5 Signs of Joint Issues in Dogs & Cats

Does your cat or dog struggle to run, jump, or even walk like they used to? Joint problems in dogs and cats not only dampen your pet’s playful personality, they can also affect their quality of life.

Like every pet parent, you want your dog or cat to feel their best every day. That’s why it’s critical to monitor your pet’s joint health, especially for seniors and breeds pre-disposed to joint health challenges.  

By looking out for the following signs of stiffness or discomfort, you can be proactive about your pet’s long-term joint health.

1. Your dog or cat is limping or has difficulty getting around

Limping or difficulty getting around is one easy-to-spot indication that your pet is experiencing joint stiffness or discomfort.

Dogs may lag behind during walks, struggle to climb stairs, or need help getting into the car or onto the couch. You may find that your pet doesn’t enjoy playtime or a game of fetch as much as they did in the past. 

Cats are experts at concealing discomfort and may not always limp or show outward signs of joint health issues. But, you may notice that your cat has difficulty stretching or running, jumping onto furniture, or climbing into the litter box when joint issues arise.

If your dog is limping or struggling with everyday activities, you should consult with a veterinarian to discuss a care plan. They may recommend adding joint supplements to help support healthy and comfortable movement.

2. Your pet is sleeping more

It’s hard to get out of bed when you’re not feeling well, and that’s just how your pet feels when their joints are stiff or achy. You may find that it takes your dog longer to recover after walks or your cat gets tired much quicker than usual.

Sore or tender joints make moving around much more difficult and tiring for pets. This will inevitably lead to a lot more rest, sleeping more, and a reluctance to play or exercise.

3. Your dog or cat's behavior has changed  

Is your pet not acting like their usual self? Behavior changes are your pet’s way of telling you that something is wrong.

You may notice that your dog growls over little things, or your cat is quicker to scratch or bite. Joint discomfort may also lead to accidents inside the house, increased hiding or avoidance, and an aversion to petting—especially when the affected areas are touched. 

As many as 80% of behavior cases have an underlying component of pain or discomfort. If you notice any behavior changes, irritability, or new reactivity or shyness in your pet, talk to your vet about investigating pain. 

4. Your pet is gaining weight, losing muscle, or both

Your pet may gain weight if they remain on the same diet but aren’t getting their typical amount of exercise. Added weight can increase stress on joints and cartilage, which may worsen existing joint discomfort. 

Poor joint health may also result in loss of muscle strength due to a lack of activity and muscle usage. The resulting loss of muscle mass in dogs or cats will make hind legs look thinner as pets often favor their front legs.

Adding a quality joint supplement like one of our Healthy Hip & Joint chews can help promote comfort and mobility to help keep them exercising! HMB Health Muscle & Strength was developed for dogs specifically to help maintain and grow muscle, as well as soothe joint discomfort from everyday activities.

5. Your dog or cat is licking themselves all the time 

Another way that joint issues can manifest themselves is through excessive grooming. You may notice that your cat or dog is frequently licking, chewing, or nibbling at their joints—most often their knees, hips, elbows, and toes.

If you notice an increased amount of licking, biting, or chewing of these affected areas, please talk to your vet. Your pain may be experiencing joint discomfort.

Support Your Pet’s Joint Health Early

If you are seeing one or more of these signs, talk to your veterinary team! They will be able to help you develop a diet, exercise, and supplement plan to help your pet live their happiest, healthiest, and most comfortable life.

Whether you’re seeing these signs of stiff, uncomfortable joints in your pet or not, many veterinarians recommend joint supplements to help maintain the health of cartilage and connective tissue in pet’s joints. Recent recommendations suggest starting around 2 years old for pets—when their growth plates have finished forming.

Joint issues in dogs & cats don’t need to keep you and your pet from doing what they love. Explore our full line of mobility supplements to help maintain joint health in younger dogs and cats, bring the spark back in seniors, and soothe everyday stiffness for our cats.