Arthritis & Pain Management

Supporting your pet’s comfort and quality of life every day.

Pain management in pets extends far beyond arthritis and joint disease. Dogs and cats of any age can experience pain from injuries, surgical procedures, dental disease, internal illness, or other chronic conditions. Identifying and addressing pain early is essential, as untreated discomfort can lead to changes in behavior, mobility, appetite, and overall health.

Senior dogs and cats commonly develop arthritis, which can cause stiffness, limping, and difficulty moving or jumping. Arthritis is frequently underdiagnosed since pets are good at disguising their discomfort. Subtle changes are often mistaken for normal aging, which makes the early signs of arthritis easy to overlook. Starting treatment early can greatly improve mobility and overall quality of life. Pain causes the release of a multitude of chemical mediators that adversely affect the body.

Early signs of arthritis:

  • Decreased play
  • Sleeping more or becoming less active
  • Slow to rise from sitting or lying down
  • Hesitation climbing or jumping
  • Stiffness while moving or getting up
  • Limping after exercise

Treatment options for arthritis include:

  • High quality joint supplements
  • Weight loss and maintaining ideal weight
  • Pain medication
  • Physical therapy/ rehabilitation
  • At home exercise program
  • Laser and acupuncture

Treatment plans are tailored to each individual pet based on the source and severity of pain. When a pet is experiencing significant discomfort, a more aggressive approach may be necessary to break the pain cycle and restore comfort. Once pain is effectively controlled, we can often transition to a less intensive maintenance plan to keep them comfortable and improve their long-term quality of life.