Arthritis is a progressive and painful condition that can greatly reduce your pet’s quality of life. However, with early detection, the right treatment, and a few simple changes at home, you can help keep your pet comfortable, mobile, and happy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about arthritis in dogs and cats – from warning signs to practical tips for prevention and management.
Whether your pet is already showing symptoms or you’re simply planning ahead, understanding osteoarthritis in pets is the first step to giving them the care they deserve.
What Is Pet Arthritis?
Arthritis in animals and pets is a degenerative joint disease characterised by inflammation and deterioration of the joints. This leads to chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
The most typical form is osteoarthritis (OA), which develops gradually as the protective cartilage in the joints wears down over time.
The condition can significantly impact a cat or dog’s ability to move comfortably and enjoy daily activities.
Common Causes
The main cause of arthritis in pets is age. As they get older, natural wear and tear on their joints causes bones to rub against each other. This results in discomfort and swelling, especially in weight-bearing joints.
That being said, arthritis isn’t always age-related. Other contributing factors include genetics, joint trauma, and underlying conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and autoimmune diseases.
Osteoarthritis often develops gradually, but it can be triggered by sudden injuries like sprains or fractures. For example, dogs or cats that suffer a cruciate ligament injury are at increased risk of developing arthritis in the affected joint over time.
Abnormal joint development (where the bones don’t fit together properly) can also lead to early-onset arthritis. Additionally, excess weight places strain on the joints, accelerating degeneration and exacerbating symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Recognising the signs of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats can be tricky. Symptoms are often mistaken for normal ageing. However, early detection is key to managing pain and slowing progression.
Common symptoms – particularly in the hind legs – are limping, stiffness, difficulty rising or sitting, and reluctance to climb stairs or jump. Signs can also include decreased activity, behavioural changes such as irritability or withdrawal, and excessive licking or chewing at sore joints.
Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs
- Becoming irritable or aggressive when touched
- Lagging behind on walks or tiring easily
- Hesitation when using stairs, jumping, or getting into the car
- Reluctance to play or exercise
- Going to the toilet inside
Symptoms of Arthritis in Cats
- A scruffy or unkempt coat due to reduced grooming
- Difficulty getting in and out of the litter box
- Short, quick steps – especially with the back legs
- Hesitation or refusal to jump onto furniture or windowsills
Getting a Diagnosis
The only way to confirm that your pet has osteoarthritis is by booking them in for a thorough physical exam by a qualified veterinarian.
A vet will assess your pet’s overall mobility by observing their gait, feeling the joints for signs of pain or swelling, and testing their range of motion. These hands-on evaluations help identify areas of stiffness, discomfort, or joint instability.
To gain a clearer picture, your vet may also recommend diagnostic imaging such as X-rays. These can reveal changes to the bone and joint structure or help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
This process not only helps your vet understand what your pet is experiencing – it also allows you, as their owner, to be part of their care plan moving forward.
Professional Treatment Options and Therapies
Various treatments are available to help manage osteoarthritis in cats and dogs. It just depends on the severity of the condition and your pet’s individual needs.
Common approaches include:
- Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) offer pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects to improve mobility in cats and dogs with OA
- Joint supplements: Tablets containing glucosamine and chondroitin or omega-3 fatty acids to support cartilage health
- Physical rehabilitation: Physiotherapy to improve mobility and strengthen muscles
- Weight management: Dietary changes and weight loss to reduce stress on the joints
- Complementary therapies: Acupuncture, laser therapy, or stem cell therapy may help relieve discomfort and promote healing
In more advanced cases, surgical interventions such as total hip replacements or femoral head ostectomy may be recommended to repair or replace joints, particularly for large-breed dogs with advanced joint damage.
Managing Comfort at Home
Supporting a pet with arthritis, as well as enacting preventative measures, starts at home.
Create a safe, comfortable environment by providing orthopaedic bedding and using ramps or steps to help them access their favourite spots without strain.
Keep their weight in check through portion control and vet-approved nutrition, as well as gentle, low-impact activities like short walks or swimming.
Be consistent with any medications or supplements prescribed by your veterinarian, and keep a close eye on your pet’s behaviour for signs of improvement or deterioration. Regular check-ins with your vet will help you adapt their care as needed.
Pet arthritis can be challenging, but with early detection, proactive care, and the right support, you can help your cat or dog stay comfortable and active for years to come. Contact the team at Sydney Animal Hospitals for a consultation or more information.
