💊 Carprofen — an NSAID commonly used in dogs to help manage pain and inflammation, including discomfort associated with osteoarthritis.
💊 Galliprant® (grapiprant) — a prescription medication specifically used to control pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
💉 Librela® (bedinvetmab) — a once-monthly injection used to help control osteoarthritis pain in dogs.
🦴 Joint-support supplements — products containing ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine/chondroitin, or other joint-support ingredients may be recommended as part of a multimodal plan for certain pets.
Pain management isn’t always about just one medication. Your veterinarian may recommend a combination of medication, weight management, appropriate exercise, rehabilitation, environmental changes, and joint support based on your pet’s individual needs.
⚠️ Never give your pet human pain medications or start, stop, or change a prescription without speaking with your veterinarian. Some medications that are commonly used by people can be dangerous or even life-threatening to pets, and prescription pain medications may require an exam and appropriate monitoring.
❤️ You know your pet best. If they’re slowing down, acting differently, or you’re wondering whether something you’re seeing could be pain, give us a call.
Sometimes the smallest change at home can tell us a lot.
🐶🐱 Pacific Crest Veterinary
Compassionate care. Healthy pets. Happy families.
