Pain Management

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR PET IS IN PAIN

Accepting New Patients

Flexible Payment Options

Drop-Offs Available

Pain Management for Pets

Whether your beloved pet is showing signs of arthritis as they age, or recovering from an injury or illness, you don’t have to go through it alone. At our hospital, we partner with you to provide veterinary pain management for pets, because every pet deserves to feel their best.

Pets don’t always show pain the way we expect. Many dogs and cats instinctively hide their discomfort until it becomes severe. That’s why it’s important to know the subtle signs that something might be wrong.

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Know The Signs

Common Symptoms of Pain in Pets

If you’ve noticed any of the following signs, it’s time to schedule a pain evaluation with our veterinary team:

Limping or favoring a limb
Stiffness or difficulty moving
Avoiding play, running, or jumping
Sudden changes in behavior—grouchiness, depression, or withdrawal
Crying, whining, or whimpering
Loss of appetite
Pawing at the eyes, ears, or mouth
Excessive licking, scratching, or biting at a specific area
Vocalizing or flinching when touched or picked up
Bathroom accidents in the house
Hiding more than usual (especially in cats)

We’ll perform a complete physical exam and work closely with you to develop a personalized pain management plan.

Tailored Pain Relief Plans for Your Pet

Depending on your pet’s condition, age, and overall health, we may recommend a combination of the following pain management options:

Lifestyle Changes

For pets with chronic pain, especially arthritis, small adjustments at home can make a big difference:

Non-slip rugs or mats to prevent falls on slick floors
Pet stairs or ramps for easier access to furniture or the car
Orthopedic beds or cushions to support sore joints
Healthy weight loss to reduce joint stress

Supplements

Joint-supporting supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and improve mobility. We’ll help you choose high-quality products that are right for your pet.

Pain Medications

Veterinary-prescribed medications can greatly improve your pet’s quality of life, especially when chronic pain is involved. We’ll discuss the safest options, using the lowest effective doses, to keep your pet happy, active, and comfortable.

Important: Never give your pet human pain medications without veterinary guidance—many are toxic to animals. We have safe, pet-specific options available.

Acupuncture for Pets

Veterinary acupuncture is a time-tested, holistic therapy that can be incredibly effective for managing pain, inflammation, and stress in pets. This technique involves inserting ultra-thin, sterile needles into specific points on your pet’s body to stimulate natural healing processes.

What is Acupuncture Used for?

It’s commonly used for conditions such as:

Arthritis and joint pain
Neurological disorders (e.g., nerve injury, spinal issues)
Post-surgical recovery
Gastrointestinal problems
Chronic pain and inflammation

Acupuncture works by encouraging the body to release endorphins (natural painkillers) and improve circulation. Most pets tolerate it very well, even those who are shy or nervous. In fact, many dogs and cats become very calm during treatment, and some even fall asleep!

What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?

The benefits of acupuncture include:

No drugs or harsh side effects.
Can complement other treatments or medications.
Suitable for both chronic and acute conditions.
Enhances overall wellness and balance.

We tailor every acupuncture session to your pet’s individual needs and comfort level, with careful monitoring throughout.

Ready to Help Your Pet Feel Better?

Pain doesn’t have to be a part of your pet’s daily life. Contact our hospital today to learn more about our pain management services. We’ll work together to create a treatment plan that’s just right for your pet’s unique needs, so they can get back to doing what they love.

FAQs

How Do I Know if My Pet Is in Pain?

Signs your pet may be in pain include changes in behavior like hiding or aggression, limping, decreased appetite, restlessness, vocalizing more than usual, or changes in grooming habits.

What Types of Conditions Cause Pain in Pets?

Conditions that commonly cause pain in pets include arthritis, injuries, dental disease, infections, cancer, and certain chronic illnesses.

What’s the Difference Between Chronic & Acute Pain?

Acute pain is sudden and usually short-term, often caused by injury or surgery, while chronic pain is long-lasting and ongoing, often linked to conditions like arthritis or nerve damage.

Will My Pet Need Frequent Visits for Pain Management?

Depending on your pet’s condition, frequent visits may be needed to monitor and adjust pain management plans to keep them comfortable and improve their quality of life.

Did You Know?

We Offer Flexible Payment Options

We believe every pet deserves top-notch care—and that cost shouldn’t stand in the way. That’s why we offer flexible payment options to help you plan and pay for your pet’s care with confidence. Click the button below to learn more about how we handle payments and pet insurance at our hospital.

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Veterinary Care, Your Way

Our goal is to make veterinary care convenient and accessible for all pet owners in Charles Town and Surrounding Communities . Choose the contact method that works best for you.

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During our operating hours, call or text our hospital number and our team will be happy to assist you.

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Schedule your pet’s appointment any time through our website’s appointment scheduler.