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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Payment is due when services are rendered at All Creatures Pet Hospital. We accept all major credit cards and offer Care Credit for your convenience.

Heartworms have been diagnosed in all fifty states and are especially prevalent in warmer climates found in Alabama. Heartworms can be transmitted to dogs and cats by the bite of a mosquito infected with immature heartworms. If the dog or cat is not protected by a heartworm preventative, the worms can mature, eventually damage the heart and lungs, and cause death if left untreated. Please remember that heartworm preventatives are always less expensive and more effective than heartworm treatments. Dr. Ted Hankes attends conferences and lectures throughout the country to stay current and ensure that All Creatures Pet Hospital offers the safest and most effective products here at our pharmacy, including heartworm preventatives. Please call one of our caring veterinary team members at (205) 947-4083 and schedule a heartworm-preventative appointment for your companion.

Dr. Ted Hankes recommends spaying or neutering all pets not being used for breeding purposes. Sterilization not only prevents unwanted litters but can also prevent certain reproductive cancers later in their lives. Puppies and kittens can be spayed between four and six months of age. Our pets feel pain the same way people do, therefore, we administer pain medication to keep them comfortable during and after the procedure. Additionally, blood work is needed to help determine if your puppy or kitten is healthy enough for the procedure. Please call All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your furry friend for a spay or neuter as soon as they are old enough for the surgery.

Proper nutrition and portion control are as important for our pet companions as they are for us. Overweight pets face the same conditions as people, including arthritis, joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease, for example. Dr. Hankes can evaluate your pet to determine their individual nutritional needs, as well as the proper portions to maintain a healthy body weight. Affordable prescription diets are available at our hospital for your convenience. Schedule an appointment for your furry friend regardless of their life stage or current health condition.

Like people, pets need dental care for overall health. Without it, bacteria can cause tooth decay, gum damage, and may harm organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Dr. Hankes recommends dental care starting at age one to help prevent disease, improve health, and avoid costly future treatments. Contact our team at All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your pet's dental appointment.

In many species, one animal year equals about seven human years. A seven-year-old dog missing the vet for three years is like a 49-year-old person skipping the doctor for 21 years. At All Creatures Pet Hospital, we recommend yearly exams and blood work unless your pet is sick or has a special condition. Caring for your pet early can reduce future medications and may extend their life. Call us at (205) 947-4083 to schedule your pet's yearly visit.