HEALTH CENTER
Natural Treatment for Arthritis in Dogs and Cats
Looking Beyond Pain Relief to What’s Really Driving the Inflammation
by Darleen Rudnick, B.S.W., M.H.N., Certified Holistic Nutritionist
Natural remedies for arthritis in cats and dogs often include joint support and herbs.
If your dog or cat is slowing down, having trouble getting up, or no longer wants to do some of the things they used to enjoy, arthritis may be the reason.
When I work with a dog or cat with arthritis, I start by looking at the diet. What your pet eats can make a difference, especially when dealing with arthritis. I also look at whether your pet is getting the right supplements, their weight, how much exercise they get, previous injuries, and any other health problems.
Common Signs of Arthritis
- Stiffness after resting
- Trouble getting up
- Limping
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Not wanting to jump
- Less interest in walks or playing
- Trouble getting into the car or onto furniture
- Changes in the way your pet walks
- Muscle loss
- Not wanting certain areas touched
- Licking or chewing at a sore joint
Is your dog or cat slowing down, stiff, or struggling to get up?
A conversation about your pet is a good place to start.
Book a Consultation
"Daisy hasn't been coming upstairs with us at night, it just got to be too much for her. Last night she came up and again this AM she came up while I showered. I am so pleased."
Donna G., OH
Common Factors That Contribute to Arthritis
Age is not the only thing I consider with arthritis. Weight, previous injuries, exercise, and your pet's overall health can also make a difference.
Excess Weight
Extra weight puts more pressure on sore joints and can make arthritis worse.
Previous Injuries
An old injury can sometimes lead to arthritis later in life. This can include injuries to the joints, bones, or ligaments.
Too Much or Too Little Exercise
Exercise is important, but the type and amount need to be right for your pet. Too much jumping or strenuous activity can be hard on sore joints. Too little exercise can lead to weak muscles and weight gain.
Age
Arthritis becomes more common as dogs and cats get older. However, getting older does not mean there is nothing you can do. Diet, weight, exercise, supplements, and changes around the home can all be important.
Inherited Joint Problems
Some dogs and cats are born with joint problems or are more likely to develop them as they get older.
Natural Ways to Help a Pet With Arthritis
There is not one diet or supplement that I recommend for every pet with arthritis. What I recommend depends on your pet's age, weight, diet, health problems, medications, activity level, and how much the arthritis is affecting everyday life.
Feed a High-Quality Diet
Feeding good-quality food can help your pet maintain a healthy weight while providing the nutrients needed for overall health.
I recommend avoiding foods that contain low-quality ingredients, including:
- Poultry by-product meal
- Meat by-products
- Corn syrup
- Caramel coloring
- Rice flour
- Wheat gluten
- Corn gluten
- Yeast
- Sugar
If your pet is overweight, I will look at how much food your pet is eating and whether changes need to be made.
Keep Your Pet at a Healthy Weight
Even a few extra pounds can make it harder for a pet with arthritis to move comfortably. If your pet needs to lose weight, I can help you choose the right food and determine how much to feed.
Choose the Right Supplements
There are many joint supplements available, and it can be difficult to know which ones your pet actually needs.
The right supplements depend on the individual pet. Some pets may benefit from several supplements, while others may only need one or two.
Exercise
Your pet still needs exercise, even with arthritis. How much depends on your pet and how bad the arthritis is. A short walk may be enough for one pet, while another can do more. The important thing is not to overdo it.
Changes Around the House
There are also things you can do at home that may make it easier for your pet to get around:
- Give your pet a comfortable place to sleep
- Keep the nails trimmed
- Put rugs down on slippery floors
- Use a ramp if your pet has trouble with steps or getting into the car
- Keep food and water where they are easy to reach
- Try to limit jumping on and off furniture
What to Expect From a Consultation
A consultation starts before we actually meet. I spend time reviewing your pet's health records and the information you provide on the evaluation form. I use this information to research your pet's health problems and develop a nutritional and holistic program.
During the consultation, we go through my recommendations together. I explain what to feed, how much to feed, which supplements I recommend, and what I feel is most important for your pet. I also explain why I am recommending each change and answer your questions.
After the consultation, you will receive a detailed nutritional and holistic program developed for your pet. This includes an evaluation of the current diet, food recommendations, homemade recipes, supplements, treats, exercise, and other changes that may help your pet with arthritis.
Contact For Pet Health
You do not have to figure out what to feed or which supplements may be best for your pet on your own.
If you would like nutritional and natural support for your pet's arthritis, contact For Pet Health to schedule a holistic pet nutrition consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of arthritis in dogs and cats?
Common signs include difficulty getting up after resting, stiffness (especially in the morning), limping, reluctance to climb stairs or jump, and decreased playfulness. Arthritis is most common in older pets but can develop earlier too.
What causes arthritis in dogs?
Chronic inflammation, excess body weight, previous injuries, poor nutrition, genetic predisposition, and repetitive stress on the joints can all contribute. It's rarely caused by just one factor.
Can diet help with arthritis in pets?
A high-quality diet built around clearly identified proteins and whole-food ingredients, rather than fillers and artificial additives, may reduce chronic inflammation that contributes to joint deterioration.
Does weight loss help a dog's arthritis?
Absolutely. Even a small amount of weight loss can meaningfully reduce pressure on painful joints and improve comfort and mobility.
What natural remedies help pets with arthritis?
A combination approach tends to work best: appropriate diet, maintaining a healthy weight, gentle and consistent exercise, comfortable bedding, trimmed nails, and reducing exposure to environmental toxins. Since every pet's situation differs, an individualized plan tends to be more effective than a generic one.
Important Note
The recommendations in this article are general suggestions for treating your pet naturally. It is important to look at each pet individually and determine what works best, and it is highly recommended that you consider a consultation.
A consultation includes a personalized diet and holistic program, all custom-tailored to your pet's personal needs. This is particularly imperative in pets with complicated health issues, or if you've done outside reading and have conflicting information.
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