At Overpeck Creek Animal Hospital in Bogota, NJ, we believe compassionate pain management is essential to high-quality veterinary care. Because pets often hide signs of discomfort, our team proactively assesses pain at every visit and develops personalized plans to support pets with both acute and chronic conditions.

Identifying Signs of Pain in Pets

Animals are instinctively wired to hide signs of weakness. By the time a pet shows obvious discomfort, the pain may already be advanced. Common signs of pain in dogs and cats include:
  • Decreased activity or hesitation to move
  • Changes in posture, such as hunching or unusual resting positions
  • Loss of appetite or reduced interest in food
  • Licking, chewing, or protecting a specific area of the body
  • Behavioral changes, including aggression, withdrawal, or restlessness
  • Unexplained vocalization, such as whining, growling, or whimpering
  • Difficulty getting up, climbing stairs, or jumping

Acute Pain Management

Acute pain often results from injury, trauma, or surgery and typically follows a defined healing timeline—resolving within days to weeks with proper care. Our team treats acute pain promptly and effectively, as unmanaged pain can slow healing, elevate stress levels, and weaken the immune system.

Acute pain management at Tenafly Veterinary Center may include:

  • Pre- and post-operative pain control, including NSAIDs, opioids, and local nerve blocks
  • Injectable medications for fast, effective pain relief
  • Take-home pain medications with clear and precise dosing instructions
  • Follow-up visits to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed

Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain develops from ongoing conditions such as osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, cancer, or dental disease. While it may not always be possible to eliminate pain completely, our goal is to manage it effectively so your pet can remain comfortable, mobile, and enjoy a high quality of life.

Our chronic pain management approach includes:

  • NSAIDs — carefully prescribed and monitored anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain and inflammation
  • Adequan injections — an FDA-approved treatment that targets the underlying disease process of canine osteoarthritis
  • Librela (dogs) — a monthly monoclonal antibody injection designed to control osteoarthritis pain at its source
  • Solensia (cats) — a once-monthly injection specifically approved to manage osteoarthritis pain in cats
  • Class IV Laser Therapy — a non-invasive, drug-free therapy that reduces inflammation and supports tissue healing
  • Therapeutic diets — including JM (joint mobility) diets to support joint and musculoskeletal health
  • Weight management — maintaining a healthy weight to minimize stress on joints and improve mobility

Yearly Pain Assessment & Monitoring

Pain screening is a standard part of every annual wellness exam. Conditions like arthritis often develop long before visible symptoms appear, meaning that by the time limping or stiffness is noticed, joint damage may already be advanced. Early detection and intervention play a critical role in improving long-term outcomes and maintaining your pet’s quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Book an Appointment?

Call 201-292-4949 or use our online scheduler.
Book Online

Ready to Schedule a Visit?

New patients and emergency appointments always welcome at Overpeck Creek Animal Hospital.
Book Online
201-292-4949