Dog Arthritis: The Silent Epidemic (& How to Help)

"My dog's just getting old."

It's the easy answer when your once-agile feline companion stops jumping onto the kitchen counter. Or when they start sleeping on the floor instead of the top of the dog tree.

But what if it's not age? What if it's pain they're too proud to show?

Table of Contents

1. The Silent Epidemic: Feline DJD
2. Spotting the Subtle Signs
3. Universal Biology: Why Dog Supplements Can Work
4. How to Safely Supplement Your Dog

The Silent Epidemic: Feline DJD

Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), or arthritis, is one of the most under-diagnosed conditions in dog. Why? Because they are masters of hiding discomfort. As both predator and prey animals, showing weakness is a liability hard-wired into their DNA.

The statistics are shocking. One major study found that 90% of cats over the age of 12 had radiological evidence of arthritis, even if their owners reported no symptoms.

They don't limp like dogs. Instead, they just... stop. They stop being the acrobatic, gravity-defying creatures they once were. And we tragically mistake this for "just slowing down."

Spotting the Subtle Signs

You have to become a detective. Forget limping; look for these behavioural changes:

• Hesitation to Jump: Do they "measure" the jump to the sofa now, instead of just leaping?
• Sleeping in Lower Places: Is the top of the wardrobe now ignored in favour of a spot under the bed?
• Poor Grooming: Matted fur, especially over the lower back and hindquarters, because it's painful to twist and reach.
• Irritability: Do they hiss or move away when you try to pet their lower back or hips?
• Litter Box Issues: Missing the box can be a sign that climbing in and out is painful.

If you see these signs, you are likely seeing a cat in chronic pain.

Universal Biology: Why Dog Supplements Can Work

So, how can we help? The good news is that the biology of cartilage is universal across mammals. The components that build and protect joints are the same for a cat, a dog, or a human.

This means that the core ingredients in a high-quality canine joint supplement are often perfect for felines:

• Hydrolysed Collagen: The building block for cartilage.
• Green Lipped Mussel (GLM): A potent, natural anti-inflammatory.
• Hyaluronic Acid: The "oil" that lubricates the joint.

The key is purity and dosage. You must avoid dog-specific formulas with artificial beef flavourings or ingredients toxic to cats. But a pure, unflavoured powder like Joint Supreme is perfectly suitable.

How to Safely Supplement Your Cat

Cats are smaller, so the dose needs to be adjusted. A simple rule of thumb for a formula like Joint Supreme is:

• Average Cat (4-5kg): Use approximately 1/4 of the 'Small Dog' scoop.
• Large Cat (Maine Coon, 6kg+): Use approximately 1/3 of the 'Small Dog' scoop.

The powder is easy to mix into wet food, which most cats prefer. Start with a tiny amount and gradually increase to the target dose over a week to ensure they accept the new taste.

Scientific Sources

1. PMC: Osteoarthritis in dog: A Silent Epidemic
2. PubMed: Efficacy of Green-Lipped Mussel for Feline DJD