As we close out the month of September, the Pain Innovations Research Laboratory (PIRL) would like to highlight Animal Pain Awareness Month by sharing a project that brought our mission beyond the laboratory and into the Gainesville community.
The PIRL team recently painted a mural on Gainesville’s 34th Street Wall to help educate the public about signs of pain to look for in their dogs and cats. Pain can be difficult to recognize, and subtle changes in behavior, movement, appetite, or daily activities may be important indicators that a pet is experiencing pain.
Through this mural, we hope to encourage pet owners to become more familiar with these signs and recognize when their animals may need veterinary attention. We are proud to share our work with the community and help promote greater awareness of animal pain and the importance of appropriate pain assessment and management.
Veterinary Pain Resources
There are several valuable resources available to help veterinary professionals and pet parents learn more about recognizing and managing pain.
Zero Pain Philosophy provides education and resources focused on recognizing, preventing, and managing pain in veterinary patients.
The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) offers education and resources dedicated to veterinary pain management, including species-specific materials to help identify signs of pain. IVAPM also provides opportunities for veterinary professionals to pursue advanced credentials in pain management, including the Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) credential for veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians.
We encourage veterinary professionals, pet parents, and anyone who works with animals to explore these resources and learn more about recognizing pain across species.
As we head into October and welcome the fall season, we hope our mural serves as a reminder to look beyond the surface and pay attention to the small changes that may indicate pain in our pets. If you’re out enjoying Gainesville’s 34th Street, be sure to stop by and check it out!
From our research laboratory to our local community, PIRL is committed to advancing how we recognize, assess, and manage pain in animals.
