As cats and dogs grow older, joint stiffness, aches, and restricted movement often become part of their routine. While veterinary care and therapies are critical, nutrition plays a powerful role in helping pets stay comfortable and active. At Coolidge Veterinary Hospital, we guide pet owners in combining proper diets, effective supplements, and supportive treatments so senior pets can enjoy strong, happy later years.
1. Begin with a High-Quality, Balanced Diet
Solid joint health starts with nutrition:
- For cats: Diets that include lean high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and preserve mobility.
- For dogs: Balanced feeding supports joint strength, flexibility, and overall resilience.
If you’re unsure what food plan suits your aging companion best, talk to us during your next wellness exam. Our Cat Services and Dog Services pages include nutritional support as part of preventive care.
2. Supportive Supplements for Joint Health
Certain supplements can be especially beneficial in helping maintain joint function, relieve discomfort, and improve mobility:
- Glucosamine & Chondroitin (such as Cosequin): Helps protect cartilage and support repair.
- Cetyl Myristoleate (Cetyl-M): Can help with early arthritis or ligament support by reducing pain and improving range of motion.
- Adequan Injections: Injectable treatments that may offer more rapid relief than oral options in many cases.
- Duralactin (MicroLactin): A natural anti-inflammatory that tends to be gentle on sensitive tummies.
We recommend only veterinary-grade supplements and can advise you on safe, appropriate options during your visit.
3. Whole-Body Care for Joints
Nutrition and supplements work best when part of a comprehensive care plan. Here’s what that looks like:
- For cats: Starting joint-friendly nutrition early can sometimes delay the need for stronger pain medications as arthritis develops.
- For dogs: With weight management, gentle activity, and targeted therapies, you can slow joint wear, protect cartilage, and help maintain mobility.
Explore what supportive services we provide via our Veterinary Services page—everything from diagnostics to senior care.
4. Additional Ways to Help Beyond Diet
Beyond feeding and supplements, several lifestyle and medical supports make a big difference:
- Exercise & Mobility Work: Gentle walks, appropriate stretching, or supervised movement to keep joints limber.
- Maintaining Healthy Weight: Extra pounds increase strain on joints—keeping fit is one of the best things you can do.
- Pain Management & Therapy Options: Our services include pain management within our Dog Services and Cat Services offerings.
- Regular Checkups & Diagnostics: Periodic evaluations allow us to identify joint issues early so they can be treated before becoming more serious.
5. What You Can Do at Home
Here are practical steps for pet parents to help aging pets’ joints:
- Consult with Your Veterinarian First — Not all supplements or diets are suitable for every pet; medical history, current condition, and possible interactions all matter.
- Start Early when Possible — Notice subtle signs: stiffness, reluctance to jump, slower playtime. Addressing issues early often yields better outcomes.
- Choose Trusted Products — Use veterinary-recommended supplements, diets, and brands to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Create a Joint-Friendly Environment — Use non-slippery flooring, cushioned beds, ramps for steps, and make movement easier.
- Review & Adjust Regularly — Aging changes how joints respond; stay in touch with our team to modify diet, medication, or therapy plans as needed.
Helping Pets Thrive in Their Senior Years
With the right combination of nutrition, high-quality supplements, and full veterinary support, you can help your pet stay comfortable, mobile, and happy in their later life. At Coolidge Veterinary Hospital, we're dedicated to crafting care plans tailored to your pet’s unique needs.
Schedule an appointment today to discuss ways to protect your pet’s joint health through diet, supplementation, and holistic care.