Do cats get arthritis? How do I know if my dog has arthritis? Arthritis is a very common disorder that occurs in pets, but is also a disorder that can be prevented and effectively managed to minimize the pain and suffering usually associated with this condition. As a pet owner, you should be on the lookout for subtle signs of this degenerative disease, so you are able to quickly become involved in providing assistance. Early detection will allow steps to be taken to lessen pain and alleviate more damage.

What Causes Arthritis in Dogs and Cats?

Arthritis in dogs and cats can arise from stress or trauma to joints, congenital defects such as hip dysplasia and infections that affect joint tissues. The cartilage in these joints can wear away faster than it can be regenerated and the bony substance beneath the cushioning cartilage could be exposed and result in swelling and inflammation. Elastic tissues of the joint become stiffer and calcium deposits occur on the joint making movement painful.

How to Tell if My Dog Has Arthritis

Unfortunately, an animal’s survival tactics are such that they hide pain and discomfort, so when a dog or cat is really limping or whining from pain, joint degeneration may be in very advanced stages.

Watch for subtle changes in your pet: increased weight gain, sleeping more, less interest in playing, and change in attitude or alertness. Additionally, you may notice your dog or cat is less likely to jump onto the furniture and may go up and down stairs one step at a time. Many owners overlook these signs, assuming if their pet is limping but not crying or vocalizing, that they are not in pain.

Alert your veterinarian when you see these signs and they will be able to give you some options as to the best course of action.

Cat and Dog Arthritis Treatment

There are ways you can help your pet manage arthritis. Keeping your dog or cat’s body weight at a healthy level and decreasing any excess weight will improve mobility by lessening stress, pressure and friction on the joints. There are several prescription diets that include fatty acids and glucosamine to improve joint lubrication and function. Allowing your pet to sleep on a pillow or something soft and warm will also help the pain associated with arthritis. Heated beds and memory foam mattresses can help your pet rest more comfortably.

There has been evidence that certain nutraceuticals supplements, such as Doc Roy’s^® Aches Away Plus or GCM 2X, contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) to help arthritic patients. Benefits are not seen right away when using these types of supplements. However, after a few weeks to months of use, significant improvements in mobility and attitude have been observed without the side effects of some pharmaceuticals.

Glucosamine for Dogs and Cats

Glucosamine is a natural compound and is involved in the body’s production of joint lubricants and shock absorption necessary to maintain healthy cartilage and joint function. It stimulates the building blocks of cartilage and inhibits the production of enzymes that break cartilage down. Glucosamine also plays a role in the formation of nails, tendons, skin, eyes, synovial fluid, bone, ligaments, heart valves, and in proteins associated with cellular growth and structure.

Chondroitin Sulfate for Dogs and Cats

Chondroitin sulfate is another common ingredient used for arthritic joints. It is usually used in combination with glucosamine and aids in the repair of damaged connective tissues. It helps keep cartilage tissue from dehydrating and protects existing cartilage from premature breakdown. The pet’s own body produces chondroitin sulfate, so an alternative to administering this ingredient is to provide the pet with the building blocks to help the pet make its own chondroitin. This can be accomplished by using a supplement that contains methylsulfonylmethane, which is a dietary source of sulfur.

MSM for Dogs and Cats

MSM or methylsulfonylmethane, is a dietary derivative of DMSO, which is a major source of sulfur and is also an ingredient that is rapidly absorbed by the body. Studies have shown that osteoarthritic joints have lower sulfur content than normal joints, so giving a sulfur supplement will help slow joint deterioration.

Dog Anti-inflammatory Prescription Drugs

In the last 20 years, many new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory products for dogs and cats have come to market. These include carprofen (Rimadyl), meloxicam (Metacam), firocoxib (Previcox), deracoxib (Deramaxx), and grapiprant (Galliprant). For cats, we see robenacoxib (Onsior) that is labeled for use for three days. Only one of these drugs can be used on one pet at at time. Additionally, many other drugs can be combined with these non-steroidals (NSAIDS) including the prescription drugs gabapentin, pregabalin, amantadine and tramadol. Your veterinary professional can assist you in finding the right drug or combination of drugs for your pet.

Monoclonal A Antibodies

Recently, two new drugs in a new drug class have come to market. Frunevetmab (Solensia) is labeled for cats and bedinvetmab (Librela) is labeled for dogs. These are species specific, and are an injectable given by your veterinary professional once every four weeks. This drug class, a monoclonal antibody, specifically tarkets nerve growth factor, a key driver of arthritis pain. This makes it easier for your pet to move and play.

Arthritis can be a very debilitating and painful disease for dogs and cats. If you watch them closely and provide proper care, you can slow the deterioration of their joints and help relieve the pain associated with this condition. Nutraceutical products have proven to be very successful, so if your pet has the beginnings of arthritis, make sure to try them!

Shop our selection of cat and dog arthritis and joint care products.