One common reason for these changes is osteoarthritis (OA), a condition that affects the joints and can cause chronic pain in both dogs and cats.

Our goal with this blog post is to help you understand what osteoarthritis is, how to spot it early, and what we can do together to keep your pet comfortable and happy.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. That means over time, the smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of your pet’s bones wears down. This leads to inflammation, stiffness, and pain when your pet moves.

While OA is more common in senior pets, it can affect animals of any age due to injury, developmental problems, or other health conditions.

Signs of Osteoarthritis in Dogs and Cats

Pets are experts at hiding pain — especially cats — so the signs can be subtle. You might notice:

In Dogs:

• Slowing down on walks or wanting to turn back early
• Stiffness, especially after resting
• Hesitating or refusing to jump into the car or climb stairs
• Limping or favouring one leg
• Less interest in playing or running

In Cats:

• Sleeping more than usual
• Jumping less often or struggling to reach high places
• Avoiding the litter box if it has high sides
• Grooming less, especially over the back or hips
• Spending more time alone

If you’re noticing any of these changes, it’s worth booking an exam — the earlier we address OA, the more we can help slow it down.

How We Diagnose It

At Chappelle Veterinary Clinic, we start with a thorough physical exam and a discussion about your pet’s behaviour at home.
If OA is suspected, we may recommend:

• X-rays to assess joint health
• Mobility assessments to see how your pet walks, runs, and moves
• Reviewing your pet’s medical history for past injuries or conditions

Treatment Options

While osteoarthritis can’t be cured, there are many ways we can manage the pain and improve quality of life:

• Pain relief medications tailored to your pet’s needs
• Joint supplements that support cartilage health
• Weight management — even a small weight loss can make a big difference for sore joints
• Physiotherapy and gentle exercise plans to keep muscles strong
• Environmental adjustments like ramps, soft bedding, and easy-access litter boxes

We build a personalized plan for every patient because each dog and cat experiences OA differently.

What You Can Do at Home

• Keep your pet at a healthy weight
• Provide a warm, comfortable sleeping area
• Use non-slip rugs on slippery floors
• Encourage gentle activity instead of high-impact exercise
• Monitor for changes and let us know right away

Final Thoughts

Osteoarthritis doesn’t have to mean the end of your pet’s active, happy life.
With the right care, many dogs and cats continue to enjoy years of comfort and fun.

If you’ve noticed signs of slowing down, stiffness, or changes in behaviour, book an appointment at Chappelle Veterinary Clinic. Together, we can make sure your furry friend stays comfortable and keeps living their best life.