Dog Walking - Walking arthritic dogs little and often is usually better for their joints rather than one big long walk on a daily basis.
Litter Trays
Placing litter trays in accessible areas and using trays with low sides can be more comfortable to use for arthritic cats
Supplements
Joint supplements such as omega acids (vegetable sources such as flax-seed oil are safer for pets than fish-based ones) and glucosamine chondoritin may be helpful in the treatment of arthritis
Recognise the early signs
Struggling to jump in the car/ on furniture; panting at night or heavily after exercise and licking affected joints could be symptoms which appear some time before stiffness is apparent
Treat early
With treatments such as acupuncture and/or medication if appropriate, can help break the cycle where your pet will use the affected limb less which will result in muscle wastage
Keep your pet slim
This reduces the load placed on arthritic joints and is likely to improve mobility and slow down progression of the condition.
Swimming (particularly hydrotherapy) helps maintain muscle mass without over-loading arthritic joints
Using mobility aids such as ramps and steps to allow arthritic pets to get in the car or to places they have been used to sitting such as sofas and window ledges can improve your pets' happiness
