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 swelling around the affected joint.

While factors such as nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight are important in preventing or delaying the progression of arthritis in pets, statistics show that one out of five dogs is diagnosed with osteoarthritis by the age of 7-8 years, and one in four cats by the age of 10.

When your adult dog or cat gets to the point where they need mobility and joint support, you have to consider pain management for arthritis that will make life more comfortable for them. 

In this article, I look at options for chronic pain management in pets with arthritis, including prescription medication and natural alternatives such as supplements and CBD oil for dogs and cats. 

Let’s start by determining whether your pet has arthritis… 

Signs Your Pet has Arthritis

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:

• Reluctance to climb stairs, go for walks, or climb into the car 

• Lameness
• Stiff movement
• 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 an injury.

Prescription Medication for Arthritis in Pets

Arthritis management requires a long-term plan because it is a lifelong disease that affects the condition of the joints. The most common treatment of arthritis in dogs and cats is prescription anti-inflammatories and pain relief medication. 

• Librela

The 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.

The 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

The 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.

The 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)

The 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. 

The 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.

Natural Treatments 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 that have good muscle tone and a healthy weight can better cope with changes in the condition of their joints. Strong muscles support ailing knees and hips. Activities such as hydrotherapy are excellent for muscle growth without placing strain on the joints.

Pets with arthritis benefit from short walks and hydrotherapy, but if they are reluctant to walk, don’t force them. They could be in quite 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 joints. Exercise also helps to build muscle, which supports weak joints.

• CBD Oil

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 8 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 who struggle to get up or have ongoing stiffness, only full-spectrum oil can improve their quality of life. 

Why THC is Recommended for Arthritis 

THC changes the way pain is perceived, and even in humans, cannabis with THC to treat arthritis is preferred because it is a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory, without the harsh side effects of prescription medication.

If you are interested in CBD oil for arthritis in dogs or cats, it is essential to find a trusted supplier first and foremost. THC-based products should be introduced in increments to build tolerance and prevent overdosing.

My very own 12-year-old dogs have received a strong full-spectrum oil to help with their pain management. I can honestly tell you that it helped them sleep through the night without any restlessness. Their recovery from stiffness and lameness after a short walk was also much quicker. 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 with a prescription from 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. I understand that many pet owners are hesitant about long-term medication for their pets; however, if you struggle to get out of a chair or cannot walk because of swollen and stiff joints, you would rely on pain pills for relief. The same applies to your precious fur baby. If they’re in pain, supplements alone cannot alleviate aches and stiffness.

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. A soft and supportive bed (the best ones are made from memory foam) can ease aching legs and hips.

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