Comfort and Mobility: Managing Osteoarthritis in Pets
Does your pet seem a little slower to greet you at the door, or maybe they hesitate before jumping onto the couch? It’s painful to watch a pet struggle with movements that used to be easy. These subtle changes could be signs of osteoarthritis, a common condition that causes joint inflammation and can lead to chronic pain and muscle loss if ignored. The good news is that advancements in veterinary care mean treatment options like medication, diet adjustments, and physical therapy are available to help keep pets comfortable and moving well for years to come.
At Driftwood Animal Hospital, our team is dedicated to helping pets live their longest, happiest lives with the families who love them. Through advanced veterinary services and a “Like Family” approach to care, we create customized arthritis management plans that ease pain, restore mobility, and strengthen the human-animal bond. If your pet is showing early signs of stiffness or discomfort, we encourage you to request an appointment to begin building their path toward comfort.
Why Arthritis Awareness Matters
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting aging dogs and cats, but its early signs often go unnoticed. Joint wear and tear accumulate gradually, and many pets adjust their habits to hide pain until mobility is clearly impaired. Recognizing subtle changes- like hesitating before stairs or slowing down on walks- allows veterinarians to intervene early and prevent further joint damage.
Our doctors take a proactive approach to mobility health, using advanced diagnostics, chiropractic care, and targeted pain management to identify issues long before they limit your pet’s movement or happiness.
If you’ve noticed even small differences in your pet’s routine, it’s never too early to schedule a wellness visit. Early intervention helps pets stay active, comfortable, and by your side for many years to come.
Recognizing Early Arthritis Signs
Dogs and cats can’t tell us when they hurt, but their bodies reveal important clues. Owners often first notice subtle common pain signs– such as changes in posture, restlessness, or reduced play. Some pets develop a mild limp or show intermittent stiffness, especially after rest. If you’ve observed persistent limping or reluctance to jump, it could indicate joint inflammation.
In cats, early arthritis in cats may appear as missed jumps, decreased grooming, or reluctance to use elevated surfaces.
When you bring your pet for a checkup, our team may ask for short videos of your pet walking or rising from rest to help us identify subtle motion changes. We encourage you to contact us if your pet’s behavior, mobility, or energy level changes suddenly- these small signs can be the key to early diagnosis.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Arthritis
Arthritis diagnosis begins with a thorough physical exam, where the veterinarian checks each joint’s range of motion, muscle tone, and signs of tenderness or stiffness. Because multiple conditions can mimic arthritis, additional preventive testing helps confirm the cause.
At Driftwood Animal Hospital, our in-house lab and digital imaging tools allow for rapid results and detailed joint assessments. We may recommend X-rays to identify bone changes or advanced bloodwork to rule out other metabolic issues that influence joint health. Establishing a clear baseline ensures we tailor therapy precisely for your pet’s comfort and safety.
Arthritis Treatment Options
Successful arthritis care uses a multimodal plan- combining medication, lifestyle adjustments, supplements, and advanced therapies- to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and preserve muscle mass.
Traditional Arthritis Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the cornerstone of treatment, relieving pain and inflammation so pets can move more freely. Our veterinarians adjust each dose carefully and recommend periodic bloodwork to monitor safety. In addition, joint-supportive supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin help strengthen cartilage and lubricate joints over time.
We provide ongoing medication management and encourage regular check-ins to adjust treatments as your pet’s needs evolve.
Biologic Therapies for Arthritis Pain
Modern biologic therapies target pain at its source using monoclonal antibodies. Librela (for dogs) and Solensia (for cats) work by blocking nerve growth factor, a key molecule involved in pain signaling. These monthly injections can improve mobility and quality of life, often reducing the need for daily oral medications.
If you’re curious whether your pet qualifies for biologic therapy, our team can discuss these options during your next appointment.
Complementary and Advanced Therapies
We may also incorporate non-drug approaches such as laser therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and therapeutic massage to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and support joint health. Dr. Lesley Moser, our certified animal chiropractor, often integrates gentle adjustments into treatment plans to restore balance and mobility safely.
Every therapy is selected to fit your pet’s lifestyle, comfort level, and condition stage- because no two patients are the same.
The Role of Rehabilitation in Arthritis Management
Structured rehabilitation helps pets rebuild strength, flexibility, and confidence. As arthritis progresses, muscles weaken and joints stiffen, making guided rehabilitation for arthritis essential. Simple routines like warm-ups and cooldowns before and after walks, along with daily rehabilitation exercises, maintain joint flexibility. Our veterinarian can suggest personalized rehab programs that evolve alongside your pet’s recovery, ensuring steady improvement and safety.
Making an Arthritis-Friendly Home
Creating a comfortable environment for a pet with arthritis can make a tremendous difference in their daily comfort and long-term health. Even small changes in your home can ease strain on joints, reduce the risk of injury, and encourage gentle movement.
For dogs, thoughtful adjustments can minimize pain during routine activities. Consider using non-slip rugs, ramps, and soft bedding to help them move around safely and rest more comfortably. Elevating food and water bowls to shoulder height can reduce neck and spine strain, and orthopedic beds provide essential joint support- especially for larger breeds or pets recovering from flare-ups.
Cats benefit from similar attention to their environment but often need vertical access points modified for easier climbing. Platforms, pet stairs, or gentle slopes can help them reach their favorite windows or beds without jumping. Lowering litter box entry points and providing warm, soft resting areas near family activity can greatly improve quality of life.
These simple, compassionate adaptations allow arthritic pets to maintain independence and routine without pain. When combined with consistent veterinary care and appropriate medications, a home designed for comfort can help aging pets remain confident, mobile, and engaged in daily life.
Supporting Senior Pets Beyond Arthritis
Arthritis rarely exists alone- it often accompanies endocrine, cardiac, or weight-related challenges. That’s why our senior care approach is comprehensive, addressing all aspects of health rather than focusing on one condition. Nutrition, pain control, and activity modification all work together to keep pets thriving in their golden years.
One of the most powerful ways to support mobility and joint health in aging pets is through healthy weight management. Extra pounds increase strain on already inflamed joints, accelerate cartilage wear, and make movement more painful. Even modest weight loss can dramatically improve flexibility, comfort, and endurance. Studies show that weight control improves mobility, helping pets walk, climb, and play more comfortably while reducing their reliance on pain medications.
Our team helps create realistic nutrition and exercise plans tailored to your pet’s needs and energy level. We assess body condition during every visit, discuss safe calorie goals, and make gradual adjustments that fit your lifestyle. Combined with targeted joint supplements and personalized activity guidance, these strategies can extend both lifespan and quality of life.
By scheduling routine checkups through our services, we can monitor for new issues, adjust medications, and ensure your pet stays active and content as they age.
Taking the First Step Toward Relief
Osteoarthritis may be lifelong, but it doesn’t have to limit your pet’s joy. With the right combination of medical therapy, rehabilitation, and daily care, most pets enjoy years of improved comfort and mobility.
At Driftwood Animal Hospital, we’re honored to help your pets live their best lives- with less pain and more play. To start your pet’s customized arthritis care plan, contact us or request an appointment today. Together, we can restore movement, comfort, and the happiness that comes from feeling good every day.
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