Signs of Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

Arthritis affects more pets than most owners realize, and the signs are often subtle enough to miss until the condition has progressed significantly. Dogs tend to show more visible symptoms, while cats are especially skilled at hiding discomfort, which means changes in their behavior are often the first real clue. Recognizing what to look for early can make a meaningful difference in how comfortable your pet stays over time. At Pawtown Veterinary Care in Bend, Oregon, our team regularly helps families in Central Oregon identify and address arthritis in their dogs and cats through our arthritis treatment services.

Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is a progressive condition in which the cartilage within a joint gradually breaks down. It can affect pets of any age, though it becomes more common as animals get older. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic, painful conditions recognized in dogs and cats, and it often begins earlier in life than owners expect.

How Arthritis Shows Up in Dogs

The most noticeable sign in dogs is limping or favoring one leg, but this is not the only symptom worth watching for. Many dogs with arthritis become stiff after resting, particularly in the morning or after a nap. You may notice your dog moving slowly when they first get up, then loosening up after a few minutes of walking.

• Reluctance to go up or down stairs, jump into the car, or get onto furniture they previously had no trouble with
• A decrease in activity or enthusiasm for walks they used to enjoy
• Visible muscle loss, particularly around the hind end
• Swollen or thickened joints
• Sensitivity when touched in certain areas

Lameness that comes and goes, or that worsens after a long hike or active day, is a classic pattern in arthritic dogs and should not be dismissed as normal aging. Central Oregon dogs who spend time on trails are especially worth monitoring, as uneven terrain can accelerate joint stress over time.

How Arthritis Shows Up in Cats

Cats rarely limp in an obvious way, even when they are in significant pain. Instead, arthritis in cats tends to show up as behavioral changes that can be easy to attribute to other causes. A cat who has stopped jumping onto the couch, who is grooming less or grooming certain spots more, who seems irritable when petted, or who has started missing the litter box may be dealing with joint pain rather than a behavior problem.

Decreased activity, increased sleeping, and withdrawal from social interaction are also common in cats with arthritis. Because these changes happen gradually, they can be hard to notice without deliberately comparing how your cat moves and behaves now to how they were six months ago. If your senior cat seems less like themselves, a wellness check is a good place to start. Our senior pet care services are designed specifically to catch these kinds of changes early.

What to Do If You Suspect Arthritis

If you notice any of these signs, a veterinary exam is the right next step. Drs. Erin Miller and Lauren Stayer will perform a physical assessment and may recommend diagnostic imaging such as x-rays to evaluate the affected joints. A diagnosis allows us to build a management plan tailored to your pet, which may include pain medication, joint supplements, weight management, and low-impact exercise recommendations.

Arthritis cannot be cured, but it can be managed effectively, especially when caught before significant joint damage has occurred. Many pets with arthritis go on to maintain a good quality of life for years with the right support in place.

Arthritis Care at Pawtown Veterinary Care

At Pawtown Veterinary Care, Drs. Erin Miller and Lauren Stayer are committed to honest, compassionate care for dogs and cats at every stage of life. They take the time to listen and to give you a clear picture of what is happening with your pet and what your options are, without rushing the conversation. If your pet is slowing down, seems stiff, or has changed their behavior in ways that concern you, we want to hear about it.

If you are concerned your pet may be showing signs of arthritis, request an appointment and let our team take a closer look. We are here to help you keep your pet comfortable and active for as long as possible.