Pain Management for Pets

Because Pain Isn’t Always Obvious

Pain management for pets is one of the most important aspects of keeping your dog or cat healthy and happy.
Animals instinctively hide pain — it’s part of their survival instinct — which means your pet could be uncomfortable long before you notice any visible signs.

At My Kind of Vet, we believe no pet should live with untreated pain.
We help families recognise subtle signs of discomfort and use safe, modern pain management for pets to restore comfort and quality of life at every age.

How to Recognise Pain for Pets

Pain isn’t always dramatic. It often appears as changes in movement, behaviour, or routine rather than obvious limping or crying.
Recognising these early is the first step in effective pain management for pets.

Common Signs in Dogs

• Slowing down or reluctance to walk

• Hesitating on stairs, jumping, or getting into the car

• Stiffness after rest or exercise

• Whining, panting, or restlessness

• Licking joints or a specific body part

• Withdrawal or irritability

Common Signs in Cats

Cats are experts at hiding pain, especially as they age.
Look for:

• Jumping less or avoiding high places

• Reluctance to play or groom

• Changes in toileting or litter box habits

• Hiding more often

• Subtle posture changes or “hesitant walking”

For more on feline pain indicators, see International Cat Care’s guide to pain in cats.

If your pet has slowed down or seems “old,” it’s often pain — not ageing — that’s to blame. Early attention to pain management for pets can transform their quality of life.

The Danger of the “Wait and See” Approach

Many families assume slowing down is a normal part of ageing, but waiting can lead to months or years of unnecessary pain.
Early pain management for pets doesn’t just make them more comfortable — it helps preserve mobility, confidence, and happiness.

We often see incredible improvements in dogs and cats once their pain is properly addressed.

Modern, Multi-Modal Pain Management for Pets

Pain relief isn’t one-size-fits-all.
At My Kind of Vet, we use a multi-modal approach to pain management for pets, combining several safe and effective therapies to target pain from different angles.

Our treatment plans may include:

• Medications: modern anti-inflammatories, joint injections, and nerve-modulating drugs that are safe for long-term use when monitored correctly.

• Laser Therapy: promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and improves mobility for arthritis and injuries.

• Joint supplements and nutraceuticals: glucosamine, omega-3s, and green-lipped mussel to support cartilage and joint health.

• Acupuncture and physical therapies: available through our Integrative Medicine services.

• Lifestyle modifications: weight management, gentle exercise, and mobility aids.

Modern veterinary pain management for pets is safe, flexible, and effective — often combining medication with natural and physical therapies for the best outcome.

Pain Prevention During Surgery

Managing pain starts before, during, and after every procedure.
Our Surgery & Anaesthesia protocols include tailored anaesthetic plans, pre-emptive pain relief, and post-operative monitoring to keep your pet comfortable from start to finish.
Effective pain management for pets during surgery supports faster recovery and less stress afterward.

Supporting Senior Pets

As pets age, arthritis and chronic pain become more common — but discomfort doesn’t have to be part of getting older.
Regular health checks and early pain management for pets can add years of comfort and mobility to your pet’s life.

Visit our Senior Pet Care page to learn how we support ageing pets with proactive care and pain control.

Compassionate, Fear-Free Care

We understand that pets in pain may be anxious, sensitive, or fearful.
Our fear-free certified team takes a calm, gentle approach — using treats, slow handling, and low-stress techniques to make visits comfortable and positive.

This approach allows us to assess your pet more accurately and ensure pain management for pets remains compassionate and stress-free.

Helping Pets Live Happier, Pain-Free Lives

If your dog or cat is slowing down, limping, or just “not themselves,” don’t wait — we can help.
Even small changes can make a big difference in comfort, movement, and happiness.for