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Arthritis is a common, painful joint condition in aging dogs and cats, but pets hide it well. Signs include stiffness, slowing down, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and licking a joint. While it cannot be cured, arthritis can be managed to keep your pet comfortable. North Delta Animal Hospital can help your pet stay mobile.
What arthritis is in pets
Arthritis, most often osteoarthritis, is the gradual wearing down of the smooth cartilage that cushions a joint. As the cartilage thins, bone rubs against bone, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness that tends to worsen over time. It is extremely common in older pets, but it can also affect younger animals after an injury or because of how a joint is built. The result is the same: a pet who hurts when they move and slowly does less.
Why pets hide their pain
Dogs and cats are wired to mask discomfort, a survival instinct that makes arthritis easy to overlook. Rather than crying out, a pet usually just slows down, and owners often chalk it up to normal aging. This is especially true for cats, who are masters at hiding pain and may simply stop jumping to favourite perches or use the litter box less comfortably. Recognizing arthritis for what it is, rather than just getting old, is the first step to helping.
Signs to watch for
Arthritis shows up through subtle, gradual changes. Watch for any of the following:
- Stiffness, especially after rest, that eases with movement
- Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or get in the car
- Slowing down on walks or tiring more quickly
- Difficulty rising, or a stiff, careful gait
- Licking or chewing at a particular joint
- In cats, jumping less, missing jumps, or a messier coat from reduced grooming
- Irritability or a change in temperament when touched
What makes arthritis worse
Several factors speed arthritis along, and the biggest one you can control is weight. Every extra pound puts more load on sore joints and fuels inflammation, so an overweight pet feels arthritis sooner and more severely. Age, previous injuries, joint conditions some breeds are prone to, and a sedentary lifestyle all play a role too. The encouraging news is that managing weight and staying gently active can make a real difference in comfort.
How your veterinarian diagnoses arthritis
Diagnosis starts with a careful physical exam, where your veterinarian checks each joint for pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion, and watches how your pet moves. Our medical services and diagnostics teams may recommend X-rays to assess the joints and rule out other causes, since a few conditions can mimic arthritis. Sharing what you have noticed at home, including a short video of your pet moving, is genuinely helpful and helps tailor the plan.
Managing arthritis and keeping your pet comfortable
Arthritis cannot be reversed, but a combined approach manages it very well. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is the single most powerful step, and our nutrition counselling can help, sometimes with a joint-support diet. Your veterinarian may recommend medications to control pain and inflammation, joint supplements, and other therapies, all tailored to your pet. Gentle, regular, low-impact exercise keeps muscles strong and joints moving without overdoing it.
Small changes at home add up. Provide soft, supportive bedding, lay down rugs or runners over slippery floors, use ramps or steps to favourite spots, and raise food and water bowls for a stiff pet. For cats, a litter box with a low entry makes life easier. Regular rechecks through our wellness program let the plan evolve as your pet ages.
Why acting early makes a difference
Because arthritis is gradual and pets hide it, many owners only seek help once their pet is clearly struggling. Yet the earlier arthritis is recognized, the more can be done to slow its progress and keep a pet comfortable. Early weight management, gentle conditioning, and pain control protect the joints before more damage is done, and they often mean a pet stays active and happy for far longer.
If you have noticed even subtle changes, like a dog hesitating at the stairs or a cat no longer leaping to a favourite windowsill, it is worth mentioning at your next visit rather than waiting. A short conversation and exam can confirm whether arthritis is developing and start a plan tailored to your pet, which is always easier when begun sooner.
Frequently asked questions
Is arthritis only a problem for old pets?
It is most common in older pets, but younger animals can develop it too, especially after an injury or due to a joint condition. If you notice stiffness or slowing down at any age, it is worth a veterinary check.
My cat is not limping. Could she still have arthritis?
Yes. Cats rarely limp obviously and instead jump less, miss jumps, or groom less. These subtle changes are often the only clue, which is why arthritis is underdiagnosed in cats.
Can I give my pet my own anti-inflammatory medication?
No. Human anti-inflammatories can be toxic to pets, even in small amounts. Only use pain medications prescribed by your veterinarian, which are formulated and dosed for your pet.
Will losing weight really help my pet’s joints?
Yes, significantly. Excess weight increases the load and inflammation on arthritic joints, so even modest weight loss can noticeably improve comfort and mobility. It is one of the most effective steps you can take.
Is exercise good or bad for an arthritic pet?
Gentle, regular, low-impact exercise is helpful, since it keeps muscles strong and joints moving. The key is consistency and moderation; avoid weekend overexertion. Your veterinarian can suggest a suitable routine.
How is arthritis pain treated?
Through a combination of weight management, prescribed pain medication, joint support, home adjustments, and gentle exercise. Your veterinarian builds a plan for your individual pet and adjusts it over time.