At Canyon View Cares Veterinary Hospital Layton, we understand how important it is to keep your pets mobile, comfortable, and pain-free as they age. Arthritis—also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease—is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs and cats. While it can’t always be fully prevented, there are many proactive steps you can take to delay its onset, reduce discomfort, and support your pet’s quality of life.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Weight management is one of the most powerful tools in preventing arthritis. Excess weight puts unnecessary stress on joints, causing cartilage to break down faster and leading to pain earlier in life. At CVC Layton, our dog wellness care and cat wellness care include nutritional evaluations to help you determine your pet’s ideal weight and create a feeding plan that supports long-term joint health. Keeping pets lean not only protects their joints but also promotes longer, healthier lives.

Exercise That Protects Joints

Exercise is vital for maintaining mobility, but not all activity is created equal. Low-impact exercise such as swimming, controlled leash walks, or underwater treadmill therapy helps pets stay strong without straining their joints. High-impact activities—like repetitive jumping or running on hard surfaces—should be minimized, especially for growing puppies with developing joints. Our team can help you design an activity plan that fits your pet’s age, breed, and health needs.

Nutrition and Early Joint Support

What you feed your pet has a direct impact on joint health. Age-appropriate diets prevent overly rapid growth in puppies, while prescription diets for adult pets enriched with omega-3 fatty acids provide natural anti-inflammatory benefits.

Supplements may also help when used preventively. Options often recommended by veterinarians include:

  • Cosequin (glucosamine & chondroitin): supports cartilage and slows breakdown.
  • Duralactin: a gentle, natural anti-inflammatory.
  • Cetyl-M: shown to improve mobility and reduce pain in dogs with early joint disease.

Before starting supplements, consult your veterinarian. Our doctors will recommend the right products and dosages based on your pet’s unique needs.

Veterinary Wellness Exams

Routine veterinary checkups are one of the most important ways to detect arthritis early. During wellness visits, we carefully evaluate your pet’s mobility and may recommend preventive treatments such as Adequan injections, laser therapy, or physical rehabilitation. Our goal is to combine nutrition, supplements, and therapy to protect joint health while minimizing reliance on medications.

Learn more about the services we provide in our Pet Health Blog.

Creating a Joint-Friendly Home

Small environmental changes can make a big difference for pets with sensitive joints. Orthopedic beds cushion pressure points, raised food and water bowls reduce neck and back strain, and ramps or pet stairs make it easier to reach higher surfaces without jumping. Adding non-slip rugs to slick floors can also help prevent falls. These thoughtful adjustments, paired with veterinary care, can significantly improve your pet’s daily comfort.

Recognizing Early Signs

Arthritis often begins subtly. Pets may move more slowly, hesitate before climbing stairs, or avoid jumping on furniture. Behavioral changes like irritability or withdrawal can also be signals of pain. Recognizing these signs early allows for faster veterinary intervention and more effective management.

Considering Genetics

Some breeds are genetically predisposed to conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis. If you’re adopting a puppy, working with a responsible breeder who performs orthopedic screenings can reduce inherited risk. For predisposed breeds, preventive care—including weight control, early supplementation, and consistent wellness visits—is especially critical.

How CVC Vet Layton Supports Joint Health

We offer comprehensive joint-health support, including:

  • Nutrition Counseling & Balanced Diets: Through our dog services and cat services, we help owners select diets that protect joint health.
  • Supplements & Therapeutic Options: From joint supplements like glucosamine to advanced therapies such as Adequan or laser treatment.
  • Routine Wellness Exams & Early Detection: Regular checkups let us spot mobility changes early and create personalized care plans.
  • Home & Lifestyle Guidance: Practical recommendations to make your home joint-friendly and supportive for aging pets.

While arthritis is common, it doesn’t have to limit your pet’s ability to enjoy life. With preventive strategies—healthy weight management, proper nutrition, supplements, routine veterinary care, and home adjustments—you can help your pet stay mobile, comfortable, and happy.

If you’ve noticed stiffness, hesitation on stairs, or want to get ahead of joint care, schedule an appointment online. Together, we’ll design a personalized plan to protect your pet’s joints and keep them enjoying every stage of life.