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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 Philosophy — Accredited Practice

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.

Our toolkit

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.
Learn more →
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.
Learn more →

Recognising pain

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
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Not sure if what you’re seeing is pain?
Our quick, free at-home check walks you through the subtle signs in dogs and cats, then tells you whether it’s worth a chat with us. It takes a couple of minutes.
Try the pain check
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My Dalmatian has been receiving hydrotherapy, laser and acupuncture. He is 12 in a few weeks time and has been given a new lease of life. This is thanks to Miriam and her amazing staff.

Sandra Begg · Google

Concerned your pet
may be in pain?

Call us. Even if you are not sure — even if the signs seem minor. It is always worth a conversation, and early intervention almost always produces better outcomes.

Call 0131 516 2499 Try our quick pain check → Western vet acupuncture → Email us
Not sure if your pet needs to be seen? Use our clinical triage tool for guidance on urgency — with time-aware, out-of-hours advice. Is my pet okay? Could my pet be in pain? Animals hide pain remarkably well. Our quick at-home check walks you through the subtle signs in dogs and cats. Try the pain check Think your pet ate something? The common household and garden dangers, the signs to watch for, and how to act fast. Poison & toxins guide A picture is worth a thousand words A short video of your pet at home — how they move, how they hesitate — tells us more than a description. Send it securely before your visit. Send a video or photo