Senior Pet Wellness: How to Identify and Treat Chronic Pain

Getting older is part of life- and our pets, just like us, feel the aches and pains that come with age. But unlike us, they can’t tell you what hurts. That’s why chronic pain in senior pets often goes unnoticed. It creeps in gradually, sometimes mistaken for “just getting older,” when in fact it’s something we can treat and manage.

At Krichel Animal Hospital, we see many aging pets who seem slower, stiffer, or less interested in activities they used to love. Often, pain is the hidden reason. In this blog, we’ll help you understand what chronic pain looks like in older pets, what causes it, and what we can do together to improve their comfort and quality of life.

What Is Chronic Pain in Pets?

Chronic pain is pain that lingers- lasting longer than three months or beyond the typical healing time for an injury. Unlike sudden injuries, chronic pain is often subtle. It can affect everything from movement and sleep to appetite and mood.

Common Causes of Chronic Pain

Cause Description
Osteoarthritis Degeneration of joint cartilage causing stiffness and inflammation
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) Spinal disc issues that press on nerves, leading to pain or weakness
Cancer Tumors in bones or soft tissues can be painful and progressive
Dental Disease Tooth and gum issues may cause ongoing discomfort, especially while eating
Neuropathic Pain Nerve damage from injury or illness can create lasting pain signals

For a deeper dive into mobility challenges and aging, check out the Mobility Matters Guide – AAHA.

Why Chronic Pain Deserves Attention

Pain doesn’t just slow your pet down- it can quietly reshape every part of their daily life. When movement becomes difficult, they may stop playing, struggle to get comfortable, or become less interested in the world around them. Some pets adapt so subtly that the signs are easy to miss. But left untreated, chronic pain affects more than just their mobility.

Discomfort impacts mental health, sleep, appetite, and immune function. You might notice your pet becoming withdrawn, irritable, or less social. They may shy away from touch, sleep in odd places, or lose interest in food. And those changes? They’re not just signs of age. They’re signs of pain.

Recognizing and treating chronic discomfort early helps preserve strength, reduce stress, and restore quality of life- for your pet and for you.

Spotting the Clues: Behavior and Body Language

You know your pet better than anyone, so trust your instincts when something seems “off.” Subtle changes in behavior or movement often point to underlying pain.

Your dog may hesitate before jumping on furniture or avoid stairs entirely. Playtime might not last as long as it used to, or your pet may prefer solitude over interaction. Some sleep more during the day but pace at night, unable to settle. Others lick or chew at sore spots, vocalize when touched, or act restless without a clear reason.

Cats, in particular, may simply retreat. Reduced grooming, poor coat condition, or changes in litter box habits often reflect physical discomfort.

Physically, you might notice stiffness after rest, limping, or awkward movement. Muscle loss, joint swelling, or increased panting- especially when your pet is at rest- are all important signals. Pain isn’t always loud. It’s often quiet, persistent, and hidden behind changes in routine.

For more examples, refer to What’s Wrong? Common Pet Pain Signs.

When Pain and Cognitive Changes Overlap

In senior pets, chronic pain can mimic cognitive decline- or make it worse. If your older pet seems confused, anxious, or disconnected, the root cause may be physical, mental, or a combination of both. Pain-related behaviors like restlessness, vocalizing, or disrupted sleep may be misattributed to aging. That’s why it’s essential to evaluate the full picture.

This guide from Colorado State University offers more insight into the complex connection between physical pain and cognitive dysfunction in older pets.

How We Diagnose Chronic Pain

At Krichel Animal Hospital, we take a comprehensive approach to uncovering the source of your pet’s pain. It starts with listening- because your observations are often the most important clue.

After reviewing your pet’s history and behavior changes, we perform a hands-on physical exam, palpating joints and muscles to identify areas of tenderness or reduced mobility. A neurologic assessment may be used to evaluate nerve function and reflexes.

From there, we may recommend:

  • X-rays to identify joint degeneration, fractures, or tumors
  • CT or MRI for more detailed views of the spine or internal structures
  • Lab work to screen for underlying illnesses or rule out infection
  • Joint fluid analysis to confirm inflammation in specific areas

Want more on common diagnostics? Visit Preventive Testing for Senior Pets – Zoetis.

How We Treat Chronic Pain in Pets

There’s no single cure-all for chronic pain, which is why we use a multimodal approach. Combining medical treatment, physical therapy, nutrition, and home support helps us manage pain from multiple angles.

Medications like NSAIDs are often the first line of defense against inflammation. For nerve pain, we may recommend Gabapentin or Tramadol. In more severe cases, opioids are used carefully and with close monitoring. Newer medications that are monthly injectables like Librela and Solensia can also be added to your pet’s pain management.

We also support pain management with nutritional supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids. This guide from Purina explores more supplement options for senior dogs.

Physical rehabilitation plays a big role too. Hydrotherapy allows for low-impact exercise that builds strength. We may also recommend assistive devices like slings or carts- this list from Canine Arthritis Resources highlights helpful tools.

Krichel Animal Hospital also offers laser therapy, which promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and can be especially effective for arthritis and soft tissue pain. Read more about laser therapy here – AKC.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Pain that goes unaddressed rarely stays the same. Over time, your pet may experience:

  • Increased muscle loss and joint degeneration
  • Heightened stress and anxiety
  • Changes in behavior and reduced appetite
  • Immune system suppression due to chronic cortisol elevation

Treating pain early helps maintain strength, mobility, and the ability to enjoy daily life.
Creating a Supportive Home Environment

Helping your pet feel better doesn’t stop at the clinic door. The home environment plays a major role in ongoing comfort and mobility.

Simple changes- like placing rugs over slippery floors, offering orthopedic beds, or installing ramps- can prevent slips and reduce joint stress. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is essential, as every extra pound adds strain. Regular, gentle exercise keeps joints moving without overexertion.

Your involvement makes all the difference. These simple steps support comfort and healing:

  • Keep a symptom journal to track good days, bad days, and changes
  • Maintain consistent routines to reduce stress
  • Use short, low-impact play sessions or walks to encourage movement
  • Use rugs, low-entry litterboxes, ramps, and stairs onto couches or beds to limit falls
  • Offer mental stimulation with wagon rides, puzzle toys, or gentle training sessions

Explore Arthritis-Friendly Home for Dogs – Zoetis for more pet-friendly home setup tips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Pain in Pets

Q: Isn’t pain just part of getting older?
 A: It’s common, but not something your pet has to endure. With proper care, we can manage it effectively and improve quality of life.

Q: Can pets get addicted to pain medications?
 A: True addiction in pets is extremely rare. When prescribed correctly and monitored by a veterinarian, pain meds are a safe and valuable tool.

Q: How will I know if treatment is working?
 A: Most owners notice subtle but meaningful improvements: easier movement, better sleep, renewed interest in play, or improved mood and appetite.

Q: What should I bring to the appointment?
 A: Videos of your pet walking or interacting at home, a list of medications, and notes on any changes in behavior or routine are all extremely helpful.
Want to learn more about supporting your senior pet? This AAHA senior pet care guide is a helpful reference.

We’re Here to Help

Watching your pet slow down or struggle with chronic pain is difficult- but you’re not in it alone. At Krichel Animal Hospital, we’re here to guide you through each step, offering medical support, home strategies, and personalized treatment plans to help your pet live fully and comfortably.

If you’re seeing signs of pain or have questions about your senior pet’s health, schedule a visit or meet our team. Together, we’ll give your pet the comfort and care they deserve.