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Zero Pain Practice

Animals cannot tell
us they are hurting.
We ask — every time.

Pain assessment is part of every single consultation at TWC — not just the ones where pain is the presenting complaint. We actively look for pain signs that owners may not have noticed, because animals are extraordinarily good at hiding discomfort.

Book a pain assessment Signs of pain ↓

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Assessed at every consultation

Pain assessment is not an add-on — it is part of every examination. We use validated pain assessment tools and clinical observation at every visit.

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Multimodal approach

Pharmaceutical, physical, nutritional and herbal medicine — the best pain outcomes come from combining tools, not relying on any single approach.

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Monitored and adjusted

We measure quality of life, mobility and pain responses over time. A plan that is working is continued; one that is not is changed.

Zero Pain Practice — what it means

The Veterinary Wellness Centre is the only accredited Zero Pain Practice in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Zero Pain Practice is our commitment to treating every patient as though pain matters — because it does. We do not wait for owners to report that their pet seems uncomfortable. We ask. We assess. We look. And when we find pain, we treat it with the full range of tools available to us — not just the simplest option.

Every tool available — used together

The best outcomes in pain management come from combining approaches. We use all of the following, in whatever combination is right for your specific patient.

Pharmaceutical pain relief

NSAIDs, opioids, gabapentin, memantine, tramadol, CBD oil — we use the right medication for the right patient, at the right dose, with appropriate monitoring. We use validated pain scoring systems such as LOAD to support our assessments and track progress over time.

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Western veterinary acupuncture

Evidence-based acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain and muscle tension — often allowing pharmaceutical doses to be reduced.

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Hydrotherapy & physiotherapy

Muscle-building around painful joints reduces load and improves function. Physiotherapy addresses the muscular and soft tissue components of chronic pain.

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Western veterinary herbal medicine

Herbs to support the whole body, to ward off pharmaceutical side effects, reduce anxiety, and to tackle pain and inflammation, can be prescribed by Miriam as part of a pain management plan.

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Nutritional support

Weight management reduces joint load significantly. Omega-3 supplementation has a proven anti-inflammatory effect. Nutrition is part of every chronic pain plan.

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Stem cell therapy

For appropriate orthopaedic patients — addressing the underlying joint damage rather than managing symptoms indefinitely.

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Signs of pain in pets — what to look for

Animals instinctively hide pain. By the time the signs are obvious, the condition is often well established. These are the subtle signs that are easy to miss.

Signs of pain in dogs

Slowing down on walks — shorter distances, reluctance to continue

Difficulty getting up from lying down — especially first thing in the morning

Hesitation before jumping — into cars, onto sofas, up stairs

Changes in posture — hunching, shifting weight, altered gait

Reduced interaction — less playful, less interested in engagement

Licking or chewing a specific area repeatedly

Grumpiness or snapping when touched

Sleeping more than usual, or disturbed sleep

Increased noise sensitivity or sound phobia

Increased reactivity towards other dogs

Signs of pain in cats

Hesitating or pausing before jumping onto familiar surfaces — worktops, sofas, beds

Reduced grooming — or grooming only certain accessible areas

Changes in toileting — missing the litter tray, going elsewhere

Withdrawing — hiding, less interactive, avoiding contact

A hunched or tense posture when sitting or lying

A duller coat — pain reduces the motivation and ability to groom

Changes in facial expression — a flatter, more tense look around the eyes

Reduced appetite or interest in play

Animals cannot tell
us they are hurting.
We ask — every time.

Zero Pain Practice — what it means

Every tool available — used together

Signs of pain in pets — what to look for

Concerned your pet
may be in pain?

Animals cannot tellus they are hurting.We ask — every time.

Zero Pain Practice — what it means

Every tool available — used together

Signs of pain in pets — what to look for

Concerned your petmay be in pain?

Animals cannot tell
us they are hurting.
We ask — every time.

Concerned your pet
may be in pain?