Understanding Arthritis in Pets-How PT Can Ease Pain and Restore Joy!
Dr. Mary Beth’s own kiddo- 11 yo pitbull Toby has been receiving his own PT plan to manage his OA. A daily reminder why this work matters-every pet deserves to age with comfort, dignity, and love!
Arthritis is more than just stiffness-it’s one of the most common causes of chronic pain in aging pets! Here’s how rehab can help your companion feel better, move easier, and stay active longer!
As pets get older, it’s easy to dismiss their slowing down as just “normal aging”. But what many pet parents don’t realize is those subtle changes in movement or mood might actually be signs of arthritis-a condition that, while common, doesn’t have to mean the end of comfort or vitality!
At Aligned Animal Rehab & Fitness, we’re passionate about helping pets regain mobility and joy- and arthritis is one of the most rewarding conditions we support. With the right physical therapy, many pets experience less pain, more freedom of movement, and a brighter, more connected quality of life!
What is Arthritis in Pets?
Arthritis, most commonly osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation, pain, and loss of mobility over time. It can be caused by previous injuries, joint instability (like hip dysplasia), repetitive stress, or simply wear and tear as pets age. It can occur in any joint but commonly affects hips, elbows, knees, shoulders, and spine. This is a degenerative disease that involves cartilage breakdown and ultimately bone on bone contact and joint changes. Vets will often diagnosis a pet through an exam and x-ray.
It’s especially common in :
Senior dogs and cats
Large breed dogs
Pets with past injuries or orthopedic surgeries
Obese pets
But no matter the cause, the outcome is the same: stiffness, inflammation, pain/discomfort, and a gradual decline in movement and spirit which can then create a negative cycle of further decline and worsening of mobility! While the joint changes with arthritis are irreversible, there are things that can be done to help your pet!
Signs Your Pet May Be Struggling With Arthritis
Animals can be incredibly stoic-they don’t always cry out or show pain in ways we expect. But they do give signs there’s something going on:
Hesitation with stairs or jumping
Slowing down on walks or not going as far
Stiffness after naps
Difficulty getting up or lying down
Licking joints or limping
Personality shifts-withdrawal, grumpiness, restlessness
These behaviors aren’t “just getting old”!
How Physical Therapy Helps
It used to be that once dogs had an x-ray confirmation of OA they were prescribed medication and simply told to “take it easy”. But the truth is, there’s so much more that can be done to help them! We also need to get our pets moving in order to help break the OA cycle! By building strength and establishing a regular exercise routine (that’s more than just a walk around the block!) we can help improve mobility and empower pets to truly thrive into their golden years. Often even decreasing or stopping the need for pain medication! Rehab also focuses on:
Reducing inflammation and pain
improving joint mobility and flexibility
Strengthening surrounding muslces
Restoring confidence in movment
Slowing the progression of joint degeneration
Home modification strategies
Even small movements in mobility can mean a huge boost in quality of life for both your and your pet!
Integrative Care is Key
Healing is a team effort, especially for your pet! We work closely with your vet to achieve the best results possible! Canine Rehabilitation is NOT a replacement for traditional veterinary medicine! It’s a collaboration! Your vet manages medical issues and medication, diet recommendations, and supplements as appropriate while we work on function and mobility! Together, we can create a compassionate care plan that honors your pets body and spirit in order to help them thrive as long as possible!
Toby’s Story: My inspiration for this work
Toby wasn’t just a client-he is my own baby boy. A soulful, gentle, and highly active pit bull that loved his walks and play. As he got older, arthritis began to affect his hips and knees. He started slowing down on walks, hesitating on the steps, and struggled to get up after naps. Watching him in pain truly broke my heart.
By using the very tools we now offer at AARF- gentle exercises, manual therapy, laser therapy, and PEMF, he has begun to move more freely. He is becoming himself again and that’s what this work is all about!
Hope, Healing, and Wholeness Are Possible
We’ve seen it time and again-dogs who couldn’t stand without help now trotting down the hall, or senior pets once reluctant to walk now greet their people at the door. Arthritis doesn’t have to steal your pet’s light!
With the right care, they can feel like themselves again-comfortable, connected, and joyfully moving through life.
If you are noticing signs of arthritis in your pet-or just want to be proactive keeping your senior pet active-we’d be honored to help. Reach out today to book a consultation or ask questions below how physical therapy can support your beloved companion.
Because movement is medicine and your pet deserves to thrive!
