Author
(Dr) Jun Xing Loh BVSc (University of Melbourne)
Veterinary Surgeon at Second Chance Animal Rescue
Posted
July 24, 2026
As the colder winter months arrive, many pet owners notice changes in their furry friends’ movement, energy levels and behaviour. While it is easy to assume that slowing down is simply a normal part of aging, it may actually be a sign of osteoarthritis in dogs or cats.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease in pets that causes inflammation, stiffness and pain in the joints. It can affect dogs and cats of all ages, breeds and sizes, not just senior pets. Without appropriate management, pet arthritis pain can worsen over time and significantly impact your pet’s quality of life.
The good news is that with early detection, veterinary care and the right osteoarthritis treatment for dogs and cats, many pets can continue to enjoy happy, comfortable lives.
Signs of Osteoarthritis in Dogs
Dogs are often very good at hiding pain, and the signs of arthritis in dogs can sometimes be subtle. Think about your dog’s activity and behaviour over the past few months and ask yourself:
- Has your dog been limping after exercise?
- Is your dog lagging behind on walks or tiring more quickly?
- Does your dog seem slower to rise or get out of bed in the morning?
- Is your dog having difficulty jumping onto furniture or getting in and out of the car?
- Does your dog appear stiff when walking around the house?
- Is your dog struggling with stairs?
- Does your dog show signs that they may be in pain?
- Have you noticed changes in your dog’s behaviour?
- Does your dog cry or react when being picked up?
Joint pain from canine osteoarthritis can affect your dog both physically and emotionally. A dog experiencing chronic pain may become less active, less social, or lose interest in activities they previously loved.
Assessing Your Dog’s Quality of Life
Consider your dog’s wellbeing on a scale from 0–5:
Is your dog:
- Energetic and enthusiastic? Are they still excited to play and go for walks?
- Happy and content? Have you noticed any signs of distress at home?
- Active and comfortable?
- Calm and relaxed?
If you answered “yes” to more than three of the questions above, or your dog scores low when assessing their quality of life, it is recommended that you book an appointment with your local veterinarian.
Taking notes or bringing along your completed checklist can help your vet better understand what changes you have noticed and assist with creating an appropriate dog arthritis treatment plan.
Can Cats Get Osteoarthritis Too?
Absolutely. Osteoarthritis in cats is also very common, but cats are experts at hiding pain. Unlike dogs, cats may not limp or show obvious signs of discomfort. Instead, their arthritis symptoms may appear as small changes in their daily routines.
Keep an eye out for these signs of cat arthritis:
- Does your cat bunny hop up the stairs or stop for breaks?
- Does your cat hesitate or take smaller steps when going down stairs?
- Is your cat less interested in playing with toys?
- Does your cat pause before jumping onto or off surfaces?
- Has your cat’s running speed changed?
- Does your cat have a different gait or movement pattern?
- Is your cat having difficulty getting in and out of the litter tray?
- Has your cat become more withdrawn or less interested in interacting with people or other pets?
- Is your cat less tolerant of being picked up or patted?
Even subtle changes can be important. Feline osteoarthritis pain can affect your cat’s mobility, confidence and overall happiness.
Assessing Your Cat’s Quality of Life
Consider your cat’s wellbeing on a scale from 0–5:
Is your cat:
- Energetic and enthusiastic?
- Active and comfortable?
- Happy and content?
If you answered “yes” to more than three of the questions above, or your cat scores low when assessing their comfort and happiness, it is time to speak with your veterinarian.
How Can a Vet Help with Pet Arthritis?
A veterinary assessment is the first step in understanding whether your pet is experiencing osteoarthritis pain. Your vet can assess your pet’s mobility, check for joint discomfort, discuss their lifestyle and recommend a personalised treatment plan.
Depending on your pet’s needs, arthritis treatment for dogs and cats may include pain management, weight management, exercise adjustments, joint support, physiotherapy, environmental changes and ongoing monitoring.
Your pet doesn’t have to “just slow down” because they are getting older. Changes in mobility, behaviour or activity levels are worth investigating.
If you have noticed any signs of stiffness, difficulty moving, reduced activity or changes in your pet’s behaviour, speak to our vet team today. Early support can make a huge difference to your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
