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Educational Series

Arthritis Learning Series

Recognizing, diagnosing, and managing joint pain across a pet's life — from the earliest signs through medications, supplements, home setup, and long-term comfort.

16 partsAbout 150 minutes of reading

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Part 1: Arthritis in Dogs and Cats: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs and cats, yet the earliest signs are often mistaken for normal aging. Learn what happens inside an arthritic joint, which pets are at risk, and how early treatment can protect comfort and mobility.

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Chapter 1: Recognizing Arthritis

  1. 1Part 1 of 16Arthritis in Dogs and Cats: What Every Pet Owner Should KnowArthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs and cats, yet the earliest signs are often mistaken for normal aging. Learn what happens inside an arthritic joint, which pets are at risk, and how early treatment can protect comfort and mobility.
  2. 2Part 2 of 16Recognizing Arthritis: The Signs Your Pet May Be Trying to Tell YouMost pets with arthritis never cry or limp dramatically. They simply stop doing the things they love. Learn the subtle signs of joint pain in dogs and cats, why pets hide discomfort, and when it is time to schedule a veterinary examination.

Chapter 2: Diagnosis

  1. 3Part 3 of 16How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?How do veterinarians know it's really arthritis? Diagnosis comes from putting the pieces together: your story, the physical examination, gait evaluation, and—when appropriate—X-rays. Learn what each step reveals and why early diagnosis matters.

Chapter 3: Weight Management

  1. 4Part 4 of 16Weight Management: The Most Powerful Arthritis Treatment You're Probably OverlookingMedications matter, but if I could recommend only one thing for an overweight pet with arthritis, it would be helping them reach a healthy body weight. Learn why fat is inflammatory, why every pound matters, and how to lose weight safely without losing muscle.

Chapter 4: Exercise & Rehab

  1. 5Part 5 of 16Exercise & Physical Rehabilitation: Motion Is MedicineFor most pets with arthritis, the goal isn't less movement—it's better movement. Learn which activities help, how physical rehabilitation and laser therapy fit in, how to exercise a cat, and when to stop.

Chapter 5: Medications

  1. 6Part 6 of 16Arthritis Medications: Finding the Right Treatment for Your PetWhat's the best arthritis medication? Usually, there isn't just one. Learn how multimodal pain management combines medications, weight management, rehabilitation, and supplements—and why safety and realistic goals matter.
  2. 7Part 7 of 16NSAIDs for Arthritis in Dogs & Cats: Benefits, Risks, and What Every Pet Owner Should KnowAre NSAIDs safe for long-term arthritis treatment? Learn how these medications reduce joint inflammation, what improvements to expect, which side effects to watch for, and why they should never be combined with human pain relievers.
  3. 8Part 8 of 16Adequan®: One of the Most Underused Arthritis Treatments in Veterinary MedicineAdequan® Canine is one of the few FDA-approved medications designed to support joint health, not just relieve pain. Learn how it works, how it's given, which dogs benefit most, and why it's often overlooked.
  4. 9Part 9 of 16Librela® for Dogs: A New Way to Treat Arthritis PainLibrela® is a monthly injection that blocks Nerve Growth Factor to reduce arthritis pain in dogs. Learn how it works, who it helps, what to expect, and the reported side effects to discuss with your veterinarian.
  5. 10Part 10 of 16Adequan®, Librela®, and NSAIDs: Which Arthritis Treatment Does My Dog Need?NSAIDs, Adequan®, and Librela® each treat arthritis in a completely different way. Learn what each one does, how they compare, and why combining them is often the most effective approach.
  6. 11Part 11 of 16Solensia® for Cats: A New Way to Treat Arthritis PainSolensia® is a monthly monoclonal antibody injection approved to control osteoarthritis pain in cats. Learn how it blocks nerve growth factor, what improvements owners notice, who it may help, and the side effects to discuss with your veterinarian.

Chapter 6: Supplements

  1. 12Part 12 of 16Joint Supplements for Arthritis in Dogs & Cats: What Actually Works?Do joint supplements really work? A veterinarian walks through the evidence behind glucosamine, chondroitin, ASU, MSM, green-lipped mussel, UC-II®, omega-3 fatty acids, and CBD — plus how to choose a quality product and which supplements I recommend for dogs and cats.

Chapter 7: Home Modifications

  1. 13Part 13 of 16Home Modifications for Arthritis: A Home That Works With Your PetYour pet's home environment can be as important as medication. Learn room-by-room changes — non-slip rugs, supportive beds, ramps, accessible bowls and litter boxes, and support harnesses — that make everyday life easier for arthritic pets.

Chapter 8: Common Myths

  1. 14Part 14 of 16Common Myths About Arthritis: Separating Fact From FictionAging isn't painful, a wagging tail doesn't rule out pain, and exercise doesn't wear joints out faster. Dr. Rene' separates arthritis fact from fiction.

Chapter 9: When to Call the Vet

  1. 15Part 15 of 16When Should You Call Your Veterinarian?Gradual stiffness is expected with arthritis. Sudden changes are not. Learn the seven warning signs that need prompt veterinary evaluation.

Chapter 10: FAQs

  1. 16Part 16 of 16Frequently Asked Questions About Arthritis in Dogs and CatsCan arthritic pets still walk? Should dogs climb stairs or jump on the couch? Do orthopedic beds help? Dr. Rene' answers the most common arthritis questions.