Managing Osteoarthritis in Dogs and Cats: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Recognizing Osteoarthritis in Dogs vs. Cats  

Does My Dog Have OA? 

1. Difficulty with stairs 
2. Lagging on walks 
3. Limping after exercise 
4. Showing stiffness 
5. Slow to rise 
6. Struggling to jump 

Does My Cat Have OA? 

1. Up Stairs: Bunny hopping with pauses 
2. Down Stairs: Angling the body to the side, descending one stair at a time 
3. Playtime: Slowing down while chasing toys 
4. Jumping Up: Hesitation before jumping or unsuccessful landing after jumping 
5. Jumping Down: Reaching down toward the ground before jumping  
6. Running: Slower speeds, alternates between jog and walk, and back feet angle together 

Treatments for Osteoarthritis in Cats and Dogs 

1. Pain Management Therapies: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often the first line of treatment for dogs and cats because they reduce inflammation and pain in the affected joints. Other options include gabapentin, amantadine, and tramadol. These medications can be used in combination to provide better pain control.  
2. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for pets with osteoarthritis. Carrying around excess weight puts stress on the joints, causing pain and inflammation. Your veterinarian can tailor a diet and exercise plan to help your pet with weight loss.  
3. Physical Therapy and Low-Impact Exercise: Regular, controlled exercise helps maintain joint mobility and muscle strength. For dogs, this can include swimming and gentle walks.  
4. Nutritional Supplements: Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can support joint health and slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage pain.  
5. Environmental Modifications: Making changes at home can help pets with osteoarthritis move around more easily and comfortably. Some changes that can make a big difference include adding ramps for easier access to favorite spots, installing night lights around the home, providing extra padding and warmth in resting areas, or, for your cat, providing a low-entry litter box.  
6. Innovative Treatments: Librela (bedinvetmab injection) for dogs and Solensia (frunevetmab injection) for cats are FDA-approved treatments to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis.2 Your pet receives one monthly in-office dose from your veterinarian to help them live a more comfortable, active life. They are each a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that are designed to target and neutralize the nerve growth factor (NGF), which reduces pain transmission and inflammation. It’s important to be aware of risk factors and side effects too, so speak with your veterinarian directly.  
7. Stem Cell Therapy: This offers promising treatment for arthritic dogs and cats by using regenerative cells—often harvested from the pet’s own fat tissue—to repair damaged cartilage, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function. This minimally invasive procedure can lead to noticeable improvements in mobility and pain relief, making it a valuable alternative or complement to traditional treatments like medications and physical therapy. 
8. Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses wavelengths of light to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. Known as low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation, it triggers chemical changes in cells that promote tissue repair and increase blood flow, which enhances joint mobility and comfort. Many pets improve activity levels and reduce their reliance on pain medications after treatment, making laser therapy a valuable option alongside traditional OA management strategies.  

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