Compassionate Care to Keep Your Dog Comfortable and Active
At Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital, we know your dog can’t tell you when something hurts—but we’re here to help you recognize the signs of pain and take action. Whether it’s short-term pain from an injury or surgery or long-term discomfort from arthritis or another chronic condition, we offer personalized, effective treatment options to keep your dog happy, mobile, and pain-free.
Should I Bring My Dog in If I Think They’re in Pain?
Yes. If you notice signs that your dog might be in pain, it’s best to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. Some causes of pain may seem mild but can worsen quickly, especially if untreated. We can help determine if it’s something that needs urgent attention or can be managed conservatively.
What Are the Signs My Dog Might Be in Pain?
Dogs are often very good at hiding pain, so keep an eye out for:
- Limping or reluctance to bear weight
- Aggression or irritability
- Vocalizing (whining, growling, yelping)
- Loss of appetite
- Withdrawal or hiding
- Licking or biting a specific area
- Swelling
- Low energy or reluctance to play or climb stairs
How Will You Know if My Dog Is in Pain?
Our veterinarians perform a full physical exam, assess your dog’s behavior, and may recommend diagnostic tools like X-rays or bloodwork to determine the source and severity of pain. We also ask about changes in mobility, energy levels, and behavior at home.
What’s the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pain?
Acute pain is sudden, often related to injury, surgery, or illness. It tends to resolve with proper treatment.
Chronic pain lasts longer and is often associated with arthritis, joint disease, or long-term conditions. It requires ongoing management to keep your dog comfortable.
What Are My Dog’s Pain Relief Options?
Medication is one option, but not the only one. We believe in multi-modal pain management, which means using several strategies together to provide the best possible relief. Options include:
- Prescription medications
- Joint supplements and nutraceuticals
- Therapeutic laser therapy
- Physical therapy
- Weight management
- Comfort adjustments at home (ramps, orthopedic bedding, etc.)
Spotlight on Therapeutic Laser for Pain Relief
We are proud to offer Class IV therapeutic laser treatments for managing both acute injuries and chronic pain.
Laser therapy is:
- Non-invasive and drug-free
- Painless—your dog may even find it relaxing
- Safe for long-term use, especially in older pets
Laser energy penetrates deep into tissues to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Stimulate circulation
- Accelerate healing
- Relieve pain at the cellular level
We use laser therapy for arthritis, joint pain, post-op recovery, spinal issues, and even soft tissue injuries. Treatment plans are customized based on your dog’s needs, and many dogs show significant improvement in just a few sessions.
Using CARE Guidelines for Managing Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common chronic pain conditions in dogs. We follow the CARE (Canine Arthritis Resources and Education) model to guide diagnosis and treatment. CARE emphasizes:
- Early detection and proactive care
- Weight control as a cornerstone of treatment
- Mobility aids (like harnesses, ramps, and raised bowls)
- Physical therapy and daily movement routines
- Pain management with medication, supplements, and laser therapy
- Client education and regular monitoring
Our goal is to help your dog stay active, mobile, and pain-free for as long as possible.
Are Human Pain Medications Safe for Dogs?
No. Medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil, and other human NSAIDs can be toxic—even deadly—to dogs. Never give your dog human medications unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian.
What Pain Medications Might My Dog Receive?
Depending on their condition and health status, we may prescribe:
- Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
- Pain Medication
- Adequan
- Joint supplements (e.g., glucosamine, omega-3s, green-lipped mussel)
- Other targeted therapies based on diagnosis
Do I Need a Prescription for My Dog’s Pain Medication?
Yes - most effective pain medications require a veterinary prescription. We will guide you through options, explain how to use them, and monitor for side effects.
Where Can I Get Pain Meds for My Dog?
You can fill prescriptions:
- Directly through our clinic
- Through our online pharmacy with home delivery
- Or at a trusted local pharmacy with a written prescription
We’ll help you find the most convenient and cost-effective option.
Tracking Your Dog’s Progress
We recommend keeping a simple log of:
- Your dog’s energy level
- Appetite
- Willingness to walk, play, climb stairs
- Any limping or signs of discomfort
We use this information at follow-up visits to adjust treatment and ensure your dog’s pain is under control.
When Will My Dog Need a Pain Management Plan?
- After surgery
- Following a traumatic injury
- With age-related arthritis or joint degeneration
- If diagnosed with a painful chronic condition (IVDD, hip dysplasia, etc.)
Every plan is tailored to your dog’s diagnosis, age, lifestyle, and response to treatment.
If your dog is hurting, don’t wait - pain management is a powerful way to improve quality of life. We’re here to help.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (503) 968-2911, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!