Trusted by Jacksonville pet families since 1988. In-house laser therapy available. Drug-free option for ongoing pain management.
Helping Your Pet Move Comfortably Again
Watching a dog who used to bound up the stairs start to hesitate, or a cat who used to jump onto the counter start avoiding it, is one of the harder parts of caring for an aging pet. Often the assumption is that this is just "getting old" and there's not much to do about it. That's usually not true.
Pain management at SJB starts with figuring out what's actually causing the discomfort, usually arthritis, but sometimes an injury or a chronic condition. From there, we build a plan that might include laser therapy, medication, weight management, or a combination, based on what your pet's specific situation calls for.
Laser therapy in particular is a good option for pet owners who want to minimize long-term medication use. It's a drug-free treatment that can reduce inflammation and pain with no known side effects, making it a useful tool especially for senior pets already managing other health conditions.
Signs Your Pet May Need Pain Management
Senior dogs and cats showing stiffness, especially after rest or first thing in the morning.
Pets who've become reluctant to jump, climb stairs, or engage in activities they used to enjoy.
Dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery who could benefit from laser therapy to support healing.
Pets with a diagnosed arthritis or joint condition who need an ongoing management plan, not just a one-time treatment.
Larger and senior breeds who are statistically more prone to joint issues as they age.
- In-house laser therapy. No referral out needed for a treatment option that's often underused simply because it's not available on-site everywhere.
- Drug-free option available. For pet owners managing multiple medications already, laser therapy offers additional relief without adding to that list.
- Ongoing relationship, not a one-time fix. Chronic pain conditions get monitored over time by the same team that knows your pet's baseline.
- Whole-picture approach. Weight, activity level, and home environment all factor into the plan, not just a prescription.
What Pain Management Includes
How a Pain Management Plan Comes Together
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1. Assessment
We evaluate your pet's mobility, discomfort level, and history of symptoms.
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2. Diagnostics if needed
X-rays or other imaging help confirm arthritis or identify other causes of pain.
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3. Treatment plan built around your pet
This might include a laser therapy series, medication, weight management, or a combination.
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4. Laser therapy sessions
Typically short, painless sessions performed in-clinic, often scheduled as a series for the best results.
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5. Progress monitoring
We track how your pet is responding and adjust the plan as needed.
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6. Long-term management
For chronic conditions like arthritis, the plan evolves as your pet ages.
How Pain Management Fits with Your Wellness Plan
Laser therapy sessions and ongoing pain management are case-specific and billed separately from Complete Care Wellness Plans. But the annual senior wellness screenings included in adult dog and cat plans often catch early signs of arthritis or joint changes before they become significantly painful, giving you a head start on management.
Related Services
Wellness exams, same-day sick visits, chronic disease management, and the doctor time your pet actually needs to get diagnosed properly.
Digital full-body and dental X-rays interpreted by board-certified radiologists, plus ultrasound diagnostics and FAST scans.
Customized nutrition consultations, weight loss and management plans, and prescription diet guidance.
Year-round parasite prevention, early disease detection screenings, and senior wellness panels built for Jacksonville's climate.
Common Questions About Pain Management & Laser Therapy
Answers to the questions Jacksonville pet owners ask most about paint management.
Help Your Pet Move More Comfortably
If your pet has slowed down or seems stiff, don't assume it's just age. Schedule a pain assessment and find out what's actually going on.