Pain Management
For pets recovering from surgery, injury, or living with chronic pain
Pain isn't always obvious in pets — many hide it well. Whether your pet is recovering from surgery or dealing with the stiffness of arthritis, a tailored pain management plan helps keep them comfortable and moving.
Walk-ins welcome during office hours. Appointments are only required for surgeries — call us to schedule those.
Who Needs This?
- Pets recovering from surgery or a significant injury
- Senior dogs and cats with arthritis or joint pain
- Pets with chronic conditions that cause ongoing discomfort
- Any pet who seems less active, stiff, or reluctant to move
Signs Your Pet May Need This
- Stiffness, especially after resting or first thing in the morning
- Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or go on walks
- Limping or favoring a leg
- Behavior changes like irritability or hiding
- Slower to rise, or difficulty getting comfortable
What to Expect
- 1
Pain assessment
We evaluate how your pet moves, behaves, and responds to touch to identify where and how significant the discomfort is.
- 2
Identifying the cause
Pain management works best alongside treating the underlying cause, whether that's arthritis, surgery recovery, or another condition.
- 3
A tailored plan
We combine medication, and when appropriate, weight management or activity modifications, to keep your pet comfortable.
- 4
Ongoing adjustment
Chronic pain plans are reassessed over time as your pet's needs change.
Recovery & Aftercare
For post-surgical pain, comfort typically improves steadily over the days following the procedure as directed by your discharge instructions. For chronic pain like arthritis, the goal is ongoing comfort and mobility rather than a fixed recovery timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my older pet is in pain?
Pets often hide pain well. Watch for stiffness, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, changes in appetite or mood, and slower movement, especially after rest.
Are pain medications safe for long-term use in pets?
Many pain medications are safe for extended use under veterinary supervision, with periodic monitoring to check for any side effects, especially with long-term use.
What can I do at home to help a pet with arthritis?
Supportive bedding, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlled exercise all help alongside any prescribed medication. We can tailor specific recommendations to your pet.
Is it normal for my pet to be sore after surgery?
Some soreness is expected, but pets should not seem severely painful. We send every surgical patient home with a pain management plan, and want to hear from you if it doesn't seem to be enough.
What Does It Cost?
Cost depends on whether pain management is short-term, following surgery, or an ongoing plan for a chronic condition. We'll discuss options and cost as part of your pet's overall treatment plan.
