Monitoring Pain and Discomfort at Home

A Free Resource from Calm Cove Pets

Introduction
Senior dogs often hide pain. Owners are in the best position to notice subtle changes in movement, posture, rest, and behavior. Systematic observation helps the veterinary team manage discomfort effectively.

Signs That May Indicate Pain or Discomfort

• Stiffness, limping, or reluctance to move
• Difficulty rising or lying down
• Reduced jumping or climbing
• Changes in posture or weight distribution
• Licking or guarding specific areas
• Irritability, withdrawal, or new anxiety
• Altered sleep or restlessness

What You Can Do at Home (No Extra Purchases Needed)

• Observe at consistent times of day
  • Morning stiffness and post-exercise changes are particularly informative.
• Note specific activities that seem difficult
  • Stairs, getting into the car, play, etc.
• Keep a simple log of observations
  • Helps track response to treatment.
• Avoid assuming changes are "just old age"
  • Many are treatable.
• Share videos with your veterinarian when helpful
  • Movement is often clearer on video than in a short exam.

Helpful Tools & Solutions

• Veterinary pain assessment and multimodal management
  • Core of effective care.
• Follow-up evaluations after treatment changes
  • Allow fine-tuning.
• Environmental supports that reduce strain
  • Complement medical pain control.
• Owner education on recognizing pain signs
  • Improves early detection.

When to See a Veterinarian
Any persistent or progressive sign of discomfort warrants evaluation. Pain management plans often need adjustment over time.

How Calm Cove Pets Can Support You
Reducing daily physical strain supports pain management efforts. At Calm Cove Pets we offer comfort solutions that help senior dogs rest and move with less effort.
Browse our collections here:

Senior Care - Orthopedic Comfort, Nutrition & Digestion Support, and Daily Comfort & Care

Anxiety Relief - Noise Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Food Anxiety, and More!

Sources
1. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.
2. 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.
3. AAHA materials on client education for recognizing pain in senior pets.
4. Clinical resources on behavioral and mobility indicators of chronic pain.
5. Veterinary consensus on multimodal pain assessment and monitoring.

This guide is for educational purposes and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for concerns about your individual dog.