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Pain Management

We help manage your pet's pain with expert care, medication, and therapies tailored to their needs.

Pain Management: Helping Your Pet Live More Comfortably

Pets don't always show pain the way we expect. They may hide, slow down, or simply act "off"—and sometimes discomfort can be mistaken for aging or personality changes.

Whether your pet is recovering from surgery, dealing with an injury, or living with a chronic condition like arthritis, pain management is a critical part of their care. Our goal is to help your pet stay active, comfortable, and happy at every stage of life.

Recognizing Signs of Pain in Pets

Because pets can't tell us how they feel, it's important to watch for changes in behavior, movement, or appetite. Signs of pain may include:

  • Limping or stiffness

  • Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or go on walks

  • Whining, growling, or restlessness

  • Changes in appetite or sleep habits

  • Hiding or avoiding interaction

  • Licking or chewing at one area of the body

  • Decreased grooming (especially in cats)

If you notice any of these, a veterinary exam can help determine the cause and how to treat it.

Types of Pain We Manage

We treat both acute pain (from surgery or injury) and chronic pain (from conditions like arthritis, disc disease, or dental problems). Pain is never just a symptom—it directly affects your pet's quality of life.

How We Treat Pain

We employ a comprehensive approach to pain relief, combining proven veterinary methods to address the root cause of discomfort and minimize side effects. Our pain management options include:

  • Prescription pain medications - Including anti-inflammatories and nerve pain medications tailored to your pet's specific needs

  • Joint supplements and nutraceuticals - Supporting long-term joint health and mobility

  • Weight management programs - Reducing stress on joints and improving overall comfort

  • Mobility support solutions - From orthopedic bedding to assistive devices

  • Customized treatment plans - Based on your pet's age, condition, and health history

Each treatment plan is carefully designed to provide maximum relief while maintaining your pet's safety and well-being.

Pain Management After Surgery

We always provide pain control before, during, and after any surgical procedure. This helps speed recovery and reduces stress on the body. You'll also receive detailed care instructions and medications to continue managing pain comfortably after your pet goes home.

If something feels off or you're worried your pet may be in pain, we're here to help identify the issue and guide you toward relief.

🐾 Looking to keep your pet healthy and happy? Visit us—we’re here to support every step of the way.

Plaistow-Kingston Animal Medical Center FAQs

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

Cats may stop using their litter box for many reasons, including behavioral issues like disliking odors in multi-cat homes or signaling that the box needs cleaning. Medical causes can include bladder infections, crystals, kidney stones, or chronic diarrhea. Senior cats may also struggle with boxes that are too high due to joint pain. If your cat suddenly avoids the box or cries out when trying to use it, it could signal a serious problem such as a urinary blockage and should be evaluated right away. The caring team at Plaistow-Kingston Animal Medical Center is here to diagnose the cause and help your cat get back to feeling comfortable and healthy.

Plaistow-Kingston Animal Medical Center must be sure your pet is healthy enough to receive vaccinations. Vaccinating a sick patient could make their condition worse or even be life-threatening! Depending upon your pet's overall health, your veterinarian may recommend splitting annual vaccinations into two visits to lessen the possibility of complications.

As with humans, preventative medicine and early detection are keys to health and longevity. Our pets age at a far faster rate than we do. Taking your dog or cat for an annual physical examination here at Plaistow-Kingston Animal Medical Center is the equivalent of you seeing your doctor or dentist every 5-7 years. Only a full physical examination by a veterinarian can accurately assess the health of your pet and identify potential problems. If you have a senior pet (6+ years), we recommend exams twice a year for optimal care and health.

It's usually hard to tell by yourself at home, so please call us and describe what you're seeing. Signs of illness can include a significant decrease in appetite or activity level, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, limping, itching or losing hair, or eyes looking abnormal. Signs of emergencies can include trouble breathing, trauma, bleeding, stumbling, seizing, difficulty delivering puppies or kittens, and many eye problems. Call Plaistow-Kingston Animal Medical Center immediately (603-642-9700) if you see any of these symptoms.

NH and MA state law (along with many other states) now requires that all cats and dogs be current on rabies vaccinations. If an animal is not known to be vaccinated against the disease and bites someone, NH and MA state law require a mandatory 15-day quarantine period. Additionally, if an animal is unvaccinated and bites someone, the state may require your animal to be euthanized and tested for rabies, and the owner can be held liable for any personal injury claims stemming from the bite. All good reasons to have your pet vaccinated against rabies! For your convenience, we offer both 1 & 3-year rabies vaccinations. For all other vaccines, Plaistow-Kingston Animal Medical Center recommends vaccinating your pet once a year (especially if they go outside at all) to ensure they remain healthy should they become exposed to any disease preventable through current vaccinations. For more specific protocols, please consult with one of our veterinarians.

Call Plaistow-Kingston Animal Medical Center hospital to receive a recorded message for the emergency hospitals we refer to. We typically refer to the Intown Veterinary Group.