Spot the Signs: Recognize Arthritis in Your Pet

Canine Health

Mar 10

Written By Emma Marshall

Aging is a natural process, but arthritis is not. Recognizing the signs early can

significantly improve your pet’s quality of life. If your dog is “slowing down” as they age,

they might be dealing with arthritis. In fact, up to 20% of dogs over one-year-old

suffer from this condition. Arthritis isn’t just joint pain—it’s the breakdown of cartilage

and thickening of bones in the joints.

Is Your Dog Showing Signs of Arthritis?

Arthritis can be difficult to detect, but there are clear signs that your dog (or cat) may be

in discomfort. Here’s what to look for:

• Stiffness or limping

• Difficulty rising from rest

• Lagging behind on walks

• Tiring easily

• Reluctance to climb stairs

• Avoiding jumping into the car

• Inability to groom their hind end

• Irritability or aggression when a specific area is touched

What Should You Do if You Notice These Signs?

If you see these signs, don’t wait—schedule a visit to your vet for an exam and joint

assessment. Early detection can make a huge difference in how your pet manages

arthritis.

Every week, you can track your pet’s comfort by using one a pain assessment scale:

• For Dogs: The LOAD Score at The LOAD Questionnaire

• For Cats: The FMPI Scale at painfreecats.org

Why Early Treatment Matters

The rule of thumb for treating arthritis is: the sooner, the better. Starting treatment before symptoms are severe helps slow the progression and improve your pet’s quality of life. Veterinarians recommend a multi-modal approach—combining different treatments to manage the condition.

While arthritis can’t be cured, there are many things you can start today to help your dog live a happy, active life— stay tuned for the next article!