All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital

Pain Management

Compassionate Care

Pain Management

Pets feel pain just as we do — but they can't tell us. Recognizing and treating pain is one of the most important things we do. Dr. Davis takes a proactive, multimodal approach to keeping your pet comfortable.

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Recognizing Pain in Pets

Animals instinctively hide pain as a survival mechanism, which means by the time obvious signs appear, pain may already be significant. Common signs of pain in dogs and cats include: decreased activity or reluctance to move, changes in posture or gait, reduced appetite, hiding or withdrawal, changes in facial expression, vocalizing (whimpering, growling), excessive grooming or licking of a specific area, and aggression when touched. Exotic species show even subtler signs — changes in posture, reduced activity, and decreased food intake are often the only clues.

Our Multimodal Pain Management Approach

  • NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for inflammation and mild-to-moderate pain
  • Opioid analgesics for moderate-to-severe acute pain
  • Local anesthetic nerve blocks for surgical and dental procedures
  • Gabapentin for neuropathic pain and anxiety
  • Joint supplements (glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids) for arthritis support
  • Weight management to reduce joint load
  • Environmental modifications to improve comfort and mobility
  • Species-appropriate pain protocols for exotic pets

Pain Management for Surgical Patients

Every surgical patient at ACGSVH receives a comprehensive pain management plan. This includes pre-operative pain medication (pre-emptive analgesia), intra-operative local anesthetic blocks, and post-operative oral pain medications sent home. We believe that preventing pain is more effective and humane than treating it after it has developed.

Chronic Pain & Arthritis Management

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs and cats, particularly seniors. Signs include stiffness after rest, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and reduced activity. Dr. Davis can develop a long-term pain management plan that combines medication, supplements, weight management, and environmental modifications to keep arthritic pets comfortable and mobile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my pet is in pain?
Common signs include decreased activity, changes in posture or gait, reduced appetite, hiding, changes in facial expression, vocalizing, excessive licking of a specific area, and aggression when touched. Exotic pets show even subtler signs. When in doubt, schedule an exam — it's always better to check.
Can I give my pet human pain medications like ibuprofen or Tylenol?
Never. Human NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen are toxic to dogs and cats and can cause life-threatening kidney failure and gastrointestinal ulcers. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is extremely toxic to cats. Always contact us before giving your pet any human medication.
Do exotic pets feel pain the same way dogs and cats do?
Yes. All vertebrate animals have pain receptors and experience pain. Exotic species like rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and reptiles feel pain but hide it even more effectively than dogs and cats. Species-appropriate pain assessment and treatment is an important part of exotic animal care.
What are the signs of arthritis in older pets?
Signs of arthritis include stiffness after rest (especially in the morning), reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or get in and out of the car, reduced activity and play, changes in gait or posture, and sometimes licking or chewing at joints. These signs are often gradual and easy to attribute to 'just getting old' — but arthritis is treatable.
Are there non-medication options for managing my pet's pain?
Yes. Weight management is one of the most effective interventions for joint pain — every pound of excess weight adds significant stress to joints. Environmental modifications (ramps, orthopedic beds, non-slip surfaces) can improve comfort and mobility. Joint supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine have evidence supporting their use. Dr. Davis will discuss all options at your appointment.

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Our team at All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital in San Antonio is here to help. Call or text us today.

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