A Happier, Healthier Pet: How to Manage Joint Pain Naturally and Improve Their Quality of Life
Pets bring immeasurable joy to our lives—from spontaneous frisbee games at the park to the endless curiosity of cats (especially when a robot vacuum is involved!).
But did you know that 25% of dogs have pain in at least one joint at any age (source)? Sadly, the occurrence increases with aging.
Moreover, 92% of cats have degenerative joint disease (DJD, aka arthritis) at any age (source). Even kittens may have DJD but not show it.
Joint pain may seem like an older pet condition, but studies and experienced vets prove this to be a heartbreaking myth.
With the proper lifestyle considerations, activities, and supplements, you can curate the optimal life for a naturally healthy pet with freedom of mobility, regardless of age. Just like managing your healthy lifestyle, giving your pet the best nutrition, play, and pain-free movement takes planning, and we’re here to help you every step of the way!
Signs of Arthritis in Pets
Determining if your dog or cat has joint pain begins with knowing their normal behavior. If you notice changes in your pet’s attitude or demeanor, review the list of common joint pain symptoms below.
Symptoms of Arthritis in Both Dogs and Cats
• Shifting weight from a leg with pain to a different leg without joint pain
• Less interested in play
• Hesitation to use the stairs
• Excessive sleep
• Sore joints
Source: Nall Hills Animal Hospital
Dog-specific Symptoms of Joint Pain
• Limping and stiffness
• Irritability
• Frequent slipping while moving
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Licking or biting the affected area
• Lethargy
Source: Guilford-Jamestown Veterinary Hospital
Cat-specific Symptoms of Joint Pain
• Decreased jumping or general activity
• Stiffness
• Hiding
• Decreased grooming or over-grooming a painful area
• Temperament or behavioral changes, such as being withdrawn or aggression
• Not using the litter box
• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty getting up
• Squinting
• Hunched position when sleeping (instead of curled up)
• Sensitivity to touch
Source: Cat-Friendly Homes
Cat Friendly Homes suggests contacting your vet immediately if any of the above signs of pain are exhibited.
If joint pain is suspected, keep a detailed journal of your pet’s movement challenges and behavioral differences to discuss with your vet. For feline friends, fill out this cat pain form and share it at your next appointment.
Causes of Joint Pain
No one wants to see a furry friend unable to jump in bed or chase after their favorite toy. So, what causes joint pain?
There are two primary causes of debilitating joint pain in dogs: developmental joint issues and degenerative joint issues (source). Developmental joint issues are likely genetic, with specific breeds known for certain ailments (e.g., hip pain). Degenerative joint issues are caused by repeated use (just like in humans) and may result in arthritis, stress fractures, injuries, or osteoarthritis (source).
It is essential to note the significant effect that being overweight or obese can have on pets’ joints, which may cause inflammation and long-term damage if left untreated (source). Excess weight puts more stress on joints, which can break down cartilage, reduce mobility, and promote a less active lifestyle.
Be sure to discuss a healthy weight for your cat’s or dog’s size and breed at each vet checkup, and choose food appropriate for your weight-management goals.
How You Can Help
You are your pet’s most prominent advocate. Journaling changes in attitude, mood, behavior, eating, and pain can help diagnose and formulate a plan for improving their lives and limiting joint pain.
Managing weight, low-impact exercise, using the right supplements, and establishing a joint-friendly environment can keep your pet comfortable and healthy for years!
Weight Management
Monitoring your dog’s and cat’s weight is essential to keeping them healthy and mobile without excessive pain. Guildord-Jamestown Veterinary Hospital says, “If they are overweight, they are placing extra strain on their joints” (source).
Weight management and exercise go hand in hand. The 50-year veterinary clinic cautions, "This is especially important because well-developed muscles around your pup's joints help to reduce the stress and strain they place on their joints. An active dog is a healthy one" (source).
Furthermore, VCA Animal Hospitals says new research is revealing that “the fat (adipose tissue) that accumulates in overweight and obese dogs actually secretes inflammatory and pro-inflammatory hormones that contribute to the inflammation and pain of osteoarthritis” (source). Essentially, that extra fat directly corresponds with the inflammation that causes pain. Trimming the unnecessary fat and targeting the inflammation (see “Supplementation and Nutrition” section below) can yield substantive results in pain management and overall wellness for your pet.
But it’s not all about the number on the scale, says VCA; instead, pet owners are advised to work with their veterinarian to attain the correct leanness for their dog. At each vet checkup, discuss a healthy weight for your pet to help minimize any additional joint deterioration that may bring discomfort.
An Active Lifestyle
Does your pet get regular exercise? Nall Hills Animal Hospital attests, “The most important thing any pet owner can do to help their pet with arthritis is to give them opportunities to stay active without pain.” This can mean making simple changes to your current routine, such as going for walks with your dog instead of running alongside a bike or replacing a cat tower that is now too tall for climbing.
Like people, pets need healthy, joint-friendly daily exercise to stay happy and fit. But it’s even more important than you might think. In fact, “Exercise stimulates the production of joint-fluid which lubricates the joint and nourishes the cartilage” (source). It may seem counterintuitive, but keeping your pet moving ushers in healing, whereas diminishing them to a sedentary life leads to adverse results.
Good movement also lessens the strain on joints as muscles get stronger and tendons and ligaments do their job (source). The result is reduced inflammation and minimized pain.
Look for creative ways to support your pet’s active lifestyle this spring and share them with us on social media! (Instagram, Facebook). We love seeing your happy, healthy pets at play!
Supplementation and Nutrition
Well-being begins with how you fuel your pet’s body and the food and supplements you give them. Review the top dietary supplements to support your pet’s free-moving joints. Always discuss nutritional changes with your veterinarian before adjusting your pet’s diet. Never give over-the-counter pain meds, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, to your cat, which can be fatal to felines (source).
Include Omega-3s
If your pet has begun experiencing osteoarthritis or DJD, talk to your veterinarian about supplementing with the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA to reinforce their joints (source). EPA not only helps to control inflammation, but it also “blocks the enzymes that break down cartilage,” which may halt the progression of cartilage degeneration, as discussed by VCA Animal Hospitals (source).
Omega-3s can also benefit people; if they’re right for you, make it a fun activity to take your daily supplements with your cat or dog.
Know the Truth about Glucosamine
Is glucosamine the gold standard for joint pain? Although glucosamine is a popular supplement given to dogs for joint support, its effectiveness has been widely debated. One recent Frontiers in Veterinary Science study looked at the efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in dogs with hip osteoarthritis. The results indicated that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate did not significantly improve peak vertical force (PVF), an essential indicator of pain relief and mobility compared to the placebo. Based on this study's findings, it is not a very effective treatment for pain management in osteoarthritic dogs.
Conversely, two marine-based supplements did show significant promise as alternative treatments for managing joint pain and function. For example, PCSO-524, a lipid extract derived from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids in a bioavailable, fat-soluble form. This has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, improving joint function and alleviating joint pain associated with osteoarthritis (source and source).
Secondly, EAB-277, krill oil extract derived from Antarctic krill, contains both EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids as well as the antioxidant astaxanthin, which works to minimize oxidative stress and joint inflammation, thereby offering pain relief and enhanced movement for dogs living with osteoarthritis (source and source).
Studies have shown that these incredible extracts are more potent in pain relief and mobility than glucosamine, naturally improving dogs’ quality of life by overcoming the debilitating pain caused by osteoarthritis. Research indicates that New Zealand green-lipped mussel and krill oil extract far outweigh the benefits of glucosamine.
Regardless, most vets suggest adding glucosamine and chondroitin to a dog’s diet as an alternative to NSAIDs for managing joint pain and attempting to rebuild damaged cartilage, as the potential risks are low, and the results may be favorable in select canine cases (source and source).
Add Enzymes to Tame Inflammation
Adding the right enzymes to your pet’s diet can improve its movement and enhance its quality of life, even while it suffers from arthritis, osteoarthritis, and joint pain.
Protease is an enzyme that digests excessive blood proteins, assisting in normal blood clotting. It has also been found to support a healthy immune system and circulatory health.
Serrapeptase is a well-researched enzyme that breaks down fibrinolytic protein. This protein contributes to the pain caused by inflammation surrounding scar tissue, which is present in arthritis. This safe, powerful enzyme is used worldwide to reduce swelling and increase recovery after exercise or surgery.
In an article titled Serratiopeptidase: An Integrated View of Multifaceted Therapeutic Enzyme, the abstract summarizes the powerful results of serratiopeptidase (also known as serrapeptase, source) on inflammation:
“Serratiopeptidase remains the most well-known anti-inflammatory drug of choice. Serratiopeptidase is a cheaper and safer anti-inflammatory drug alternative to NSAIDs. The multifaceted properties of serratiopeptidase may lead towards arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and thrombolytic treatments.”
Thankfully, the serrapeptase enzyme can safely support your pet’s joints, regardless of age! Give natural enzyme therapy a try to keep your pet active and restore their well-being!
Design a Pain-free Environment
Making life easier for your furry friends will help them feel safe and move without significant pain. Some ways to accommodate an arthritic cat are to install ramps to frequently accessed areas or purchase easy-entry litter boxes. Visiting your vet every 6 months when cats reach their senior years (10-15 years old) is prudent to monitor health and manage any pain developed from degenerative joint disease (DJD).
For both cats and dogs, find elevated food and water bowls to reduce the strain of eating and drinking. Keep activities on the same level to eliminate the need for using the stairs, which is particularly painful for pets with arthritis.
You know your pet best. Pay attention to its actions and make adjustments around your home to accommodate its wavering abilities and enable pain-free living.
Conclusion
Tender joints are often a fact in life, not only for aging cats and dogs but also for kittens and puppies. Talk to your veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s joint health. Keep notes about any changes in behavior, attitude, or movement, and realize that although this is often a reality of pet ownership, many methods exist for relieving joint pain associated with DJD, arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Providing a household environment that allows for easy movement is a good start. Maintaining a healthy weight and modifying exercise based on your pet’s ability may help alleviate stressful joint pain. Finally, ensuring your cat or dog gets the proper nutrition and supplements with enzymes, omega-3s, and marine extracts for their stage of life can support healing for achy joints.
You and your pet are in this together; a pain-free life is possible. Contact us with any questions on your search for the best plan to manage your healthy pet’s joint pain. We’re happy to help!
References
American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Glucosamine for dogs: Arthritis & joint pain. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/glucosamine-dogs-arthritis-joint-pain/
BMC Veterinary Research. (2019). Effect of PCSO-524 on OA biomarkers and weight-bearing properties in canine shoulder and coxofemoral osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-019-2110-7?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Cat Friendly Homes. (n.d.). Degenerative joint disease (arthritis). Retrieved from https://catfriendly.com/feline-diseases/degenerative-joint-disease-arthritis/
Cat Friendly Homes. (n.d.). Know if your cat is in pain. Retrieved from https://catfriendly.com/keep-your-cat-healthy/know-cat-pain/
Cat Friendly Homes. (2021). Degenerative joint disease (DJD) questions. Retrieved from https://catfriendly.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/DJD-questions.pdf
Guilford-Jamestown Veterinary Hospital. (2021). Signs of dog joint pain. Retrieved from https://www.guilfordjamestownvet.com/site/blog-greensboro-vet/2021/11/15/signs-of-dog-joint-pain
National Library of Medicine. (2022). Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplementation in dogs with osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9929184/
National Library of Medicine. (2022). Polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation and joint health in dogs. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9599151/
National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Efficacy of EAB-277 supplementation in canine osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11500327/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
National Library of Medicine. (2022). Serratiopeptidase: Pharmacological applications. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/serratiopeptidase
National Library of Medicine. (2022). Effects of PCSO-524 in osteoarthritic dogs. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36566465/
Nall Hills Animal Hospital. (n.d.). Pet education center. Retrieved from https://nallhillsanimalhospital.com/pet-education-center/
ResearchGate. (2015). Effect of PCSO-524 on OA biomarkers and weight-bearing properties in canine shoulder and coxofemoral osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282791694_Effect_of_PCSO-524_on_OA_Biomarkers_and_Weight-Bearing_Properties_in_Canine_Shoulder_and_Coxofemeral_Osteoarthritis
VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Arthritis and nutrition for dogs. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/arthritis-and-nutrition-for-dogs#:~:text=Approximately%2025%%20of%20dogs%20across%20all%20ages,the%20issue%20of%20osteoarthritis%20at%20some%20point.
VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Nutraceuticals for joint support in dogs with osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutraceuticals-for-joint-support-in-dogs-with-osteoarthritis
AAM Links
https://arthurandrew.com/blogs/temp/what-is-protease?_pos=1&_sid=2a8df3ac8&_ss=r
https://arthurandrew.com/blogs/education/what-is-serrapeptase?_pos=2&_sid=18eb84a3a&_ss=r
