Watching your dog or cat struggle to move comfortably can be heartbreaking. Arthritis is common, especially in aging pets, but that doesn’t mean your furry friend has to suffer. With the right treatment plan, it’s absolutely possible to relieve their pain, improve mobility, and get them back to doing the things they love.
At Continental Animal Wellness Center in Flagstaff, we’re offering new, advanced arthritis treatment options to help your pet stay active and happy, without constant discomfort.
Understanding Arthritis in Pets
Arthritis affects a large number of pets, particularly as they age. Both dogs and cats can develop joint inflammation that causes pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion. The earlier it’s detected, the better, because with proactive care, you can manage it before it gets worse.
What Causes Arthritis in Pets?
Arthritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, past injuries, joint abnormalities, and even obesity. While older pets are more likely to develop arthritis, it can affect pets of all ages and breeds.
Arthritis can impact cats and dogs, so no matter what pet you have, it’s something to be on the lookout for, especially as they get older.
Signs Your Pet May Be in Pain
You know your pet best. If something seems off or their behavior starts to change, trust your gut and start keeping track.
Here are some signs that your pet may be in pain:
- Difficulty getting up and down
- Walking stiffly
- Lameness in one or more legs
- Reluctance to go up and down steps
- Reluctance to jump up or down
- Slowing down on walks
- Behavioral changes
Why Early Diagnosis Matters For Your Pet
Catching arthritis early means you can get your pet’s pain under control as soon as possible! It’s also possible to slow the progression of arthritis in your pet and generally improve the quality of life. The sooner you start tackling arthritis, the more treatment options you’ll have to support you.
Innovative Treatment Options Now Available at Continental Animal Wellness Center in Flagstaff
At Continental Animal Wellness Center, we’re excited to be offering cutting-edge solutions and treatment plans for arthritis in pets. From joint injections to targeted pain relief, we can help create a personalized plan to tackle your pet’s arthritis.
The 8-Month Joint Injection That’s Changing Lives
Our long-lasting joint injection reduces inflammation, improves mobility, and gives consistent comfort for pets with moderate to severe arthritis. It’s a great choice for dogs and cats who struggle with regular medication schedules or need longer-term support between visits.
Labrella: Targeted Pain Relief with Monoclonal Antibodies
Labrella is an exciting new treatment specifically designed for dogs with osteoarthritis. It works by using monoclonal antibodies to block nerve growth factor, a key player in arthritis pain. It’s given once a month and provides targeted relief without the risks associated with NSAIDs. Many pet owners are seeing noticeable improvements in just a few weeks.
Spryng™: A Revolutionary Joint Cushioning Injection
Spryng™ creates a shock-absorbing matrix within the joint that works with synovial fluid to mimic the protective function of natural, healthy cartilage. That may sound like intimidating science jargon, but it is basically a synthetic injectable that mimics natural joint fluid, cushioning your pet’s joints and reducing friction with movement. It’s ideal for pets who have joint degeneration or are no longer getting enough relief from oral medications alone.
If you ever have any questions or uncertainties surrounding your pet’s care, we’re here to help! Give us a call or ask us any questions you may have during your next appointment. We don’t want your pet’s health to be a mystery to you.
Personalized Plans Based on Your Pet’s Needs
These options go beyond traditional pain meds, providing long-lasting relief with fewer side effects and better outcomes. But, of course, no two pets experience arthritis in the same way.
At Continental Animal Wellness Center, we create customized treatment plans based on your pet’s breed, age, lifestyle, and the severity of their arthritis. Sometimes, that means combining therapies like injections with supplements and physical activity.
Our goal is simple: help your pet feel better, longer.
Preventing Arthritis or Slowing Its Progression
There are other options for slowing or preventing arthritis in pets that you can consider. Before arthritis sets in (or alongside treatments), you can do some simple things to support joint health and ease inflammation naturally. Nutritional supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and MSM can all be helpful, especially when started early.
Diet and Weight: Small Changes, Big Impact
Carrying extra weight puts added strain on joints, especially for aging pets. If your dog or cat is overweight, even small reductions can make a big difference in how they feel. We offer nutrition consultations and weight management plans to help you get your pet to a healthy size, safely and sustainably.
Exercise and Lifestyle Adjustments
Low-impact exercise is one of the best things you can do to keep your pet moving. Think: leash walks on soft surfaces, gentle games of fetch, and swimming. Taking your dog on some low-impact hikes through the aspens is a great way for you both to get outside, too! Just make sure they stay nice and cool during summer!
You can also stay indoors and play with toys like balls or ropes during snowy Flagstaff winters. Movement helps maintain muscle tone and flexibility, which supports the joints.
When to Ask About Labrella, Spryng, or the 8-Month Injection
Not sure which arthritis treatment is right for your pet? Don’t stress yourself. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team will help you decide based on your pet’s age, pain level, medical history, and lifestyle.
Whether your pet is newly diagnosed or has been dealing with arthritis for a while, there’s a solution we can explore together.
Book a Mobility Assessment at CAWC in Flagstaff
Arthritis doesn’t have to be the end of your pet’s active life. With today’s treatment options, from cutting-edge injections to personalized supplements and exercise plans, there’s a lot we can do to improve comfort and mobility.
If you’re seeing signs of stiffness or pain, or if your pet has already been diagnosed with arthritis, let’s talk about the next step!