(657) 331-9481

PetSmart Veterinary Services HB › Pain Management

Pain Assessment & Relief

Pet Pain Management

Pets can't tell you when they're hurting. Our team is trained to identify pain in dogs and cats and create individualized treatment plans that keep your pet comfortable and active.

Recognizing Pain in Pets

Animals instinctively hide pain — by the time signs are obvious, the condition may already be advanced. Look for these subtle indicators:

  • Limping or reluctance to bear weight
  • Difficulty rising, climbing stairs, or jumping
  • Changes in posture or gait
  • Decreased activity or reluctance to exercise
  • Excessive grooming of a specific area
  • Growling or snapping when touched
  • Loss of appetite or behavioral changes
  • Hiding or social withdrawal

Common Sources of Pet Pain

Pain in pets frequently stems from:

  • Arthritis — the most common cause of chronic pain, especially in older pets
  • Dental disease — tooth pain is often silent but severely impacts quality of life
  • Injuries — sprains, fractures, and soft tissue trauma
  • Post-surgical pain — managed proactively as part of any procedure we perform
  • Cancer — bone or soft tissue involvement
  • Ear infections — often extremely uncomfortable

Pain Management Options

We take a multimodal approach — combining therapies for the best outcome. Our specialized therapies are performed in-house, allowing your pet to receive coordinated care from a team they already know and trust.

  • NSAIDs — the cornerstone of arthritis management
  • Gabapentin and other neuropathic pain medications
  • Joint supplements (omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin)
  • Weight management to reduce joint load
  • In-house specialized therapies, including laser therapy, hydrotherapy, and physical rehabilitation
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for appropriate joint and soft-tissue conditions

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP is a regenerative treatment made from a small sample of your pet's own blood. We concentrate the platelets and inject them into the affected area, where naturally occurring growth factors may support healing and help reduce inflammation and discomfort. PRP may be recommended for certain joint, tendon, ligament, or other soft-tissue conditions. Our veterinarian will evaluate your pet to determine whether PRP is an appropriate part of their individualized treatment plan.

Never give human pain medications to pets. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin are toxic to dogs and cats — always consult our team first.

Schedule a Pain Evaluation

If you suspect your pet is in pain, don't wait. Call us at (657) 331-9481 and we'll get them seen as soon as possible.

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