When your dog hesitates before the stairs or your cat stops jumping onto their favorite spot, arthritis may be the reason. At Pawtown Veterinary Care in Bend, Oregon, Dr. Erin Miller and Dr. Lauren Stayer manage arthritis in dogs and cats with individualized long-term treatment plans that address pain, preserve mobility, and keep your pet active through Central Oregon’s seasons.
Arthritis is very manageable when caught early and treated consistently. Our approach focuses on honest assessment, regular monitoring, and adjusting the plan as your pet changes — not a one-time prescription and a hope things improve. Call us at 541-313-3607 or visit our senior pet care page for more on managing aging pets. We are open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm.
What Is Pet Arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation in one or more joints that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. It develops as cartilage — the cushioning between joint surfaces — breaks down over time. For dogs and cats, osteoarthritis is the most common type and most often develops with age, though it can also result from injury, developmental issues, or genetic predisposition.
Dogs typically show arthritis in weight-bearing joints: hips, knees, elbows, and shoulders. Cats more commonly develop spinal arthritis or joint pain in the legs, and they’re significantly better at hiding it. In Bend’s outdoor-oriented environment, many pets spend their younger years hiking, swimming, and staying active — high-value years that also accumulate joint wear. Cold winters here often worsen symptoms, making year-round management important even for mild cases.
Risk factors include age, breed (large breeds and certain cat breeds carry higher risk), previous injuries, excess body weight, and genetics. The good news: arthritis is one of the most treatable chronic conditions in veterinary medicine, and starting a management plan early consistently produces better long-term outcomes.
How to Recognize Arthritis in Dogs and Cats
One of the most important things about arthritis in pets: they hide it. Dogs and cats adapt their behavior around pain rather than signaling it loudly, which means by the time most owners notice something is wrong, the condition has often been progressing for months. Annual exams are one of the most reliable ways to catch arthritis before it reaches the “limping visibly” stage — we evaluate joint range of motion, muscle mass, and movement patterns as part of every routine checkup.
In dogs, watch for reluctance to go on walks or take stairs, stiffness after rest (especially in the morning or after lying on cold floors), limping or favoring a leg, hesitation before jumping into the car, reduced playfulness, and any change in how they get up or lie down. Dogs with hip arthritis often sit asymmetrically or shift their weight while standing.
In cats, signs are subtler. Reduced jumping — using stairs or ramps to reach spots they used to leap to, or simply avoiding their favorite high perches — is a key indicator. Changes in litter box habits (going near but outside the box because climbing in hurts), decreased self-grooming leading to matted fur on the back or hindquarters, and more time spent sleeping are all common. Cold weather amplifies symptoms in both dogs and cats, so Bend winters are often when owners first notice something’s changed.
Arthritis Treatment Options for Dogs and Cats
Dr. Miller and Dr. Stayer build each arthritis treatment plan around the individual pet: what joints are affected, how severe the disease is, the pet’s age and overall health, their activity level, and what’s realistic for their household. The goal is always the same — meaningful reduction in pain, maintenance of function, and a good quality of life for as long as possible. Here’s what that plan may include:
Pain management medications form the backbone of most arthritis plans. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories) reduce both pain and inflammation and are usually well tolerated with proper monitoring. We perform baseline bloodwork before starting long-term medications and schedule periodic rechecks to make sure your pet’s kidneys and liver are handling them well. For cats, safe pain management options are more limited — we take this seriously and choose carefully.
Adequan injections are a key part of many arthritis protocols, especially for dogs. Adequan is an injectable polysulfated glycosaminoglycan that helps protect existing cartilage and may slow the progression of joint damage. It’s typically given as an initial series of injections and then maintained on a regular schedule. Adequan in cats has shown similar benefit in research and we use it in appropriate feline patients as well.
Weight management is one of the highest-impact interventions available — every extra pound on your pet is additional force applied to already-damaged joints on every step they take. We provide specific nutritional guidance and can discuss therapeutic diets formulated for joint support.
Joint supplements including oral glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids provide supportive benefit for many pets. We’ll discuss whether they’re likely to make a meaningful difference for your pet’s specific situation rather than recommending them across the board.
Environmental modifications — orthopedic beds, ramps or steps to favorite spots, raised food bowls, non-slip mats on hard floors — often produce a noticeable improvement in daily comfort and are low-cost additions to any arthritis management plan.
When Standard Management Isn't Enough
When a pet isn’t getting adequate relief from medications, Adequan, and lifestyle modifications, we discuss additional options honestly — which may include therapies we coordinate through referral rather than provide in-house.
Physical rehabilitation and hydrotherapy can significantly improve strength, range of motion, and mobility in arthritic dogs. Bend has specialized veterinary rehabilitation practitioners who work with patients we refer. We coordinate care and communicate with those providers so your pet’s arthritis management stays cohesive.
Laser therapy (photobiomodulation) reduces inflammation and promotes tissue healing in arthritic joints. East Bend Animal Hospital offers Class IV high-intensity laser therapy locally. For pets with moderate-to-severe arthritis that isn’t responding fully to conventional treatment, we can discuss whether a referral for a laser therapy series is appropriate for your pet’s specific situation.
Specialty consultation with a board-certified internal medicine or surgery specialist is appropriate for severe cases, unusual presentations, or when surgery may be an option. We coordinate referrals to the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon when needed and stay involved in your pet’s ongoing care after any specialist consultation.
Regular monitoring is non-negotiable for any long-term arthritis plan. Pain levels change, medications need adjustment, and new developments need to be caught early. We schedule arthritis rechecks at appropriate intervals and adjust the plan based on how your pet is actually doing — not on a fixed schedule that ignores what we’re seeing.
Keeping Your Arthritic Pet Active in Bend
With proper management, many arthritic dogs in Bend continue shorter versions of their favorite hikes, enjoy regular walks, and maintain meaningful activity levels well into their senior years. The goal isn’t to recreate what they could do at three years old — it’s to keep them comfortable, engaged, and moving in whatever way is right for their body now.
Controlled, consistent exercise is one of the most important parts of arthritis management. Short, frequent walks on softer surfaces like the Deschutes River Trail keep joints moving without the impact of long runs or rocky terrain. Avoiding bursts of intense activity followed by long rests helps prevent the “weekend warrior” pattern that often causes flare-ups. Swimming, where accessible, is ideal — the water supports body weight while allowing full range of motion.
Cold and wet weather genuinely worsens arthritis pain in many pets — this isn’t just an old wives’ tale. During Bend’s winter months, limiting time on cold surfaces, using a coat on thin-coated dogs, and having warm bedding available can all make a measurable difference in your pet’s daily comfort. Orthopedic and memory foam beds, especially for large dogs, are worth the investment.
Managing Your Pet's Arthritis at Pawtown
Arthritis is a long-term relationship between your pet, their condition, and your vet — and we take that seriously. Dr. Miller and Dr. Stayer don’t treat arthritis as a problem to solve once and file. We monitor regularly, adjust as things change, and are available to discuss what you’re seeing between visits. If your pet’s pain control isn’t right, we want to know.
If you’re noticing signs of joint stiffness, reduced mobility, or changes in your dog or cat’s activity level, contact us or schedule a consultation. We’re open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm, and you can reach us at 541-313-3607. Pawtown accepts CareCredit and Scratch Pay for ongoing treatment costs.
How do I know if my dog or cat has arthritis?
In dogs, watch for stiffness after rest, reluctance to use stairs or jump into vehicles, limping, reduced playfulness, or asymmetrical sitting. In cats, reduced jumping, avoiding high spots they previously loved, changes in litter box habits, and decreased grooming are key signs. Both species tend to hide pain — scheduling a wellness exam is the most reliable way to catch arthritis early, since we evaluate joint range of motion and movement patterns as part of every checkup.
What is the best treatment for pet arthritis?
There isn’t a single best treatment — effective arthritis management is always a combination tailored to the individual pet. Most plans include NSAIDs for pain and inflammation, Adequan injections to protect cartilage, weight management, appropriate controlled exercise, and environmental modifications. For pets not responding adequately, additional options including physical rehabilitation or laser therapy may be coordinated through referral.
Is Adequan effective for dogs with arthritis?
Yes — Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is one of the most well-supported injectable treatments for canine arthritis. It helps protect existing cartilage from further breakdown and can meaningfully improve comfort and mobility, especially in the hips and elbows. It’s typically given as an initial series of injections and then maintained on a schedule we determine based on your dog’s response.
Can cats get arthritis?
Yes, and it’s significantly underdiagnosed. Cats are very effective at hiding pain. Studies suggest that over 90% of cats over 12 years old have evidence of arthritis on x-ray, but most owners don’t recognize it. Signs include reduced jumping, avoidance of high spots, litter box issues, decreased grooming, and more time sleeping. Treatment is more nuanced in cats because many common pain medications are unsafe for them — we work carefully with safe, evidence-based options.
Will my arthritic dog still be able to hike?
Often yes, in a modified way. Many dogs with well-managed arthritis can continue shorter, lower-impact hikes on softer surfaces. The key is consistent management (medication, Adequan, appropriate weight), avoiding high-impact activities and long recovery periods between exercise, and choosing routes that minimize climbing and rough terrain. We’ll give you specific guidance based on your dog’s condition, age, and how they’re responding to treatment.
How often does an arthritic pet need to be seen?
It depends on the severity and how stable the condition is. Early-stage arthritis on a consistent plan may need rechecks every 6 months. Pets with significant disease or newly diagnosed pets typically need more frequent visits — every 2–3 months initially — so we can adjust medication doses and assess what’s working. We also require periodic bloodwork for pets on long-term NSAIDs to monitor kidney and liver function.
