I know that dog has chronic pain, now let's convince the owner

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This week's episode of The Vet Blast Podcast dives into the world of animal pain and behavior with guest Michael Petty, DVM. Petty joins host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, to discuss how pain can cause significant changes in an animal's behavior.

From litter box avoidance in cats to social withdrawal in dogs, this episode explores common examples of pain-induced behavioral shifts. Petty also emphasizes the importance of veterinarians considering pain as a potential culprit behind behavioral problems and offers tips for educating pet owners about this crucial link.

Below is a partial transcript.

Adam Christman, DVM, MBA: Do you think that the pendulum has shifted in terms of the pet parents perspective on knowing that animals experience pain? And when they're getting older, there is to your point of arthritis and other ailments.

Michael Petty, DVM: I tell you, the pendulum is a very, very slow swing that way, both in professionals and the caregivers of animals. No one wants to think that their pet is in pain. And so they often write this stuff off as, 'oh, my dog is old, my dog is just...fill in the blank.' And as veterinarians, if the owner doesn't bring it up to us, in these days, everyone's got a tight, tight schedule. Maybe it's at the back of your mind, and maybe it isn't, but you might have a tendency to not really ignore that behavior or you might have a tendency to ignore the behavior or ignore some of the subtle signs, or even take the time to do a proper pain exam on a dog that might need it. For example, a dog that's prone to hip dysplasia, a breed like a golden doodle, and the dog 6-years-old years old, it's time to take a look.