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Did you know that osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in senior pets?
Osteoarthritis causes thinning of the cartilage, which is the protective cushioning around the joints that allows smooth movement and flexibility. As the cartilage wears away over time, the bone is exposed, which can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced mobility.
Although there’s no cure, the sooner osteoarthritis is diagnosed and treated, the more likely your pet will return to their happy, mobile self! The treatment plan for osteoarthritis in pets typically involves four important elements:
Diet: Even a few extra pounds can increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Joints have to bear all of your pet’s weight, so any extra pounds put more stress on joints, wearing out their cartilage sooner. Getting your pet to their ideal weight is a key factor to keeping joints pain-free and may require switching to a low-calorie senior diet or a prescription diet designed for weight loss.
Exercise: Daily exercise improves muscle tone, keeps joints lubricated, maintains flexibility and prevents excess weight gain. Ideal exercises for senior pets are low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, gentle playtime and learning new tricks (yes, cats can learn tricks, too!). Avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping, which can only inflame joints and exacerbate the osteoarthritis.
Supplements: Certain nutrients can support cartilage growth and prevent its breakdown, allowing cartilage to cushion joints more effectively. Learn more about joint supplements for your pet.
Medication: Pets who are still in pain despite lifestyle modifications can receive medications to reduce pain and inflammation in their joints. Pain control is extremely important for arthritic pets not only to make them comfortable, but also because pain sets up a vicious cycle: pets don’t want to move as much, causing them to gain more weight, both of which exacerbate osteoarthritis. Pain medications help break this cycle.
