Arthritis in pets: how to spot the signs and keep your pet comfortable

If you have ever woken up on a chilly UK morning feeling a bit stiff yourself, you already have some idea of what arthritis can feel like for our pets. The difference is that your dog or cat cannot tell you in words that their joints are aching. They rely on you to notice the little changes in how they move, behave and play.

The good news is that with the right care, many pets with arthritis can still enjoy happy, active lives. In this guide, we will walk through what arthritis is, the early signs to look out for, practical ways to help at home, how nutrition and joint supplements can support your pet, and when it is time to speak to your vet.

This is written with UK pet owners in mind, but the most important part is simple: you know your pet best. If something feels “not quite right”, trust that instinct.

What arthritis is and how common it is in pets

Arthritis is a condition where the joints become sore, stiff and inflamed. Over time, the smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones can wear away, making movement uncomfortable. You may also hear your vet use the word “osteoarthritis” for this type of wear and tear.

Arthritis is very common in older dogs, especially medium and large breeds, but smaller dogs and young dogs can be affected too, particularly if they have had an injury or issues like hip or elbow dysplasia.

Cats are often quietly arthritic as they age as well. They are masters of hiding pain, so their arthritis can be missed for a long time. A cat that “slows down” or becomes less playful is often assumed to just be getting old, when in reality their joints are starting to hurt.

Some key points to remember about arthritis in dogs and cats:

It is more common in older pets, but younger pets can develop it after injury or stress on the joints.
It tends to progress over time, which is why early support makes such a big difference.
It cannot be “cured”, but there is a lot you can do to manage it and keep your pet comfortable.

Early signs and symptoms to look out for

Spotting arthritis early gives you the best chance of slowing it down and keeping your pet active for longer. The signs can be quite subtle at first, so it helps to know what to watch for.

In dogs, look out for:

Stiffness when getting up after resting, especially in the morning or after a long nap
Slowing down on walks, or wanting to turn for home sooner than usual
Hesitation or refusal to jump into the car, onto the sofa or up steps
Limping, even if it seems to come and go
Bunny hopping with the back legs, or an odd, uneven gait
Struggling with stairs, especially going down
Licking or chewing at certain joints, such as hips or elbows
Seeming grumpy when touched around specific areas

In cats, look out for:

Not jumping up to their usual favourite perches or windowsills
Using lower surfaces instead of high ones they used to love
Being slow or stiff after resting
Overgrown claws, because they are not scratching and climbing as much
Less interest in play, especially games that involve jumping or pouncing
Changes in grooming, such as a scruffier coat if they find it harder to twist and lick
Avoiding the litter tray if it has high sides or is difficult to step into

You might also notice more general changes such as:

Sleeping more than usual
Seeming quieter or less enthusiastic
Irritability or snapping when other pets or children bump into them

None of these signs automatically mean your dog or cat has arthritis, but they are good reasons to keep a closer eye on things and have a chat with your vet.

Practical ways to support pets at home

If your pet has been diagnosed with arthritis, or you simply suspect their joints are not what they used to be, there is a lot you can do at home to make life easier and more comfortable.

Keep them warm and cosy

Joint pain often feels worse when it is cold and damp, which will sound familiar to many UK pet owners. Small changes can help, such as:

A comfy, well padded bed away from draughts
Orthopaedic or memory foam beds that support their joints better
A blanket or pet safe heated pad for older pets that feel the cold
Keeping their sleeping area on the ground floor if stairs are a struggle

Use soft bedding and non slip surfaces

Hard floors can be tricky for pets with wobbly or painful joints. You can help by:

Adding rugs or non slip mats in slippery areas, such as hallways and kitchens
Making sure their bed is thick enough so they do not feel the hard floor underneath
Placing beds where they do not need to jump up or down to reach them

Ramps and small adjustments around the home

If your dog loves the car or the sofa but cannot manage the jump like they used to, think about:

A sturdy pet ramp or steps for the car
A ramp or small step to help reach the sofa or bed
Raising food and water bowls a little so they do not need to bend as far

For cats:

Provide “stepping stone” furniture so they can reach higher spots with smaller jumps
Lower some favourite beds or add a cosy option on a chair rather than on top of a wardrobe

Gentle, regular exercise

Complete rest is not usually helpful for arthritis. Joints actually do better with sensible, regular movement. The key is to keep it gentle and consistent:

Shorter, more frequent walks rather than one long hike
Avoid sudden bursts of high impact activity, such as ball chasing or wild zoomies on slippery floors
Stick to even surfaces where possible, rather than steep hills or deep sand
Swimming or controlled hydrotherapy can be brilliant for some dogs, if recommended by your vet

Maintain a healthy weight

This might be one of the most important things you can do. Extra weight puts extra pressure on sore joints. Even a small weight loss can make a big difference to comfort and mobility.

If your pet needs to slim down a little, your vet team can help you create a safe, steady weight loss plan. This will usually include:

Measuring food carefully, rather than guessing
Choosing a suitable diet that keeps them full without too many calories
Watching treats and table scraps more closely
Building in low impact daily exercise, tailored to what your pet can manage

The role of nutrition and joint supplements

What your pet eats can play a big part in joint health. While nutrition cannot magically erase arthritis, a good diet and the right joint supplements can support the body’s natural processes and help keep joints moving more comfortably.

Helpful nutrients for joint support

Common ingredients you might see in joint supplements for dogs and cats include:

Hydrolysed collagen complex to support cartilage, tendons, ligaments and skin elasticity.
Glucosamine to help maintain healthy cartilage and joint lubrication.
Ovopet® egg shell membrane providing natural collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid to support mobility and overall joint health.
Boswellia extract to support a healthy inflammatory response and ease everyday joint stiffness.

You do not need to become a nutrition scientist. What matters is choosing a high quality joint supplement from a reputable brand, and giving it consistently.

How Clinipaw can help you stay consistent

At Clinipaw, we know that life with pets is busy. Between work, school runs, walks in the rain and washing muddy paws, it is easy to forget tablets or run out of a supplement just when your dog seems to be improving.

That is why our joint support powders are designed to be:

Easy to sprinkle over your pet’s normal food
Tasty, so they are more like a treat than a chore
Simple to measure, so you can stick to the right daily amount

For dogs who need extra support, our Advanced Support for Joints & Skin is formulated to support healthy joints, skin and coat in one daily powder. It is an easy way to include ingredients such as glucosamine and collagen as part of your dog’s everyday routine.

Our subscription service helps you build joint care into your routine without even thinking about it. You can:

Set up regular deliveries so you do not run out
Adjust, pause or cancel if your needs change
Relax knowing your pet’s joint support arrives at your door, anywhere in the UK

Consistency is incredibly important with joint supplements. Most work best when given every day over weeks and months, rather than here and there. A subscription makes this much easier, and that in turn helps your pet feel the full benefit.

When to visit the vet and options for pain management

While home care and good nutrition make a big difference, arthritis is still a medical condition. Your vet is your best partner in building a proper joint care plan.

Make an appointment with your vet if you notice:

Limping or stiffness that lasts for more than a few days
Sudden changes in how your pet moves or jumps
Yelping, crying out or obvious signs of pain
Struggling to get up, use the stairs or get into the car
Behaviour changes, such as snapping when touched or avoiding family members
Loss of appetite or weight, especially combined with any of the above

Your vet may suggest:

A physical examination and possibly x rays to assess the joints
Prescription pain relief or anti inflammatory medicines
Joint injections in some cases
Physiotherapy or hydrotherapy to build strength safely
Advice on weight loss, exercise and lifestyle adjustments

It is very important never to give human painkillers to pets, as many are unsafe or even toxic for dogs and cats. Always speak to your vet first.

Think of arthritis management as a team effort. You bring the love, the daily care and the knowledge of what is normal for your pet. Your vet brings the medical expertise. Together, you can create a plan that suits your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle and personality.

Helping pets live happy, active lives despite arthritis

Hearing the word “arthritis” from your vet can feel worrying at first. It is natural to picture your dog or cat slowing down more and more, or to fear that pain will dominate their later years.

The reality is often much brighter. With early support, sensible lifestyle changes, good nutrition and the right joint supplements, many pets with arthritis:

Still enjoy their walks, playtime and family life
Find their new favourite comfy spots and routines
Stay bright, engaged and interested in the world
Have plenty of tail wags and purrs left to give

You do not have to make huge changes overnight. Start with small, kind steps. Add a softer bed. Shorten the walks slightly but make them more frequent. Sprinkle a joint supplement on their dinner. Use a ramp instead of asking for a jump. Keep talking to your vet and adjusting as you go.

If you feel a joint supplement could help, Clinipaw’s Advanced Support for Joints & Skin is a great option to help with everyday joint care.

At Clinipaw, we believe every pet deserves to feel as comfortable as possible, for as long as possible. Arthritis may be part of your pet’s story, but it does not have to define their happiness.

With a bit of planning, a dash of patience and a lot of love, your arthritic pet can still enjoy a life full of sniffs, snoozes, adventures and cuddles. And really, that is all they ever wanted in the first place.