Helping Stiff Joints Move Again: Caring for Pets with Osteoarthritis

Does your dog seem hesitant to jump on the couch lately, or does your cat walk slower to their food bowl than they used to? When small changes in your pet’s routine begin to signal discomfort, it can be heart-wrenching to witness. Those little signs of stiffness or pain could be whispers of osteoarthritis, a progressive joint condition that can steal mobility and joy from your valued pet. The good news is that with early detection, proper weight management, and effective modern therapies, most pets can enjoy comfortable and active lives well into their senior years.

At the Animal Clinic of Council Bluffs, we see arthritis every day and we know how profoundly it can affect both pets and their families. Our veterinarians use advanced diagnostic tools, including digital imaging and laboratory screening, to detect joint disease early. With customized care plans and modern therapies such as PRP, stem cell therapy, and laser surgery, we help pets regain mobility and quality of life. If you’ve noticed your pet slowing down or moving stiffly, our compassionate team is ready to help. Schedule your visit today through our appointment request page.

Early Clues That Your Pet May Have Arthritis Pain

Arthritis doesn’t happen overnight, it creeps up slowly, often disguised as “normal aging.” Your pet may simply sleep more or hesitate before climbing stairs, and it’s easy to dismiss these changes. But awareness is key: early recognition and proactive management can dramatically slow the disease’s progression and preserve comfort.

The earliest indicators of arthritis can be easy to overlook. Subtle shifts like a cat avoiding the windowsill or a dog hesitating to jump into the car can signal discomfort. Pets may change how they sit, become irritable when touched, or lick or chew sore joints. These common pain signs often precede visible lameness. Dogs may show mild limping after activity, while cats might develop stiffness or sleep in lower spots.

If you see these patterns, document changes or take short videos to share during your pet’s exam. Our team can assess gait, joint flexibility, and discomfort levels to develop a tailored plan. Don’t wait for stiffness to worsen, contact us early to begin care.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Arthritis in Pets

Diagnosing arthritis involves more than a simple exam. Our veterinarians start with a mobility assessment, feeling for joint swelling and tenderness, and testing range of motion. We also consider age, activity history, and prior injuries. Digital imaging and bloodwork are invaluable tools. X-rays confirm structural changes, and lab screening identifies conditions that mimic arthritis.

For aging pets, routine preventive testing can uncover issues before pain becomes noticeable. At the Animal Clinic of Council Bluffs, our services include on-site diagnostics for rapid results and same-day care recommendations. We encourage annual mobility screenings, especially for large-breed dogs and senior cats.

Modern Solutions for Managing Pet Arthritis

Treating osteoarthritis effectively means combining multiple approaches that target pain, inflammation, and joint function. Each pet’s plan is unique, blending medications, supplements, and advanced therapies to maximize comfort.

Safe and Proven Medications for Pet Joint Pain

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the cornerstone of arthritis pain relief. These medications ease inflammation and stiffness, allowing pets to move more freely. Our veterinarians carefully monitor bloodwork to ensure long-term safety and adjust doses as needed. Joint supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin can also improve joint lubrication and flexibility over time.

We provide prescription refills and supplement guidance, and encourage follow-ups to fine-tune each pet’s plan.

Advanced Pet Pain Relief with Biologic Injections

Breakthrough biologic treatments such as Librela for dogs and Solensia for cats have revolutionized pain management. These monoclonal antibody injections target pain receptors directly, interrupting discomfort at the nerve level. Administered monthly, they improve mobility and overall mood without the gastrointestinal side effects often associated with traditional drugs.

Our veterinarians are trained in biologic therapy protocols and can help determine if your pet is a good candidate. Contact us to learn more about integrating these advanced treatments into your pet’s care.

Complementary and Advanced Arthritis Therapies

Modern veterinary medicine offers many additional options beyond traditional medication and surgery. Laser therapy uses focused light energy to penetrate deep into tissues, stimulating cellular repair, increasing circulation, and reducing inflammation at the molecular level. Many pets experience noticeable pain relief after just a few sessions, with cumulative benefits building over time.

Regenerative medicine represents one of the most exciting advances in orthopedic care. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy harnesses concentrated healing factors from your pet’s own blood, injecting them directly into damaged joints to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and slow cartilage degeneration. Stem cell therapy takes this concept even further by using your pet’s own regenerative cells- typically harvested from fat tissue- to rebuild damaged cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. These therapies work with your pet’s natural healing processes, offering long-term joint support and often delaying or even eliminating the need for surgical intervention.

Our advanced treatments program includes these cutting-edge modalities, and our team designs comprehensive, multimodal plans tailored to your pet’s specific condition, lifestyle, and mobility goals.

Building a Supportive Home Environment for Arthritic Pets

Ongoing support is crucial. Gentle daily movement helps maintain circulation and prevents stiffness. Use warm-ups and cooldowns to protect joints during activity, and incorporate rehabilitation exercises to preserve strength. Physical rehabilitation principles can also guide at-home enrichment. Puzzle feeders, short walks, or climbing small obstacles can help keep pets mentally and physically engaged. Make your home arthritis-friendly by adding steps up to couches and beds, rugs on slippery surfaces, extra food and water bowls so your pet doesn’t have to go far to hydrate, and use low-sided litterboxes so cats don’t need to make a big step just to use the bathroom.

Our veterinarians can provide a home exercise plan customized to your pet’s comfort level during wellness visits.

Whole-Body Wellness for Senior Pets

Arthritis rarely exists in isolation. Senior pets often face overlapping issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and weight gain, all of which can complicate joint health and accelerate mobility decline. Among these factors, weight control stands out as one of the most powerful tools pet owners have to manage arthritis and extend quality of life.

Excess weight places tremendous mechanical stress on already compromised joints- every extra pound a dog carries translates to approximately four pounds of additional pressure on their hips, knees, and elbows with each step. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over half of all dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese, yet many pet owners don’t recognize their pet’s weight problem.
Beyond weight, comprehensive senior care addresses the interconnected nature of aging. Regular checkups allow early detection of metabolic changes, balanced nutrition supports overall health while managing specific conditions, and multimodal pain management keeps pets comfortable and active.

At the Animal Clinic of Council Bluffs, we integrate mobility treatment with overall wellness to ensure pets stay comfortable at every stage of life. Our services include personalized weight management counseling with body condition scoring, preventive screenings for age-related diseases, therapeutic nutrition plans, and advanced surgery options when necessary. Schedule a senior exam today to keep your pet thriving through their golden years.

Helping Pets Thrive Beyond Joint Pain

Arthritis may be chronic, but it doesn’t have to define your pet’s life. With modern therapies, expert care, and your dedication, your pet can continue to enjoy long walks, cozy naps, and playful moments without pain.

At the Animal Clinic of Council Bluffs, our mission is to help pets move freely again, because when your pet looks into your eyes, they don’t see age or limitation; they see their hero. Let’s help you care for them like one.

Schedule your pet’s arthritis consultation through our contact page or appointment request form, and take the first step toward restoring their comfort, confidence, and joy.