Pets in shelters, rescue groups, foster homes or permanent homes all have this in common: It can be difficult to know for sure if they’re in pain.
Because untreated pain causes suffering, can alter a pet’s personality, makes adoption difficult and puts space and resource crunches on an organization, it’s essential that shelters and rescue groups develop reliable tools for knowing whether a cat or dog is in pain.
One such tool is the Colorado State University Pain Scale, a simple illustrated form that can be used to identify even subtle physical, emotional and behavioral signs of pain, and help determine its seriousness.
There are two such forms, one for cats and one for dogs, and both can be downloaded for free at the links below:
Remember, pain doesn’t just hurt, it causes harm. Don’t miss a hidden sign!
Also of interest:
New guidelines on managing pain in cats and dogs