Arthritis Awareness Month: Supporting Pets with Joint Pain and Inflammation

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, a timely reminder that arthritis does not just affect humans. Many pets, especially aging dogs and cats, quietly suffer from joint discomfort that can greatly reduce their quality of life. Understanding how to identify, manage, and support pets with arthritis is an important part of responsible pet care.

Dog with Joint Pain

Recognizing the Signs of Arthritis in Pets

Arthritis is the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints, which leads to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Because animals are instinctively good at hiding discomfort, the symptoms can be subtle at first. Pet owners should watch for:

• Limping or slow movement after resting

• Reluctance to jump, run, or climb stairs

• A decrease in playful behavior or social engagement

• Swollen or sensitive joints

• Behavioral changes such as grumpiness or withdrawal

Cats may stop grooming certain areas or hesitate to use elevated surfaces, while dogs might trail behind on walks or avoid car rides they once enjoyed.

What Causes Arthritis in Pets?

Although arthritis is commonly associated with older pets, it can affect animals of all ages due to several factors:

• Breed-specific joint vulnerabilities

• Injury or trauma to the joints

• Obesity, which puts extra stress on the skeletal system

• Poor nutrition or lack of supportive nutrients during development

Early intervention is key, and lifestyle choices can play a major role in managing the progression of the disease.

Supporting Joint Health Naturally

While arthritis is not reversible, there are effective ways to ease discomfort and support mobility in pets. Natural approaches can be highly beneficial when used consistently and in conjunction with veterinary care.

Bill and Coo's Longer Lives

• Longer Lives, our advanced supplement for aging pets, combines key nutrients that maintain joint, skin, lung, and gut barriers while promoting cellular health and longevity.

  • Bovine Collagen Peptide helps rebuild joint cartilage and supports the structural integrity of connective tissue.

  • Red Beet Powder promotes healthy circulation and delivers antioxidant support that helps reduce oxidative stress in joints.

In addition to supplements, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, encourage low-impact exercise such as gentle walks or swimming, and consider physical therapies like massage or acupuncture.

Consult Your Veterinarian

If your pet shows signs of arthritis or joint discomfort, speak with your veterinarian. A personalized care plan, which may include supplements like Longer Lives, along with adjustments in exercise and diet, can make a noticeable difference in your animal’s health and happiness.

This Arthritis Awareness Month, let us honor the comfort and movement of our pets by supporting their joints and overall vitality, because every pet deserves a longer, healthier life. Authored By: Tyana Fenton