Arthritis Is More Common Than Many Pet Owners Realize
August 6, 2026, 5:57 AM
Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting dogs and cats, especially as they age. This condition causes inflammation within the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.
Because arthritis usually develops gradually, many pet owners assume the changes they see are simply a normal part of aging. However, these subtle behavior changes are often early signs that a pet may be experiencing joint discomfort.
Early recognition and treatment can significantly improve a pet’s comfort and quality of life.
Early Signs of Arthritis in Dogs
Dogs often show changes in their activity levels or mobility when arthritis begins to develop.
Common early signs include:
• Slower to get up from resting
• Stiffness after sleeping
• Reluctance to jump into the car or onto furniture
• Limping or favoring a leg
• Reduced interest in walks or play
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Behavioral changes such as irritability
• Stiffness after sleeping
• Reluctance to jump into the car or onto furniture
• Limping or favoring a leg
• Reduced interest in walks or play
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Behavioral changes such as irritability
These changes may appear gradually, making them easy to overlook at first.
Early Signs of Arthritis in Cats
Cats are very good at hiding pain, which means arthritis is frequently underdiagnosed in cats.
Instead of obvious limping, cats may show subtle behavior changes such as:
• Jumping less frequently
• Hesitating before jumping onto furniture
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Decreased grooming
• Sleeping more than usual
• Irritability or avoiding being handled
• Litter box accidents due to difficulty climbing in
• Hesitating before jumping onto furniture
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Decreased grooming
• Sleeping more than usual
• Irritability or avoiding being handled
• Litter box accidents due to difficulty climbing in
Many owners assume their cat is “just getting older,” when arthritis may actually be the cause.
How Arthritis Affects Pets
Over time, arthritis causes cartilage within the joint to break down. As the protective cartilage wears away, bones begin to rub against each other, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
Without treatment, arthritis can worsen and significantly impact a pet’s mobility and quality of life.
Fortunately, veterinary medicine now offers several options to help manage arthritis pain.
New Arthritis Treatments: Librela for Dogs
One of the newest advances in veterinary pain management is Librela.
Librela is a monthly injection designed specifically to control pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
It works by targeting nerve growth factor (NGF), a key protein involved in transmitting pain signals from arthritic joints.
Benefits of Librela include:
• Once-monthly injection administered by your veterinarian
• Targets arthritis pain at the source
• Can improve mobility and comfort
• Helps dogs stay more active
• Targets arthritis pain at the source
• Can improve mobility and comfort
• Helps dogs stay more active
Many dogs receiving Librela show noticeable improvement in their ability to move, walk, and enjoy daily activities.
New Arthritis Treatments: Solensia for Cats
Treating arthritis in cats has historically been challenging, but a newer medication called Solensia has significantly improved options for feline patients.
Solensia is a monthly injection for cats that also works by targeting nerve growth factor involved in arthritis pain.
Benefits of Solensia include:
• Designed specifically for cats
• Monthly veterinary injection
• Helps improve mobility and comfort
• Reduces pain associated with osteoarthritis
• Monthly veterinary injection
• Helps improve mobility and comfort
• Reduces pain associated with osteoarthritis
Because cats often hide discomfort, many owners notice improvements in their cat’s behavior, activity level, and willingness to jump after starting treatment.
Other Ways to Help Pets With Arthritis
In addition to medications, veterinarians often recommend a combination of strategies to help manage arthritis:
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Joint-support diets or supplements
• Controlled exercise
• Soft bedding and supportive surfaces
• Ramps or steps for furniture
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Joint-support diets or supplements
• Controlled exercise
• Soft bedding and supportive surfaces
• Ramps or steps for furniture
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation
A comprehensive approach helps keep pets comfortable and mobile for as long as possible.
Early Diagnosis Makes a Big Difference
Arthritis cannot be completely cured, but it can be effectively managed. The earlier arthritis is diagnosed, the more options are available to slow progression and maintain quality of life.
If you notice subtle mobility changes in your dog or cat, a veterinary exam can help determine whether arthritis may be the cause.
Helping Pets Stay Comfortable as They Age
Pets rely on their owners to recognize changes that may indicate pain or discomfort. With early diagnosis and modern treatments like Librela and Solensia, many pets with arthritis can continue living happy, active lives.
At Animal Clinic of Mandarin, we work closely with pet owners to develop personalized treatment plans that keep pets comfortable and moving well.
If you think your pet may be showing signs of arthritis, scheduling an exam is the first step toward helping them feel better.
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