05/28/2026
May is Pet Arthritis Awareness Month. It is dedicated to educating pet owners about the warning signs of osteoarthritis and degenerative joint diseases in dogs and getting them the pain relief they need. Because dogs often hide their pain or it gets referred to as"slowing down," awareness is important to emphasize recognizing subtle changes in our dogs day to day lives such as:
Stiffness - Can look like limping on walks or difficulty rising from a laying position
Reduced Mobility - More reluctant to jump up on the bed, difficultly with stairs, not playing as much as usual, or shorter walks.
Behavioral Changes - Not engaging as much as usual, staying in a different room, irritability, or more withdrawn.
Muscle Loss - A noticeable change in muscle tone, especially on the hind end.
It is important as pet owners to be aware of these subtle changes and advocate for their pet. There are fortunately many safe and effective management options such as prescription anti-inflammatories, long acting injections, laser therapy, and more than can give our pets relief from pain. Talk to your veterinarian about how you can help your pet live a more pain free life with you!
