Pain Management
Comprehensive Pain Management for Your Pet
When it comes to managing your pet’s pain, our practice is dedicated to offering the highest quality care, combining compassion with the most effective medical treatments available. We craft a personalized pain management plan tailored to meet your pet’s specific needs, which may include medication, complementary therapies, or a combination of both.
Just like their human companions, pets can experience aches and pains, whether it’s a fondness for popcorn or a sore hip. Research shows that animals experience pain in ways similar to humans, which is why you might recognize some of the medications and treatments we use. Common medications we prescribe include analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-anxiety medications, or topical anesthetics. However, it’s crucial to never give your pet human medications without consulting us first, as many can cause severe, irreversible reactions in animals. As with young children, be sure to keep all medications out of your pet’s reach.
In addition to medications, we might recommend lifestyle changes to help manage your pet’s pain. This could involve a special diet, soft bedding, more exercise, raised food and water dishes, or simply more cuddle time.
Complementary therapies often play a significant role in pain relief for pets. Acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutritional support, and physical therapy can greatly enhance our ability to manage your pet’s pain. Familiar therapies like massage, heat application, and strength-building exercises are often used alongside advanced technologies such as low-level laser therapy, ultrasound, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Acupuncture is another effective treatment we frequently recommend.
Understanding whether your pet’s pain is acute or chronic is the first step in determining the cause. Acute pain typically arises suddenly from a specific event, such as an injury. In contrast, chronic pain persists over time, often due to conditions like joint inflammation, arthritis, or untreated dental issues.
Early intervention is key to effective pain management. Common signs that your pet might be in pain include:
- Limping
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Vocalization
- Changes in temperament or behavior
- Excessive licking of a particular area
- Altered bathroom habits
- Panting
- Visible third eyelid
- Hiding
If you notice any of these signs, contact our practice immediately so we can begin to help your pet.
Alternative Therapies
In addition to conventional pain management practices, All Pets Animal Hospital & 24-Hour Emergency Care offers a range of nonpharmaceutical and noninvasive options, including:
Massage Therapy: Not only does it provide extra affection, but pet massage also helps relieve muscle tension, stiffness, and soreness, promoting increased mobility and blood flow.
Heat Therapy: Applying heat can reduce inflammation and boost blood flow to areas in need of healing, offering comfort that allows pets to relax and focus their energy on recovery.
Water Treadmill: For pets in too much pain to exercise, the water treadmill offers a way to stay active without bearing full weight on sore joints and muscles, breaking the cycle of pain and limited mobility.
Pet Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises can be used therapeutically to reduce pain and enhance strength and mobility.
Laser Therapy: By stimulating cell growth, laser therapy promotes healing while reducing inflammation and pain.
Acupuncture: We can refer pets to trusted acupuncture services, which have proven beneficial for many animals. We are here to support your pet’s well-being and comfort. Please reach out with any questions or concerns, and let us help your pet live a pain-free life.