Dr. Jennifer Johnson talks with Evie about educating pet owners to recognize pain in their dogs. She highlights the importance of early intervention, explaining how many signs of pain are subtle and often missed. The episode encourages using a multimodal approach to pain management and emphasizes the need for objective tracking through “pain trials.” Early education for pet parents, starting in puppyhood, is crucial for preventing conditions like osteoarthritis. (Published May 2023 - https://youtube.com/live/bvL5TOMQWsg)

Biography

Dr. Jennifer Johnson is a small animal veterinarian with 30 years of experience. She specializes in pain management and has spent the last 15 years educating her peers on multimodal pain management. Dr. Johnson is certified through the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) and has authored several veterinary chapters and articles on pain management, including the chapter on pain management in Laser Therapy in Veterinary Medicine (Wiley, 2017).

Key Takeaways

1. Recognize pain early: Dogs are skilled at hiding pain, so owners must look for subtle behavioral changes rather than waiting for overt signs.


2. Multimodal management: Use a combination of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical approaches to address chronic pain effectively.


3. Objective monitoring: Track behaviors before and after treatment to measure improvements and make informed decisions about ongoing care.


4. Start education early: Begin educating owners during puppyhood to help prevent conditions like osteoarthritis and ensure long-term joint health.


5. Ongoing owner education: Many owners still struggle to accept their pets’ pain, making ongoing education vital for improving pet care.

Relevant Links

The Chronic Pain Symposium 2025 by CAM offers a comprehensive exploration of chronic pain management in animals, featuring expert speakers, innovative treatments, and the latest research advancements. - https://www.camonlineshop.com/chronic-pain-symposium-2025/
Mention of CAM’s Puppy Guidelines download for preventing future joint issues - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CAM-Puppy-Guidance-Caregiver-Handout.pdf
Is My Dog in Pain course, an educational resource for owners on managing pain in dogs - https://www.cameducation.co.uk
IVAPM -The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) is dedicated to advancing pain management education, advocacy, and research to improve the quality of life for animals. - https://www.ivapm.org

Want to try the Canine Brief Pain Inventory for your dog?

This tool is a great way to track your dog’s pain and mobility, helping you and your vet make better decisions about their care. - https://www.vet.upenn.edu/docs/default-source/VCIC/canine-bpi.pdf?sfvrsn=6fd20eba_0

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Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.