Pet Joint Health & Mobility Tips for Dogs and Cats

Why and How to Prioritize Their Mobility at Every Age

As a pet parent, you spend time making sure that your furry family member is well taken care of every day. But as you take care of your dog or cat, it isn’t always easy to know when something is amiss. This is particularly true when it comes to your pet’s joint health.

After all, what is there to worry about if your dog or cat is not limping or showing any signs of pain, right?

The reality is that throughout the life of your dog or cat, their joint health will play an essential role in their overall quality of life and wellbeing. By taking a proactive approach to their joint health, you can help stave off potential joint issues, as well as tackle any joint problems your furry family member faces.

“Quality of life is really impacted when we have joint disease,” says Dr. Elyse Olechnowicz, Northeast Area Medical Director at Vetco Total Care . “Even the way our pets interact with each other and their pet parents. They are not as excited about walks, don't want to be pet as much, brushed as much—that's impacting the way they interact with the world.”

What is joint health?

Joint health concerns for both dogs and cats center around a few common culprits.

One of the most common joint issues for both dogs and cats is degenerative joint disease, — also called osteoarthritis or simply arthritis. As your dog or cat ages, their cartilage degenerates, leading to the onset of arthritis. It's estimated that about 20% of dogs over the age of 7 and 90% of cats over age 12 will suffer from joint-related issues due to arthritis.

And while most joint health discussions revolve around osteoarthritis, there are other potential joint issues for your dog or cat. These include:

• Joint injuries: In some cases, a ligament tear, dislocation or fracture can lead to joint issues. Rather than developing over the long term, like degenerative joint disease, joint injuries are caused by a specific event.
• Abnormal development: If your dog or cat’s joints did not develop properly, it could lead to joint concerns, even early on in their life.
• Acquired joint diseases: Joint issues can also be related to other health issues that cause damage to your pet’s joints. Examples of acquired joint diseases include immune disease, infectious disease and cancer.

Is your cat or dog predisposed to joint issues?

In addition to understanding what joint issues your pet might face, it is also important to note that certain conditions can predispose your furry friend to joint problems.

Common conditions that increase your dog’s or cat’s likelihood of dealing with joint issues include:

• Previous injuries such as fracture or ligament tears
• Hip or elbow dysplasia
• Obesity

How to identify joint concerns in your dog or cat

Unfortunately, it can be hard for pet parents to detect joint issues in your dog or cat. While some pets will show outward signs, this is not always the case, particularly with cats who are masters at hiding their pain.

However, regular vet visits are the best way to identify joint concerns in your dog or cat. Your vet can help ensure that your pet isn’t already struggling or at risk for future issues. “All dogs and cats should have annual examinations by their veterinarian and as they reach their golden years, we recommend bi-annual exams,” says Dr. Olechnowicz. The veterinarian may detect changes on a physical exam that identify signs of joint disease even if a pet has subtle or no signs at home.”

*Always partner with your vet if you start seeing any of the signs above. When you notice something more severe, such as limping, work to get your pet into a clinic right away so your vet can determine if additional treatment might be needed.

How to address joint issues in your pet

The good news is that in partnership with your vet, you can help your dog or cat maintain their quality of life. Depending on the type and severity of joint-related issue, your approach might include any of the following tactics.

Diet, Supplements & Everyday Habits That Support Your Pet's Joint Health

What your pet eats — and how he moves through his day — can make a meaningful difference in how comfortable his joints feel over time. Whether your dog or cat is already showing signs of stiffness or you simply want to get ahead of it, the right combination of nutrition, targeted supplements and gentle daily exercise gives you real tools to work with.

Nutrition: Building Blocks for Healthier Joints

A well-balanced diet is the foundation of joint health. For dogs, that means a complete and balanced food formulated to meet their needs as omnivores — one that delivers quality protein to maintain lean muscle mass (which takes pressure off joints), along with the right balance of fats, vitamins and minerals. For cats, who are true carnivores, high-quality animal protein is especially critical to preserving the muscle that supports every joint in the body. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/

Look for foods that carry an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the label — that's your signal that the recipe meets established nutrient profiles for your pet's life stage. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/ Life stage matters: senior formulas are often calorie-controlled to help pets maintain a wholesome weight, which is one of the single most impactful things you can do for joint comfort. Every extra pound adds measurable stress to hips, knees and elbows. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

What to look for on the label:

• Named animal protein as the first ingredient (chicken, salmon, turkey) — supports lean muscle
• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) — can help support a normal inflammatory response in joint tissue https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/
• Glucosamine and chondroitin — naturally occurring compounds found in cartilage; some joint-support formulas include them directly in the recipe
• Controlled calorie density — especially important for less-active or senior pets
• AAFCO adequacy statement — confirms the food meets minimum nutritional requirements https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/

Supplements: When Food Alone Isn't Enough

If your pet's regular food doesn't include joint-supportive nutrients at therapeutic levels, a targeted supplement can fill the gap. Common options include:

Always introduce any new supplement gradually and — most importantly — talk with your veterinarian before starting a supplement regimen. Dosing, quality and interactions with any existing medications all matter, and your vet is the right person to guide those decisions. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

Exercise & Daily Habits: Keeping Joints Moving

Controlled, low-impact movement is one of the most underrated parts of joint care. Regular gentle exercise helps maintain the muscle mass that stabilizes joints, keeps synovial fluid circulating and supports a wholesome weight — all without putting unnecessary strain on already-sensitive tissue.

Practical daily habits that can help:

• Short, frequent walks rather than one long outing — easier on joints and less likely to cause post-activity soreness
• Swimming or hydrotherapy (where available) — buoyancy reduces impact while still building muscle
• Ramps or steps near furniture and vehicles — reduces the jarring impact of jumping for dogs and cats alike
• Orthopedic or memory-foam bedding — supports joints during rest, especially overnight
• Non-slip surfaces — rugs or mats on hardwood or tile floors reduce slipping, which can strain hips and shoulders
• Consistent routine — predictable activity levels help prevent the "weekend warrior" pattern of sudden overexertion

For cats, interactive play with wand toys or puzzle feeders keeps joints moving without demanding the sustained effort a walk requires.

Putting It All Together

No single product or habit works in isolation. The pets who tend to stay most comfortable longest are those whose pet parents take a whole-life approach: a nutritious, appropriately portioned diet; targeted supplementation when a veterinarian recommends it; and daily movement scaled to what that individual animal can comfortably handle.

If your pet is limping, reluctant to climb stairs, or seems stiff after rest, those are signals to schedule a veterinary visit before adjusting diet or adding supplements on your own. Your veterinarian can assess what's actually happening in the joint and recommend a plan tailored to your pet specifically.

Browse joint-support foods and supplements at petco.com — including options formulated for dogs and cats at every life stage.

How to Support Your Pet's Joint Health at Home

Healthy joints don't happen by accident — they're the result of consistent, everyday habits. As a pet parent, you have more influence over your pet's mobility and comfort than you might realize. Here are the most impactful strategies to put into practice.

1. Maintain a Wholesome Body Weight

Of everything you can do for your pet's joints, keeping him or her at a healthy weight may be the single most powerful step. Every extra pound places additional stress on cartilage, tendons and surrounding tissue — and for smaller animals, even a modest amount of excess weight can translate to a meaningful increase in joint load.

If you're unsure whether your pet is at his or her ideal weight, your veterinarian can perform a body condition score assessment and help you build a realistic plan. You can also explore weight management resources at Petco to find foods formulated for weight support.

2. Build a Consistent, Low-Impact Exercise Routine

Regular movement keeps joints lubricated, muscles strong and supporting tissue flexible — all of which reduce the burden placed directly on the joint itself. The key is consistency and appropriate intensity: too little activity allows muscles to weaken and joints to stiffen, while too much high-impact activity can accelerate wear.

Good low-impact options for dogs:

• Leash walks on even, soft surfaces (grass or packed dirt rather than concrete when possible)
• Swimming or hydrotherapy, which builds muscle with minimal joint compression
• Controlled, slow-paced play sessions rather than sudden sprinting or jumping

Good low-impact options for cats:

• Short, frequent interactive play sessions using wand toys
• Puzzle feeders that encourage gentle movement without jumping
• Ramps or pet stairs to favorite resting spots, reducing the need to leap

Always introduce new exercise gradually, and stop if your pet shows signs of discomfort, limping or reluctance to continue. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian what level of activity is appropriate for your pet's age, breed and current joint condition.

3. Consider Joint-Support Supplements

Certain nutritional supplements are commonly used to support cartilage health and joint comfort in dogs and cats. Glucosamine and chondroitin are among the most widely discussed; some research suggests they may help support joint tissue, though results vary between individual animals. Omega-3 fatty acids — particularly EPA and DHA from fish oil — have been studied for their role in supporting a normal inflammatory response in joints. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/

A few important notes before adding any supplement:

• Not all supplements are created equal. Look for products that meet quality standards and carry a veterinary recommendation. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/
• Some joint-support ingredients are already included in certain therapeutic or life-stage diets — your veterinarian can tell you whether a separate supplement is needed or whether a diet change makes more sense.
• Never give your pet a supplement formulated for humans without explicit veterinary guidance, as concentrations and added ingredients may not be appropriate for animals.

Browse joint-support options in dog food and cat food formulated with added glucosamine, chondroitin or omega-3s.

4. Optimize Your Pet's Living Environment

Small environmental adjustments can meaningfully reduce the daily strain on stiff or aging joints:

These changes cost little but can make a noticeable difference in how freely and confidently your pet moves through his or her day.

5. Talk to Your Veterinarian About Medical Options

If environmental changes, weight management and supplements aren't providing enough relief, your veterinarian may discuss additional options — including prescription anti-inflammatory medications, prescription therapeutic diets or referral to a veterinary rehabilitation specialist. This article is for educational purposes only; dosing, diagnosis and treatment decisions should always be made by a licensed veterinarian who knows your individual pet.

If you notice your pet limping, hesitating on stairs, rising slowly from rest or showing reluctance to play, schedule a veterinary visit sooner rather than later. Early intervention almost always leads to better outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early signs of joint problems in dogs and cats? Early signs can be subtle — especially in cats, who are skilled at masking discomfort. Watch for reluctance to climb stairs, jump onto furniture or go on walks; stiffness after rest; decreased grooming; changes in personality such as withdrawing from touch or play; and reduced enthusiasm for activities your pet once loved. Because these signs are easy to miss, regular veterinary exams are the most reliable detection tool. Always consult your veterinarian if you notice any behavioral or movement changes.

Which supplements are commonly recommended to support joint health in pets? Glucosamine and chondroitin are among the most widely discussed supplements for supporting cartilage and joint comfort in dogs and cats. Omega-3 fatty acids (particularly EPA and DHA from fish oil) are also frequently cited for their role in supporting a normal inflammatory response. That said, supplement quality and appropriate dosing vary widely — your veterinarian is the right person to recommend a specific product and amount for your individual pet. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/

How does weight affect my pet's joints? Excess body weight places additional mechanical stress on joints and can accelerate cartilage breakdown, increasing the risk and severity of osteoarthritis. Maintaining a healthy body condition is considered one of the most impactful things a pet parent can do for long-term joint health. If you're unsure whether your dog or cat is at an ideal weight, ask your veterinarian to assess his or her body condition score at the next visit. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

When should I take my pet to the veterinarian for joint concerns? Schedule a routine exam if you notice any of the subtle behavioral changes listed above. If your pet is limping, vocalizing in pain, refusing to bear weight on a limb, or has experienced a fall or injury, contact your veterinary clinic promptly — these signs warrant timely evaluation. As a general guideline, all dogs and cats benefit from annual wellness exams, and senior pets (dogs over 7, cats over 10) should be seen twice a year so joint changes can be caught early.

Are certain pets more likely to develop joint disease? Yes. Dogs and cats with a history of fractures or ligament tears, those diagnosed with hip or elbow dysplasia, and pets carrying excess weight are at elevated risk. Breed can also be a factor — large and giant dog breeds are more commonly affected by hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. Statistically, approximately 20% of dogs over age 7 and up to 90% of cats over age 12 experience joint-related issues. Knowing your pet's individual risk profile helps you and your veterinarian build a proactive care plan.

Can diet alone address my pet's joint issues? Diet plays a meaningful supporting role — therapeutic and joint-health-formulated foods may include ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin — but nutrition is one piece of a broader management plan. Depending on the type and severity of joint disease, your veterinarian may recommend a combination of weight management, physical activity modifications, supplements and other treatments. Never change your pet's diet or add supplements to address a health concern without first speaking with your veterinarian. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

Common Joint Conditions in Dogs & Cats: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Understanding which type of joint issue your dog or cat may be facing helps you have a more informed conversation with your veterinarian. The three most common categories differ significantly in how they start, what they look like, and how they're typically managed.

A note on symptoms: Cats are especially skilled at masking discomfort. A cat who has stopped jumping onto the couch or is grooming less may be experiencing joint pain — not simply "slowing down with age." When in doubt, schedule a veterinary exam. Annual exams are recommended for all dogs and cats; twice-yearly exams are advised once a pet reaches his or her senior years.

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.