From Medication to Diet: Discover How to Effectively Manage Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

It was just yesterday when your fur baby was running and jumping with ease, and then seemingly overnight, you noticed a change in their mobility. They’re stiff in the morning, struggle to rise, or can no longer make it up the stairs.

Arthritis in older dogs and cats is a common problem. Like people, arthritic symptoms cause tiredness, aching joints, and an inability to walk for long periods. Pets often lick or chew at the site of pain, and in some cases, you may notice mild joint swelling. You might be surprised to know that one out of five dogs is diagnosed with osteoarthritis by the age of seven, and one in four cats by the age of 10.

When your dog or cat needs mobility and joint support, you have to consider pain management strategies for arthritis. It will certainly make life more comfortable for them. 

In this article, I list some of the most common pain management solutions for pets with arthritis. This includes the pros and cons of prescription medication and natural alternatives for dogs and cats. Furthermore, I share my personal experiences and essential tips to alleviate your fur baby’s arthritic symptoms.

Signs of Arthritis in Pets

Pets with arthritis spend more time sleeping or resting, may limp or struggle to rise, and have visible joint swelling. Other signs of arthritis include:

• Lameness
• Stiff movement
• Reluctance to climb stairs, go for walks, or get into the car 
• Difficulty sitting or rising after lying down
• Changes in appetite
• Weight gain
• Changes in behavior (suddenly urinating in the house)
• Excessive licking of the leg or paw
• Less running, jumping, and playing

If you notice these changes in your fur companion, a veterinary exam can confirm the diagnosis of arthritis. A veterinarian can also rule out other conditions, such as injuries.

Common Prescription Medications for Arthritis in Pets

A long-term management plan is required for arthritis because it is a lifelong disease. Anti-inflammatories and cortisone are common treatments for arthritis in pets that I discuss in more detail below:

Librela

Benefits

Librela is a fairly new treatment for pets with arthritis. It consists of a monoclonal antibody that blocks pain signals. Interestingly, monoclonal antibodies for dogs and cats also alleviate allergy-related itchiness and fight infections. Many dog owners claim that Librela significantly improved their fur baby’s discomfort and mobility.

Limitations

It is on the costlier side of treatment, with monthly shots reaching up to $150. Librela’s side effects include neurological problems, such as seizures, muscle weakness, incontinence, and poor appetite.

Librela is not recommended for dogs with cancer because of its suppressive effect on Nerve Growth Factor, or NGF, which promotes sensory and neural development. It is believed that it could interfere with your pet’s ability to fight cancer cells. The best option is to discuss the pros and cons of Librela with your trusted veterinarian. They can evaluate your dog or cat’s physical condition and pain severity to determine the safest and most effective therapy for arthritis.

Rimadyl

Benefits

Rimadyl is one of the most popular pain medications for dogs with osteoarthritis. It belongs to the NSAID, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, class of drugs and works by reducing inflammation and pain. As cats are more sensitive to NSAIDs, you cannot give Rimadyl to them for pain.

Rimadyl is available in a chewable tablet form, making it easy to administer, and because it acts so quickly and effectively on pain, it is often prescribed for dogs with severe mobility issues.

Limitations

The NSAID is an effective choice for pain management in dogs, but it is not without side effects. Rimadyl is known to cause GI problems, including diarrhea and stomach ulcers. What dog owners need to look out for when using Rimadyl is the impact that it has on their pet’s liver. The prolonged use of Rimadyl requires monitoring for changes in appetite and behavior, frequent urination, and black tarry stools. If you notice these changes while giving your dog Rimadyl, consult with a veterinarian immediately.

Petcam (Meloxicam)

Benefits

Petcam is a pain-relief medication that is often prescribed to manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in pets. The oral suspension is easily administered with a syringe and given after a meal.

Can You Give Petcam to Cats? 

Petcam is the generic of Meloxicam, a pain-alleviating medication for cats, but always consult with your veterinarian about the safest pain relievers for felines because they are more sensitive to anti-inflammatory medications than dogs.

Petcam can ease pain and inflammation and is easier on the liver and kidneys of dogs compared to Rimadyl when taken long-term; however, it is not without side effects. 

Limitations

Petcam is safe to give to your pets in the recommended doses, but it does require careful monitoring for adverse effects with long-term use. High doses of Petcam can cause stomach ulcers, GI problems, and even kidney failure, so work with your vet for the safe and effective treatment of arthritis.

Cortisone

Benefits

Undoubtedly, the most popular medication for arthritis in pets is cortisone. The potent anti-inflammatory offers rapid pain relief, particularly when injected into the affected joint.

Limitations

Cortisone is a great short-term therapy, but its side effects include weight gain, difficulty sleeping, and immunosuppression.

Natural Solutions for Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

Diet

A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals is always beneficial for joint health and mobility in both people and pets. I wouldn’t say that diet is a treatment for arthritis in pets, but certain types of supplements and minerals can lubricate the joints, protect cartilage, and improve muscle condition.

Supplements such as fish oil containing omega-3 and 6 are excellent additions to their diet for joint protection. Glucosamine and chondroitin are supportive minerals believed to rebuild and protect cartilage.

Check commercial dog foods for added joint support, including mobility and senior-branded products that should be formulated for the needs of older pets. It is important to start your cat or dog on a nutritious diet to prevent the onset of arthritis as they age, but as part of a senior mobility management plan, you can add supplements to their food.

Exercise

Fit pets with good muscle tone and healthy weights cope far better with changes in the condition of their joints as they mature. Strong muscles support ailing knees and hips. Hydrotherapy is excellent for muscle strength and flexibility in senior pets because it doesn’t strain the joints.

Pets with arthritis can definitely benefit from short walks, but if they are reluctant to walk, don’t force them. They could be in a lot of discomfort, and if they can only spend their days relaxing without much play or walks, it’s best to keep them comfortable. Lastly, keep their weight in check! That potbelly can place some serious strain on little or big joints.

How Full Spectrum CBD Oil Helps with Pain Relief in Pets

Some pet owners swear by CBD oil, while others remain skeptical, but my motto is, “It never hurts to try.” There are many claims about CBD oil for pets, and while I can’t give you veterinary advice, I can share my personal experience with CBD over the last eight to 10 years.

You can find a wide range of CBD oil for pets with arthritis in mainstream pet stores, but remember that these products are very mild. If a 2% CBD oil works to alleviate your cat or dog’s pain, that’s great; however, most pets benefit from a full-spectrum oil containing moderate amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

THC offers relaxation and pain relief and reduces inflammation. CBD alone offers some joint support and relief from inflammation, but for animals with advanced osteoarthritis struggling with stiffness, only full-spectrum oil can improve their quality of life. 

Is THC Beneficial for Arthritis in Pets? 

THC changes your perception of pain making it more bearable. It works the same way in cats and dogs as THC binds to the cannabinoid receptors modulating senses while regulating pain. For pets in severe pain, THC for arthritis is a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory. It doesn’t include the side effects of conventional pain medication.

My very own 12-year-old dogs received full-spectrum oil to help with their pain and poor sleeping patterns. I can honestly tell you that their recovery from stiffness and lameness after a short walk was also faster. I used the CBD & THC oil in combination with fish oil and Mobiflex (a chondroitin and glucosamine supplement).

How to Choose the Best Arthritis Treatment for Your Pet

CBD can’t cure arthritis, but it’s definitely a long-term natural option for cats and dogs that are already in pain. Invest in full-spectrum oil, as it provides greater pain relief compared to regular CBD. Treatment also includes anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by your veterinarian. Remember that your pet’s arthritis treatment should always focus on pain relief and quality of life.

I found that my old girl, Sasha, experienced the greatest pain relief when I balanced prescription medication with supplements, including fish oil and full-spectrum oil. If you are hesitant about using long-term prescription medication, such as anti-inflammatories, consider THC. And even if you have a real golden oldie, include supplements like fish oil to their diet. Just remember, that supplements alone won’t reverse joint damage or reduce pain. Your fur baby still requires pain medication or alternatives, such as THC, depending on the severity of pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Another important tip is to keep them warm in winter. Sore and stiff joints become more painful in the cold, and many older dogs and cats seldom make it through winter. Either bring them inside (if dogs usually sleep outdoors) or provide a very well-insulated and enclosed area to provide warmth on cold days and nights. Avoid overly soft dog beds, and instead, add a supportive memory foam to support aching joints.

If you have any questions or a story to share about your pet’s journey with arthritis, please feel free to comment!