Happy January 2026: National Walk Your Pet Month and Arthritis in Companion Animals

Take stock: really watch your companion. Are they exhibiting slowness to rise? Do they take several limping steps before moving comfortably? Are they unable to climb steps or jump like they used to do?

There is great importance in early consideration of mobility challenges, especially for animals with a history of orthopedic disease (hit by car, previous surgery on their back or limb, born with dysplasia of one or more joints). Aging animals are the obvious group who may begin to have movement discomfort and reduced activity, but any age, size or species of companion may develop the need for mobility care. There are immense benefits in proactive treatment, rather than awaiting signs of true pain to take action. 

 Proactive treatment of musculoskeletal disease, namely arthritis and condition loss, yields much better results for quality of life preservation than actions taken in a reactive manner. In other words, we get a happier, healthier companion for much longer if we act early in treating and trying to prevent orthopedic decline than when trying to play catch up once disease has become advanced.

Clinical signs of arthritis (joint inflammation) and osteoarthritis (advanced disease including changes to the bones around the affected joint) may be obvious such as yelping in pain, not allowing touch of a sensitive area, limping or holding up a limb. However, consider early or subtle signs like slow to rise, needing to “work out the kinks”, no longer playful, grumpy demeanor, not jumping up onto furniture or needing assistance with steps. Some animals even lick or lay on top of painful joints, or isolate themselves when they are uncomfortable. 

 After you have evaluated your companion, the natural question is: what can be done? 

Weight control is essential. A heavy dog or cat will almost certainly develop joint disease on a more rapid and severe course than one which is at a healthy weight. Measure your companion’s food, resist the urge to add treats and toppings, or consider a whole or fresh food diet (commercially available or formulated with the help of a nutritionist). Use the Pet Nutrition Alliance’s website and your vet’s help to get an accurate calorie calculation to help you stick to feeding goals. 

Get moving! Even animals with mild to moderate arthritis benefit from movement! Joint fluid that is stagnant and inflamed will be thin and will not lubricate a joint well (like old oil in a car’s engine). Easy-going, regular movement such as going for walks for a prescribed time or distance is very helpful to keep the cycle of inflammation in painful joints to a minimum; movement will facilitate weight loss and enrich your companion mentally as well. Unconventional tools such as walking pads or cat running wheels can be used to provide your companion with convenient exercise, with a bit of time and training. 

Common supplements used to maintain joint fluid and cartilage health include: fish oils (cold water fish derivation is best), glucosamine and chondroitin, polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (injections like Adequan or generic), which directly increase the body’s levels of building blocks to maintain and repair joint cartilage and fluid. 

Oral medications like non -steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aka NSAIDs: carprofen, Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Galliprant, meloxicam) are hugely beneficial in stopping inflammation in painful joints, which over time will drive formation of permanent disease like osteoarthritis. Check with your vet to determine safe dosing and administration, and ensure your companion’s bloodwork be checked every 6-12 months to ensure their body is tolerating these medications well. Other oral medications for pain control such as gabapentin, tramadol, and amantadine may be layered in along with NSAIDs to round out control of chronic and degenerative orthopedic disease. 

Peace and Passing offers in-home hospice and palliative care consultations for animals who need advanced management strategies for orthopedic, neoplastic, and other chronic and end-stage conditions.

See your regular DVM or VeterinaryPartner.com  for even more resources on management of companion animals who struggle with arthritis and mobility.