Arthritis Awareness Month: Spotting the Signs in Dogs & Cats and How Fauna Veterinary Can Help

Written By Punit Rawal

Arthritis is one of the most common — and most underdiagnosed — conditions we see in pets. As the weather gets colder, many dogs and cats begin to show subtle signs of stiffness or discomfort that owners understandably mistake for “getting older.”

But arthritis isn’t something pets simply have to live with. With the right care, they can be comfortable, active, and happy again.

Recognising the Signs of Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

Pets rarely cry out with joint pain. Instead, they show small behavioural changes:

Common signs in dogs

  • Stiffness after resting

  • Slowing down on walks

  • Difficulty climbing stairs or jumping into the car

  • Lameness that comes and goes

  • Reluctance to play

  • Muscle loss over the hips or shoulders

Common signs in cats

Cats hide pain exceptionally well, so the signs are often subtle:

  • Hesitation jumping onto furniture

  • Sleeping in lower or unusual places

  • Reduced grooming or over-grooming painful joints

  • Becoming withdrawn or irritable

  • Stiffness after waking

  • Changes in toileting habits if it’s difficult to climb into the litter tray

If you’re noticing any of these behaviours, it’s worth having your pet examined. Early intervention can transform their quality of life.

Our Comprehensive Arthritis Care at Fauna Veterinary

We take a multi-modal approach to managing arthritis, tailoring treatment plans to your pet’s lifestyle, pain level, and long-term need.

Advanced Diagnostics

Before choosing the right treatment, it’s important to understand what’s causing the discomfort.

We offer:

  • Digital radiographs (X-rays) for quick, detailed joint assessment

  • Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive way to view joint structures and confirm arthritis or ligament injuries

Pain Management

We provide modern, targeted pain relief options including:

  • Galliprant — a highly selective anti-inflammatory for dogs

  • Librela — a monthly monoclonal antibody injection designed specifically for chronic arthritis pain in dogs

  • Solensia — the feline version of Librela, providing safe and effective long-term pain relief for cats

Advanced Orthopaedic Surgery

For pets with severe or structural joint problems, our consultant orthopaedic surgeon can provide surgical solutions that restore function and reduce pain.

Regenerative Medicine

For suitable candidates, we offer cutting-edge therapies:

  • Stem cell therapy

  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

    These treatments help reduce inflammation and support natural healing within the joints.

Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy plays a huge role in long-term mobility.

Megan Ridler, qualified physiotherapist, provides personalised exercise plans, laser therapy, stretching routines, and mobility rehabilitation from the comfort of your own home.

Weight & Lifestyle Support

Even a small amount of extra weight can significantly worsen arthritis.

Our nursing team provides:

  • Weight-check clinics

  • Diet plans

  • Tailored lifestyle advice to help reduce joint strain and improve overall comfort.

Early Treatment Makes All the Difference

Arthritis doesn’t have to limit your pet’s life. Many pets show dramatic improvement once their discomfort is recognised and properly managed.

If you’re concerned that your dog or cat may be showing signs of arthritis, we’re here to help.

📞 Call Fauna Veterinary

📩 Message us on WhatsApp

🐾 Or book an appointment online

Let’s keep your pets moving comfortably — not just this month, but all year round.

Punit Rawal