top of page
Search

Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

  • Writer: Aubrey Oiller
    Aubrey Oiller
  • Oct 28
  • 3 min read

We know arthritis is a common issue with age. And when we think of arthritis, we think of humans with painful knees, creaky hips, and swollen finger joints. But... pet joint pain is one of the leading causes of reduced activity and pain in older animals:


  • Around 35% of dogs over one year old are affected by osteoarthritis (OA), with much higher numbers in older or large-breed dogs.

  • 50% of dogs are not diagnosed until they are 8+ years old

  • One study in cats found appendicular OA (arthritis found in the limbs) in 16.5% and degenerative joint disease in 33.9% of the population tested.

ree

So whether you're a loving pet owner or a pet professional wanting to better support clients, being able to recognize arthritis in dogs and cats early brings huge benefits to long-term health and comfort.


What is Arthritis?

Arthritis, most often osteoarthritis in pets, refers to a degenerative process where joint cartilage wears away, leading to stiffness, inflammation and pain. It is a progressive and painful joint disease requiring long-term management.

This is why vet advice for pet joint pain is essential: untreated OA can significantly affect mobility and emotional wellbeing. As someone who suffers with arthritis, I can personally say it is painful and dabilitating. It also wears your down mentally to where you feel helpless at times. I can truely relate, and being animals, they cannot simply tell us. We must be the ones to notice and get them the support they need.


Common Arthritis Signs & Symptoms

Signs vary between species, because cats are especially sneaky!


Movement & Mobility

  • Difficulty rising, jumping, climbing, reluctance to go up or downstairs

  • Stiffness after rest or exercise

  • Limping, slower walking pace, awkward movements

  • Cats may stop jumping to high places or groom less often


Behavioural Changes

  • Less interest in play or shorter walks

  • Irritability when touched in certain areas

  • Sleeping more, hiding more

  • Cats may start toileting outside the litterbox


Physical Indicators

  • Muscle loss in affected limbs

  • Joint heat, swelling, reduced range of motion

  • Observable pain when joints are flexed or extended

If you’re spotting these warning signs, it’s time to schedule a vet check-up for arthritis in pets. Take a video of your pet's issues if possible to help the vet create a plan.



ree

Monitoring Arthritis in Pets

Tracking progress is a huge part of managing osteoarthritis in dogs and cats.

Validated veterinary pain-rating tools include:

(Always consult with a vet about how to record, manage and track pain. These are for educational purposes and do not replace professional vet care.)


You can also track at home how your pet handles:

  • Stairs

  • Jumping up/down

  • Playing or running

  • Walk distance & enthusiasm

Early detection = better long-term mobility.


What Can Be Done?

Great news: even though arthritis is progressive, pets can live comfortable and active lives with the right support plan.



ree

At-Home Adjustments for Joint Health

  • Keep a healthy weight: even 5% weight loss can help aching joints

  • Short, regular walks or swimming (dogs)

  • Soft supportive bedding & non-slip flooring

  • Ramps or steps for beds/sofas/cars

  • Pram for rest on longer walks (My pug Chloe has one and LOVES the extra time out and the enrichment she gets from her environment!)


Veterinary Treatments

  • Vet prescribed pain control

  • Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (Dogiko is our favourite)

  • Physiotherapy / hydrotherapy

  • Laser therapy

  • Regenerative therapies (As advised by a vet for for severe cases)

  • Surgical options for advanced orthopaedic conditions


The goal = reduce pain + improve mobility so pets can enjoy life again.


Enrichment & Fun Ideas for Arthritic Pets

Managing arthritis in pets doesn’t have to be boring!

  • Create a sniff-walk route where dogs set the pace

  • Use food puzzles for gentle mobility in cats

  • Take photos & celebrate physical achievements (“2 stairs climbed today!”)

  • Rotate low-impact toys weekly for interest & movement

Because joy is therapy, too. 🐾


Be The First to Notice and Get Them Help

Understanding mobility issues, pain flare-ups, and signs of discomfort means owners and professionals can better prevent injury & monitor arthritis problems.


You can build confidence and skills with my certified pet first aid training here:


This course is perfect for:

✅ Pet owners

✅ Hydo/Physio Specialists

✅ Dog walkers & Sitters

✅ Groomers

✅ Trainers/Behaviourists

✅ Daycares & Boarders

✅ Catteries


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page