Pain Awareness Month: Embracing Science and Holistic Care for Our Pets

September is Pain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about how we recognize and manage pain in our animal companions. Just like humans, dogs and cats can suffer from both acute and chronic pain. Addressing their pain is not only a medical necessity but also a moral obligation rooted in compassion and respect for the lives we share.

First of all, we should understand that pain is the body’s vital alarm system. It signals actual or potential tissue damage, alerting the brain through the nervous system and prompting protective behaviors such as avoiding further injury. While this response is crucial for survival, pain can sometimes extend beyond its original purpose. When it becomes chronic, it no longer serves as a warning but instead turns maladaptive, affecting physical, emotional, and behavioral health. This transition from protective to persistent pain can severely reduce a pet’s quality of life.

The WSAVA Global Pain Management Guidelines identify pain as the “fourth vital sign,” underscoring its importance alongside temperature, pulse, and respiration. Regular evaluation and prompt treatment of pain are therefore essential components of veterinary care.

Additionally, pain can take various forms, such as inflammatory pain, which is the result of tissue damage and activates nerve endings to send distress signals to the brain. Neuropathic pain, on its turn, arises from damaged or malfunctioning nerves and chronic maladaptive pain, which is often linked to conditions such as osteoarthritis, periodontal disease, spinal disorders, ear infections, gastrointestinal ulcers, or cystitis, serves no biological function and is sustained by cellular mechanisms involving mast cells and microglia. These cells release inflammatory mediators that sensitize the nervous system, locking the body into a cycle of chronic discomfort.

One of the most challenging aspects of veterinary pain management is recognizing discomfort in animals, as they often mask signs of pain. Careful observation is key and changes of behavior such as reduced activity, changes in posture or gait, loss of appetite, altered grooming behavior, withdrawal, or increased irritability may all be subtle indicators of underlying pain.

An effective approach to managing chronic pain should be multimodal and combine various treatments that address different aspects of the condition. These may include homeopathy, nutraceuticals, and complementary therapies such as Reiki and acupuncture.

Regarding Reiki, scientific research has increasingly supported Reiki as a helpful tool in reducing pain, with studies showing improvements in osteoarthritis, post-surgical recovery, and even in cancer patients. But what role might Reiki play in veterinary medicine?

My recent scientific study, “Impact of Distant Reiki on Owner Assessment of Health and Wellbeing of Adult Dogs: A Blinded, Placebo-controlled, Randomized Trial” published in the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (July, 2025), explored the effects of distant Reiki on canine health and well-being. This was the first randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial to investigate Reiki in dogs and  involved 54 adult dogs, all eight years or older, who were divided into two groups: one receiving distant Reiki sessions and another serving as a placebo control.

Over the course of six weeks, dogs in the Reiki group received weekly 30-minute sessions conducted remotely by certified Reiki Masters, while owners remained unaware of group assignments. Pain levels were among the primary outcomes assessed.

The results were promising while dogs in the Reiki group experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain after just three sessions, with even greater improvement by the end of six sessions. By the conclusion of the study, all dogs that suffered from pain in the Reiki group had shown improvement, with more than 70% experiencing moderate to excellent relief. These findings offer preliminary evidence that distant Reiki could be a valuable addition to integrative pain management in veterinary practice.

Beyond Reiki, homeopathy also offers natural tools for managing pain in pets. Remedies such as Rhus toxicodendron, Ruta graveolens, and Arnica montana are often effective for animals with osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal discomfort, for exemple. However, it is essential to remember that homeopathy is individualized and the remedy must be selected based on the totality of the pet’s symptoms, meaning two animals with the same diagnosis may require completely different remedies.

Nutraceuticals are another powerful ally in the holistic management of chronic pain. Among the most noteworthy is PEA, or palmitoylethanolamide, a naturally occurring fatty acid compound that helps modulate inflammation and support long-term pain relief. PEA works by interacting with non-neuronal cells like mast cells and microglia, reducing the inflammatory response that contributes to chronic pain. It also supports the endocannabinoid system, which plays a central role in regulating pain and inflammation. Safe and well-tolerated even over extended periods, PEA is increasingly used in both human and veterinary medicine for conditions like osteoarthritis and neuropathic pain.

Boswellia serrata, an herbal extract derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammation and pain. Its active compounds, known as boswellic acids, inhibit enzymes that drive inflammation and help reduce swelling, improve joint mobility, and protect cartilage. Included in the WSAVA guidelines, Boswellia has demonstrated effectiveness in managing chronic pain in dogs and cats, especially those suffering from joint diseases.

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is another potent natural anti-inflammatory. It works by suppressing inflammatory pathways in the body, including cytokines and enzymes that are known to contribute to pain. Curcumin also possesses strong antioxidant properties, which can help mitigate cellular damage associated with chronic inflammation. When combined with other nutraceuticals like PEA and Boswellia, curcumin's effects may be amplified, offering synergistic benefits in pain management protocols.

Together, these therapies represent a compassionate, evidence-informed approach to veterinary pain care, one that prioritizes not only physical healing but also emotional well-being and quality of life. As we reflect during Pain Awareness Month, we are reminded that identifying and treating pain is essential to honoring the lives of our animal companions. By combining modern scientific knowledge with holistic modalities like Reiki, nutraceuticals, and homeopathy, veterinarians and caregivers can work together to ensure that pets not only live longer but also more comfortable and joyful lives.

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