What is arthritis?
Updated By PetymFacts checked against official sources on
Quick answer
Arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is a long-term joint disease in which worn cartilage lets the joint surfaces rub, causing stiffness, swelling and pain. It is very common in older dogs and cats. It cannot be cured, but pain relief from a vet, a healthy weight, gentle regular exercise and a few home changes keep most pets comfortable for years.
Also called osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, joint pain in dogs, arthritis in cats, OA.
Key facts
- Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease diagnosed in vets' practice; in UK primary-care records about 2.5% of dogs were diagnosed in a single year. Scientific Reports (2018)study
- Labradors and Golden Retrievers, neutered dogs, heavier dogs and dogs over eight years old had higher odds of an osteoarthritis diagnosis. Scientific Reports (2018)study
- Causes include wear and tear, inherited breed risk, hip or elbow dysplasia, and old injuries. PDSA
- Arthritis is very common in older cats and often goes undiagnosed, because cats hide pain and quietly limit their own activity. International Cat Care
- Never give a cat human medicines: many, including paracetamol, are toxic to cats. International Cat Care
What are the signs of arthritis in dogs and cats?
Stiffness after rest is the classic early sign. Most others look like simply getting old, which is why arthritis is missed.
Dogs show stiffness when they get up, especially after a walk or a nap, limping, weaker back legs, slowing down or lagging behind on walks, less energy, and reluctance to jump into the car or climb stairs. Some joints look swollen. In Indian flats, a dog that starts hesitating at the building stairs or the marble floor is often telling you its joints hurt.
Cats rarely limp. Instead they stop jumping onto the bed or window ledge, take stairs slowly, groom less so the coat looks scruffy, grow long claws from scratching less, and may become grumpy or withdrawn. A cat that starts going to the toilet outside the litter tray may find the tray's sides too high to step over.
How do vets manage arthritis?
There is no cure, so the aim is comfort and keeping the pet moving. Your vet will combine several of these.
Medicine
Pain relief
Anti-inflammatory medicines prescribed by a vet are the most common treatment, with other pain relief added if needed. Only give what your vet prescribes for that pet. PDSA
Weight
A healthy weight
Keeping a pet slim takes strain off sore joints and is one of the most effective things an owner can do. PDSA
Exercise
Steady, gentle exercise
Regular, controlled walks every day. Sudden bursts of exercise, such as a long weekend trek after a quiet week, cause stiffness. PDSA
Extras
Other therapies
Joint supplements, hydrotherapy and, in severe cases, surgery for dogs; a monthly injection and acupuncture by a trained vet are options for some cats. International Cat Care
What home changes help an arthritic pet?
- Rugs or anti-slip mats on marble, tile and vitrified floors, which are slippery for stiff legs. PDSA
- A thick, supportive bed, such as memory foam, in a warm, draught-free spot away from a cold air-conditioner blast. PDSA
- Steps or a ramp up to a favourite sofa, bed or window for cats. International Cat Care
- A litter tray with at least one low side and soft, sandy litter. International Cat Care
- Food and water bowls at floor level or within easy reach, and claws trimmed when needed. International Cat Care
- A warm, not hot, wheat bag or hot-water bottle for comfort, never left with the pet unattended. PDSA
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Questions owners ask
Can I give my dog a human painkiller for arthritis?
- No. Give only medicines your vet has prescribed for your pet. Human painkillers can be dangerous for dogs and many, including paracetamol, are toxic to cats. If your pet seems to be in more pain, call your vet, who can adjust the treatment safely.
Should an arthritic dog still go for walks?
- Yes. Regular, controlled exercise keeps joints moving and muscles strong. Several short, steady walks on soft ground suit most arthritic dogs better than one long one. Avoid sudden increases in exercise, which cause stiffness, and walk in the cooler hours in Indian summers.
How long can a dog live with arthritis?
- Arthritis slowly worsens and cannot be cured, but PDSA says most well-managed dogs live happily for many years after diagnosis. Good pain relief, a healthy weight and steady exercise make the biggest difference. In severe cases that stop responding, your vet will help you think about quality of life.
How do I know if my cat has arthritis?
- Watch for changes rather than limping: jumping less or not at all, using stairs slowly, stiffness after sleep, a scruffy coat from grooming less, overgrown claws, or irritability. Many owners put this down to age. Ask your vet to check, because pain relief can make an older cat much more comfortable.
Keep reading
Related terms
More in health conditions
- Bloat (GDV)Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is when a dog's stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off its blood supply. It mainly affects large and giant deep-chested breeds. Unproductive retching, a swelling belly, drooling and restlessness are the signs. It is a surgical emergency that can kill within hours.
- BOASBOAS, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, is a breathing disorder of flat-faced dogs. Narrow nostrils, an overlong soft palate and a small windpipe block airflow, so affected dogs snore, snort, tire quickly and overheat easily. It is worse in heat, humidity and obesity. Surgery can widen the airway, and a lean weight helps.
- Canine distemperCanine distemper is a serious viral disease of dogs that can attack the skin, airways, gut and nervous system. It spreads in droplets from coughing, sneezing and barking, and through body fluids. There is no specific cure, and some dogs do not survive even with treatment. The D in the DHPPi vaccine prevents it.
- Canine parvovirusCanine parvovirus, or parvo, is a highly contagious virus that attacks a dog's gut and immune system. It spreads through infected faeces, survives a long time in the environment and hits unvaccinated puppies between 6 weeks and 6 months hardest. Vomiting and bloody diarrhoea can kill within days, and it is prevented by the core vaccine.
- Cat fluCat flu is the everyday name for an upper respiratory infection in cats. More than 90% of cases are caused by feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus or both. Cats sneeze, have runny eyes and nose and may stop eating. Most recovered cats remain carriers, and stress can bring the virus back. Vaccination usually prevents severe disease.
- Cherry eyeCherry eye is when the tear gland inside a dog's third eyelid slips out of place and shows as a smooth, red, cherry-like lump in the inner corner of the eye. It is common in young Bulldogs, Beagles, Shih Tzus and Pugs, and needs a vet, usually for surgery to put the gland back.
- Chronic kidney diseaseChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a slow, lasting loss of kidney function, common in older cats and also seen in older dogs. Early on there are often no signs; later a pet drinks and urinates more, eats less and loses weight. It cannot be cured, but a kidney diet, water and regular checks can slow it.
- DehydrationDehydration means a pet's body has lost more water than it has taken in, through heat, panting, vomiting, diarrhoea or illness. Early on the gums turn sticky; then the skin loses its spring and the eyes sink. A mildly dehydrated pet needs water and a watchful eye; a weak, vomiting or collapsing one needs a vet now.
- Dental diseaseDental disease in pets is mostly periodontal disease: plaque bacteria inflame the gums (gingivitis) and then destroy the tissue and bone holding the teeth (periodontitis). It is the most common disorder vets diagnose in dogs, and very common in cats. Bad breath, tartar and red gums are the early signs. Daily brushing prevents most of it.
- Diabetes in petsDiabetes mellitus is a lifelong condition in which a dog or cat cannot make or use enough insulin, so sugar builds up in the blood. Signs are drinking and peeing more, hunger and weight loss. Most diabetic pets live well on insulin injections given at set times with meals, and some cats go into remission.
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Sources
Each source was opened and read on the date shown. How Petym checks its sources
- PDSA: Arthritis in dogs (opens in a new tab)
- International Cat Care: Arthritis in cats (updated 26 September 2025) (opens in a new tab)
- Scientific Reports (2018): Prevalence, duration and risk factors for appendicular osteoarthritis in a UK dog population under primary veterinary care, Anderson and others (opens in a new tab)