Central Sensitisation in Pets
Understanding Central Sensitisation in Pets: Why Some Pain Becomes Harder to Treat
Chronic pain doesn’t just affect the body — over time, it can rewire how the nervous system perceives and processes discomfort. This phenomenon is known as central sensitisation.
Think of your pet’s nervous system like a home security alarm. Normally, the alarm only goes off when something serious happens — like a break-in. But with central sensitisation, it’s as if the alarm becomes faulty and starts blaring when a leaf blows past the window. The system has become overly sensitive and starts to react to harmless stimuli.
When a pet experiences ongoing pain or inflammation, their spinal cord and brain (the central nervous system) can become hyper-sensitive. This heightened state causes pain signals to be amplified. As a result, sensations that would normally be mild or non-painful — like a gentle pat or shifting positions on a bed — can start to trigger significant discomfort.
You may notice your pet flinching at light touch, being restless at night, avoiding certain movements, or appearing more grumpy or withdrawn. These are subtle but meaningful signs that their nervous system may be in a state of overactivation.
What Helps Calm Down an Overactive Pain Pathway?
Managing central sensitisation takes a gentle, multimodal approach — combining different therapies to target pain from multiple angles. Below are several tools that may help:
1. Paracetamol
Acts centrally in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain perception. It may also interact with the endocannabinoid system to provide additional calming effects on nerve pathways.
2. Amantadine
Originally an antiviral and medication used in Parkinson’s Disease, amantadine works by blocking NMDA receptors involved in chronic pain and "wind-up" — where pain becomes progressively worse over time. It is particularly useful in pets with nerve pain or osteoarthritis.
3. Gabapentin
Targets calcium channels in the nervous system, helping to calm overexcited nerves. It’s especially helpful for nerve-related pain and may also improve restfulness.
4. Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)
Rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil helps reduce systemic inflammation, which can contribute to central sensitisation. If central sensitisation is suspected, higher doses up to three times a day is recommended. It also supports brain and nerve function.
5. Antihistamines
While commonly used for allergies, some antihistamines may assist in calming the nervous system when inflammation or itch contributes to discomfort.
6. PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide)
A natural fatty acid that supports the endocannabinoid system and reduces inflammation. PEA has shown benefits in calming neuroinflammation and is safe for long-term use.
7. Low Dose Ketamine
A newer option in chronic pain in the last decade, ketamine blocks NMDA receptors and may help 'reset' the nervous system when other treatments haven’t worked. Can be used in microdoses by your vet at home.
8. Physical Therapies
Hydrotherapy, acupuncture, physiotherapy and massage help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and release endorphins — natural pain-relieving chemicals.
9. Environmental & Emotional Support
Comfortable bedding, warm spaces, gentle routines, and pain-aware handling can make a big difference. Pets with chronic pain may also benefit from calming music, low-stimulation environments, and emotional reassurance.
10. Botox
Hold this space. More information coming soon! (very exciting)
The Takeaway
Central sensitisation can make chronic pain more complicated to manage, but it also gives us a clear direction: we need to care not just for the body, but for the nervous system too.
By layering gentle, targeted treatments and monitoring your pet’s comfort closely, we can help dial down the pain response and support a calmer, happier life for your pet.
If you suspect your pet may be experiencing signs of nervous system sensitisation, please reach out — a personalised, compassionate plan can make all the difference.
Further Reading & Resources:
Research Articles:
Evoked Temporal Summation in Cats to Highlight Central Sensitization Related to Osteoarthritis-Associated Chronic Pain
Read the studyNociceptive and Neuropathic Chronic Pain: Treatments for Dogs and Cats
Access the PDFAssessment of Quality of Life and Chronic Pain in Dogs
Read the study2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
Download the guidelines
Websites:
Canine Arthritis Management (CAM): Visit website
AAHA: Pain Management Guidelines: Explore AAHA
IASP Pain in Animals: Explore IASP