Pain Management

Pain can significantly impact your pet’s quality of life. Unfortunately, dogs and cats are very good at hiding discomfort, which means pain can sometimes go unnoticed until it begins affecting mobility, behaviour, or appetite.

At Mill Street Animal Clinic, our goal is to recognize and treat pain early so your pet can continue living a comfortable, active life. Whether pain is caused by injury, surgery, arthritis, or chronic medical conditions, our team works closely with you to create a treatment plan that supports your pet’s health and wellbeing.

Signs your pet may be in pain

Because pets cannot tell us when something hurts, subtle changes in behaviour are often the first clue. Some common signs of pain in dogs and cats include:

• Limping or difficulty getting up

• Reluctance to jump, run, or climb stairs

• Changes in appetite

• Decreased activity or withdrawal

• Excessive licking or chewing at a specific area

• Changes in temperament such as irritability or hiding

• Whining, panting, or restlessness

If you notice any of these signs, it may indicate your pet is experiencing discomfort and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Our approach to pain management

Pain management is not one-size-fits-all. Every pet is different, and the most effective treatment plans are tailored to the individual animal and the underlying cause of pain.

Our veterinarians take a comprehensive approach that may include:

• Prescription anti-inflammatory medications

• Pain relief medications for acute or chronic conditions

• Joint support therapies and supplements

• Weight management recommendations

• Activity modification and mobility support

• Monitoring and follow-up assessments

By combining different treatment strategies when needed, we can often significantly improve your pet’s comfort and daily function.

Managing chronic pain

Conditions such as arthritis, spinal disease, or long-term injuries can cause ongoing discomfort for pets as they age. Chronic pain may develop gradually and can affect your pet’s ability to move, play, or rest comfortably.

With proper management, many pets with chronic pain can maintain a high quality of life for years. Our team will work with you to monitor your pet’s condition and adjust treatment as needed to keep them comfortable and active.

Supporting your pet at home

Your role at home is an important part of managing your pet’s pain. Small adjustments to their environment can make a big difference, including:

• Providing supportive bedding

• Limiting slippery flooring

• Using ramps or steps for furniture or vehicles

• Maintaining a healthy body weight

• Following medication and supplement schedules as prescribed

We are always happy to discuss ways you can make your pet more comfortable in their daily routine.

Our goal: comfort and quality of life

Pain management is an essential part of modern veterinary medicine. By identifying pain early and treating it effectively, we can help pets stay active, mobile, and happy.

If you suspect your pet may be experiencing discomfort, our team is here to help. Together we can develop a plan to restore comfort and improve your pet’s overall quality of life.