Pain Management
Your pet deserves comfort at every stage of life. Our Pain Management team uses advanced medications, therapies, and individualized care plans to reduce pain, promote healing, and help your pet enjoy a happier, more active life.
Don't Let Your Pet Suffer
Left untreated, pain can degrade every aspect of your pet’s health, happiness, and wellbeing. From small changes in their normal routine to complete immobility, pain is a very powerful sensation that can be a dark cloud in your pet’s life. Knowing how overwhelming it can to be to experience intense or ongoing pain for yourself, you can likely imagine what your pet is going through when you notice signs of pain.
At 1st Pet, we consider management of both acute and chronic pain in dogs and cats to be one of our most important goals. Our doctors and staff are trained to recognize pain and use the most advanced medications available, and in some cases can offer complementary options, such as medical laser, acupuncture, and physical therapy.
How to Tell if Your Cat or Dog is in Pain
Pets can’t tell us when something hurts, and many hide their pain well. Here are some common signs to watch for:
Changes in Movement
Less active or avoiding favorite activities
Trouble getting up or lying down
Avoiding stairs, jumping, or getting into the car
Changes in Body
Unusual posture (head, tail, or back held differently)
Heavy panting or changes in breathing
Eye problems (redness, cloudiness, squinting, discharge, rubbing)
Changes in Behavior
More aggressive (growling, biting, showing teeth)
Restlessness (pacing, over-grooming, getting up and down often)
Changes in bathroom habits (frequency, position, or stool consistency)
What Can I do to Help My Pet?
Even if you suspect pain, you should not give your pet any medication unless directed by a veterinarian. Medication that you have on hand might seem like a quick solution, but many human medications are poisonous to pets and those that are actually helpful often require very different dosing to be safely given. Even medications prescribed for pain in one pet may not be ideal for another, or could be harmful. Reducing circumstances that cause your pet additional pain (using stairs, getting up and down from raised areas, walking across slippery surfaces, etc.) can help prevent additional pain, but only a veterinarian can determine the cause, extent, and best treatment for your pet’s pain.
How do You Treat a Cat or Dog in Pain?
Every pet feels and responds to pain differently. It may take a little trial and error—or a mix of treatments—to find what works best. After reviewing your pet’s history, lifestyle, and symptoms, your veterinarian may recommend:
Medication: pain relievers, muscle relaxers, or steroids
Rehabilitation therapy: underwater treadmill, massage, exercise, laser therapy, or electrical stimulation
Acupuncture: fine needles placed at specific points to reduce pain
Lifestyle changes: adjusting routines to avoid activities that cause repeated pain or injury
If your pet shows signs of pain, contact a veterinarian. At 1st Pet, you can book an appointment with a general practice doctor for ongoing care, or come in immediately for emergency service if the pain is urgent. Not sure what to do? Call us—we’re here to help.