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Osteoarthritis: When
Age is Not to Blame

Our research team identified a growing population of pets developing osteoarthritis. Here are the findings to help you stay one step ahead of your pet’s health.

What is it? What you can do

Pets can’t speak for themselves or share their feelings of pain and discomfort, so cases of osteoarthritis can go undiagnosed. That’s why it’s important to monitor your pet for signs and pay close attention to even small changes in behavior.

Dogs

Cats

Also known as side sit or lazy sit, dogs with osteoarthritis pain sit this way to shift their weight from their painful joint(s).

Your dog may sit at the bottom or top of the steps or not use them as much as he used to.

Many owners think older dogs lose interest in play, when in reality, it may be due to osteoarthritis affecting their comfort and quality of life.

In addition to reacting to a painful joint being touched, dogs with osteoarthritis can become more sensitive to touch in other parts of their bodies.

Obvious especially after resting or sleeping, osteoarthritis can cause pain and stiffness that may become less apparent as your dog moves around.

Discomfort due to osteoarthritis pain can affect your dog’s ability to walk the same distance at the same speed that you used to do together.

Cats experiencing pain may not be able to reach all parts of their body to groom completely.

Your cat may go right outside the litterbox, because it may be too high for her to get into or she may be unable to sufficiently squat once in the box.

Cats with osteoarthritis may require an additional step in order to enjoy their favorite perch like they used to.

Cats that are in pain may hide or not welcome petting like they used to.

Cats with osteoarthritis may not go up or down stairs as much as they used to.

What you may think is normal “old age” behavior could actually be osteoarthritis, so partner with your veterinarian. If osteoarthritis is suspected, your veterinarian may recommend these products and services.

Click each item to learn more

Extended physical examination

Includes an orthopedic and/or neurologic assessment of your pet to determine whether pain is due to osteoarthritis or another condition.

Diagnostic tests

Assess your pet’s underlying health to develop a safe and customized treatment plan.

X-rays

Allow your veterinarian to evaluate bone and joint tissue for signs of arthritis or other abnormalities.

Anti-inflammatory medications

Help reduce inflammation in the affected joint(s).

Pain medications

Help improve your pet’s comfort level

Supplements

Support your pet’s overall joint health

Weight-management plan

Includes a combination of veterinary therapeutic diet and exercise.

Pet activity monitor

Understand how active your pet is, set daily goals and appreciate the progress your pet has made once treatment begins.

Other services

Complementary services such as acupuncture or physical therapy to improve your pet’s comfort and mobility.

There is no cure. But there is treatment.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that will get worse over time, and unfortunately, there is no cure. But interventions may slow down the disease’s progression and ensure your pet remains as comfortable as possible for as long as possible. Partner with your veterinarian to develop an individualized plan for you and your pet.