Relief for Aching Joints: A Pet Owner’s Guide to Osteoarthritis
You know the moment- watching your loyal dog hesitate before jumping into the car, or noticing your cat struggle to reach their favorite sunny windowsill. It breaks your heart to see their spark dim because of pain. If arthritis is slowing down your animal, know that you are not alone. Arthritis pain doesn’t have to end your pet’s favorite activities. Early diagnosis and proactive management- from specialized diets to joint supplements and physical rehabilitation- can greatly reduce discomfort and slow disease progression. There are many ways to restore movement and happiness for pets with osteoarthritis.
At Greenfield Veterinary Clinic, our veterinarians take a personal, family-centered approach to managing chronic conditions like arthritis. With wellness and preventative care, on-site lab testing, and advanced imaging through in-house diagnostics, we create tailored care plans to improve mobility and comfort. Because we handle nearly every procedure in-house, from diagnostics to emergencies, you can trust that your pet will receive expert, compassionate care every step of the way.
Why Arthritis Awareness Matters
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in pets, particularly in older dogs and cats. Over time, cartilage that cushions joints wears down, causing friction, inflammation, and discomfort. These changes can develop slowly, which makes them easy to overlook until your pet’s activity or personality noticeably shifts.
Recognizing early signs and acting quickly can make a world of difference. Our team encourages annual wellness exams for adults and more frequent check-ins for senior pets, allowing us to catch subtle mobility issues before they escalate. By starting treatment early, we can slow joint degeneration and help your pet maintain an active, fulfilling life.
If you’ve noticed stiffness, reluctance to jump, or slowing down after play, don’t wait- schedule an appointment so we can assess your pet’s comfort and develop a plan for relief.
Recognizing Early Arthritis Signs
Arthritis can appear differently in every pet. Some show mild stiffness after sleeping, while others may limp or avoid certain activities altogether.
Dogs often display signs like favoring one leg, hesitating on stairs, or slower rising from rest. Cats tend to be more subtle; they might skip their favorite perch or avoid the litter box if it’s too high-sided. You might notice reduced grooming or changes in behavior such as irritability, all common pain signs.
Chronic arthritis in cats often goes undiagnosed simply because cats hide pain so well. If you observe any of these changes, record short videos of your pet’s movements at home to share during your next wellness visit- those details help us assess subtle differences over time.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Arthritis
Diagnosing arthritis involves more than noticing a limp. During an exam, our veterinarians carefully evaluate your pet’s gait, joint flexibility, and pain response. We also consider medical history and past injuries, as they can contribute to long-term joint issues. Pets with hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament injuries, or who led active lifestyles are more at risk.
Diagnostic imaging such as digital X-rays allows us to visualize bone and joint changes, while bloodwork helps rule out metabolic diseases that mimic joint pain. We may also recommend preventive testing for senior pets to monitor organ health before starting long-term anti-inflammatory medications.
Our in-house diagnostic tools mean you don’t have to wait days for answers- we can often confirm arthritis and begin treatment on the same day.
Comprehensive Treatment Options for Arthritis
Medications and Supplements
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain one of the most effective treatments for arthritis pain, reducing inflammation and restoring mobility. We prescribe medications tailored to each pet’s needs and regularly perform bloodwork to ensure safe, long-term use.
Supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids can help support cartilage health. We’ll help you choose high-quality options that fit your pet’s condition and monitor for improvement over time.
Regular rechecks allow us to fine-tune dosing and ensure your pet continues to move comfortably.
Biologic Therapies for Arthritis Pain
Recent advances in veterinary medicine have introduced biologic treatments that target pain pathways directly. In dogs, Librela uses monoclonal antibodies to block nerve growth factor, offering month-long relief without relying on daily pills. Cats benefit from Solensia, which works in a similar way, improving comfort and mobility with minimal side effects.
At Greenfield Veterinary Clinic, we offer both treatments for eligible patients. These injections can be combined with other medications or supplements for comprehensive, sustained pain management. Contact us to discuss whether biologic therapy might be the right choice for your pet.
Complementary and Advanced Therapies
In addition to medications, non-pharmaceutical options can play a powerful role in managing arthritis. Laser therapy stimulates healing, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation around stiff joints. Rehabilitation therapy helps maintain strength, flexibility, and stability in arthritic pets. It’s about keeping your pet moving- safely and comfortably. Structured programs can significantly improve long-term outcomes.
We may also recommend massage, range-of-motion exercises, or environmental modifications to support daily comfort. These treatments work best when paired with consistent monitoring and a personalized care plan built around your pet’s lifestyle.
At-Home Care and Home Modifications
Supporting a pet with arthritis begins at home, where small, thoughtful adjustments can significantly improve comfort and mobility.
Weight Control
One of the most effective steps owners can take is managing body weight. Excess pounds place added strain on joints, slow healing, and accelerate cartilage wear. Because weight control is key to maintaining mobility, consistent portion control, appropriate diets, and regular low-impact activity make a meaningful difference in long-term joint health.
Feline-Friendly Ideas
Cats with arthritis often struggle to keep up with grooming because twisting and reaching can be painful. Over time, this leads to mats, oily fur, and skin irritation. Since cats may need grooming support, provide gentle brushing and consider clipping fur around hard-to-reach areas to help maintain comfort.
Creating a comfortable environment is another important part of long-term care. You can help make your arthritic cat comfortable with warm resting areas, supportive bedding, and easy access to food, water, and litter boxes. Simple modifications such as low-entry litter pans, ramps, or padded perches reduce strain on stiff joints and improve safety to give older pets the independence they need to navigate the home confidently.
Home Changes for Dogs
Dogs benefit from similar support. Creating an environment that promotes steady footing and easy transitions- such as non-slip rugs, orthopedic beds, and thoughtful layout changes- helps reduce the risk of falls and encourages slow, controlled movement. Ideas for arthritis-friendly homes for dogs include blocking off staircases, adding traction mats, and elevating food and water bowls to reduce neck and shoulder strain.
Some pets require additional tools to move safely and comfortably. Harnesses, slings, joint-protective booties, and mobility carts are just a few examples of assistive devices that can restore independence and reduce pain during walks or transitions. These tools can be especially helpful for pets recovering from flare-ups or those experiencing weakness in their hind limbs.
With the right combination of weight management, routine home care, and thoughtful environmental changes, many arthritic pets regain confidence in their daily movements and experience significantly less pain. These small steps create a supportive foundation that enhances both mobility and quality of life.
Taking the First Step Toward Relief
Arthritis may be lifelong, but that doesn’t mean your pet has to live in pain. With early intervention, consistent care, and a team that treats you like family, your pet can continue to enjoy their favorite routines with comfort and joy.
At Greenfield Veterinary Clinic, we’re proud to be “Voted Best in Milwaukee” for our compassionate, personalized approach to lifelong pet health. If your pet is showing signs of joint discomfort, contact us or schedule an appointment today to start a customized arthritis management plan. Relief- and a better quality of life- begin here.
Leave A Comment