Arthritis in Pets: What It Is and How You Can Help

Dr. Zeke Zekoff
Apr 3
3 min read

As our pets live longer, healthier lives thanks to improved diets, preventative care, and indoor lifestyles, age-related conditions like arthritis are becoming increasingly common—especially in senior dogs and cats. While it’s often considered a normal part of aging, arthritis is a serious condition that can significantly impact your pet’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

This guide offers an overview of what arthritis really is and the many ways you can help your dog or cat feel better at home and with veterinary support.

What Is Arthritis in Pets?

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints, typically caused by the slow breakdown of cartilage—the soft, smooth tissue that cushions the ends of bones. As cartilage erodes, bones begin to rub together, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Over time, the body tries to compensate by growing extra bone (bone spurs), which often worsens the discomfort.

A helpful analogy: think of cartilage like the Teflon coating on a non-stick pan. When it’s new, everything slides smoothly. As it wears away, things start to stick, scrape, and become difficult to manage. That’s what happens inside an arthritic joint.

Signs Your Pet May Have Arthritis

Some signs can be subtle at first but become more noticeable over time:

Limping or stiffness after rest
Difficulty rising or lying down
Hesitation with stairs or jumping
Reduced interest in walks or play
Changes in behavior (grumpiness, withdrawal, vocalization)

In cats, symptoms may include reduced grooming, avoiding jumping onto surfaces, or litter box accidents due to painful mobility.

Managing Arthritis: A Multi-Faceted Approach

There is no cure for arthritis, but with the right combination of treatments, many pets can enjoy improved mobility and reduced pain.

1. Weight Control

Excess weight puts unnecessary pressure on joints. Reducing your pet’s weight—through diet changes and exercise—is one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis. Avoid high-calorie treats and opt for healthy alternatives like baby carrots, canned green beans, or Cheerios.

2. Joint Supplements (Nutraceuticals)

Products containing glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s, and other joint-supporting ingredients help reduce inflammation and support cartilage health. Options include:

Dasuquin Advanced
Zoom Chews
PhyCox-JS
Antinol (Green-lipped mussel extract)

3. Adequan® Injections

Adequan is an injectable medication that helps the body produce more joint cartilage and synovial (joint) fluid. It’s safe, effective, and can be combined with other treatments.

4. Duralactin

Made from milk whey, Duralactin reduces the immune system’s inflammatory response, easing discomfort over time. Available in tablet or liquid form for both dogs and cats.

5. Environmental Modifications

Simple changes at home can make a big difference:

Use ramps or steps instead of stairs
Add rugs or runners over slippery floors
Elevate food and water bowls
Provide orthopedic pet beds to reduce pressure on joints
Use litter boxes with low sides for arthritic cats

6. Exercise Management

Controlled, low-impact activity (like leash walks or swimming) helps maintain muscle mass and joint flexibility without overstraining painful joints. For cats, use toys, feeding puzzles, or place food in different rooms to encourage movement.

7. Class IV Laser Therapy

This non-invasive treatment uses therapeutic light to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and promote healing at the cellular level. Safe and drug-free, it can be used alongside medications and supplements.

8. Pain Medication

Pain relief is essential for quality of life. Commonly used medications include:

NSAIDs (Rimadyl®, Galliprant®, Metacam®)
Gabapentin for chronic pain
Buffered aspirin (only under vet guidance)

Note: Cats have more limited options, so dosage and monitoring are critical.

Alternative Therapies Worth Exploring

Massage and Grooming: Keep muscles loose and pets comfortable.
Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care: May help in certain cases.
Stem Cell Therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Innovative and effective but more costly.
Omega-3 Supplements: Anti-inflammatory and beneficial for joint health.

Final Thoughts

Arthritis doesn’t mean the end of an active, happy life for your pet. With the right combination of support—medication, supplements, lifestyle adjustments, and loving care—your pet can remain mobile, playful, and pain-free for years to come.

If you suspect arthritis, don’t wait. The earlier you act, the more options you’ll have to slow progression and keep your pet feeling their best.