As dogs and cats age, their joints can gradually degenerate, causing stiffness and pain. Instead of vocalizing their discomfort, animals tend to alter their movement patterns and behaviors. Signs may include hesitation on stairs, stiffness after rest, or reluctance to jump or remain active. While conventional medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed, they are not the sole best, long-term solution. Natural and integrative therapies can complement standard veterinary care, assisting pets in maintaining comfort and mobility in everyday life.

Effects of Osteoarthritis

The most common cause of joint stiffness in older pets is osteoarthritis, a form of cartilage degeneration that can arise from aging, past injuries, excessive body weight, prolonged overuse or poor joint structure, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, where the joint surfaces do not fit properly. As the cartilage thins, the joint becomes inflamed and painful, leading to decreased movement, muscle loss and further stiffness.

In the 2017 review article “Physical Rehabilitation for the Management of Canine Hip Dysplasia” published in Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, orthopedic surgeon David Dycus and colleagues highlight the significant impact of osteoarthritis on mobility, particularly in large-breed dogs. They stress the importance of using appropriate support strategies to preserve comfort and mobility. A comprehensive treatment plan may combine medication, weight management, supervised exercise, rehabilitation and complementary therapies such as ice and heat application, massage, acupuncture and other physical modalities.

Integrative Therapies

Acupuncture has been shown to help alleviate pain and inflammation in pets affected by chronic or mobility-related conditions. This traditional Eastern medicine practice involves inserting needles into specific acupoints to influence nerve pathways, circulation and pain processing. A 2017 prospective study published in The Canadian Veterinary Journal examined 181 dogs with neurological or musculoskeletal disease. Dogs receiving acupuncture exhibited a reduction in chronic pain. A 2023 meta-analysis of 21 animal studies in Frontiers revealed that acupuncture treatment for arthritis increased tolerance to pain and reduced joint swelling.

Underwater treadmill therapy is especially useful for dogs with hip dysplasia. The buoyancy provided by the water supports much of the dog’s weight, resulting in less painful movement, while simultaneously strengthening muscles. Dycus notes that when the water is elevated to hip level, dogs can bear approximately 38 percent of their body weight on their limbs, enabling them to engage in range of motion and endurance exercises without straining their affected joints.

Massage therapy was found to be effective in lowering pain scores and boosting the frequency of positive quality-of-life ratings in 527 dogs with chronic pain, according to a 2021 cross-sectional study published in Veterinary Record.

Therapeutic, or cold, laser therapy uses specific light wavelengths to reduce pain, support tissue repair and minimize inflammation. Clinicians apply the laser to designated regions during brief, generally well-tolerated sessions. Over a series of treatments, some pets exhibit a smoother gait and greater willingness to move. Owners see these effects most frequently when they simultaneously optimize weight management, environmental conditions and daily activity levels.

Nutrition and Supplementation

“Keeping joints healthy involves making sure we are providing the causes of health in the foods and treats we feed each patient,” says Dr. Barbara Royal, founder of The Royal Treatment Veterinary Center, in Chicago. She advocates for species-appropriate, nutrient-dense diets made from well-sourced ingredients, while limiting excessive carbohydrate consumption, highly processed additives and environmental exposures that can promote inflammation and compromise joint function. She also emphasizes an individualized approach to joint supplementation, recognizing that no single product meets the needs of every pet.

Royal supports targeted combinations of nutrients that include omega-3 fatty acids from small fish sources like sardines or anchovies to help modulate inflammation, along with turmeric for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. A 2025 review article, “Nutritional Strategies for Managing Joint Health in Companion Animals”, published in Animal Advances, supports this strategy, highlighting omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant-rich compounds like curcumin in modulating inflammation and slowing joint disease progression.

Additionally, Royal incorporates cartilage-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine and botanicals like boswellia to promote joint comfort and alleviate the effects of osteoarthritis. Given the influence of gut health on systemic inflammation, Royal frequently recommends probiotics and, in select cases, periodic vitamin B12 supplementation to maintain nerve, gut and joint function as part of a comprehensive care plan.

Ruth Roberts, an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, is the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.      

Electromagnetic Therapy for Dogs: Non-Invasive Relief for Pain and Wound Healing

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, originally used in human medicine, is gaining popularity in pet care for treating pain, inflammation, and wound healing. Learn how this non-in... Read More » 

 

Alleviating Arthritis in Dogs: Joint Health Begins in the Gut

Gut health may hold the key to easing canine arthritis, with research linking digestive inflammation to joint pain and highlighting benefits of whole foods over processed diets. Read More » 

 

Holistic Lifestyle for Dogs: How Herbs, Mushrooms and the Outdoors Can Help

Herbs, mushrooms, and outdoor activities support a dog’s emotional and physical health for a balanced, happy life. Read More »