Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals. Pets may not show the same symptoms of pain as people do; they usually don't whine or cry, but you can be sure they feel it. Pain medications needed will depend on the surgery performed. Major procedures require more pain relief than things like minor lacerations.
The medications we recommend are less likely to cause stomach upset and are safe for most pets. On the day of surgery, we administer a couple types of pain medication via injections. After surgery, pain medication is prescribed on a case by case basis. Any animal that appears painful will receive additional pain medication.
For dogs, we may recommend an oral anti-inflammatory for several days following the surgery to lessen the risk of discomfort and swelling. Because cats do not tolerate standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatories as well, we are more limited in what we can give them. Thankfully, recent advances in pain medications have allowed better pain control in cats than ever before. If we feel your cat needs additional pain medications, we will send home an oral liquid that can help ease any discomfort.
Providing whatever pain relief is appropriate is a humane and caring thing to do for your pet.