2025 Vet Guide to Arthritis Medications for Dogs & Cats 🐾

Chronic joint pain from arthritis affects thousands of dogs and cats—limiting their movement and quality of life. 🐶🐱 I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and this detailed 2025 guide explores the safest and most effective arthritis treatment strategies for pets, from pain relievers to nutraceuticals, injectables, and beyond. 🧬🦴

🩺 Understanding Arthritis in Pets

Degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis, is the leading cause of chronic pain in dogs and cats. It typically results from:

• ⚠️ Old injuries
• ⚠️ Joint malformation
• ⚠️ Age-related wear and tear

Though not curable, arthritis can be managed successfully using a multimodal approach—combining medication, supplements, weight control, and physical therapy for optimal relief.

💊 Five Key Categories of Arthritis Medications

1. Cartilage Support (Chondroprotectants)
2. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
3. Straight Pain Relievers (Non-anti-inflammatory)
4. Anti-inflammatory Nutraceuticals
5. Specialized Injections & Regenerative Therapies

🔹 1. Cartilage Support Supplements

Glucosamine & Chondroitin

• ✅ Strengthens cartilage & slows breakdown
• ⚠️ Effects may take 4–6 weeks to appear
• 🛡️ Mild anti-inflammatory benefits

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

A sulfur-based compound that helps cushion cartilage and acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. 🧪

Creatine

Improves muscle support for joints—especially beneficial in older or under-exercised pets. 🐾💪

🔹 2. NSAIDs – Fast-Acting Anti-Inflammatories

NSAIDs offer rapid relief but must be used cautiously and only under veterinary supervision:

COX-Preferential NSAIDs (Dogs)

• Carprofen
• Meloxicam (limited use in cats in the U.S.)
• Etodolac

COX-Selective NSAIDs – Coxibs

• Deracoxib
• Robenacoxib (dogs & cats)
• Firocoxib

EP4 Inhibitor – Piprant Class

• Grapiprant (dogs)

⚠️ Never combine NSAIDs with steroids or other NSAIDs. Always check with your vet before adjusting any dosing.

🔹 3. Additional Pain Relief Medications

Gabapentin

• Helps with nerve and spinal pain
• May cause drowsiness
• Often compounded into a palatable liquid for small pets

Tramadol (Cats only)

• Provides opioid-style pain relief & mild sedation
• Hard to dose in small tablets and often disliked for taste

Amantadine

• Helps with chronic nerve “wind-up” pain
• Works best with other pain meds

🔹 4. Natural Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Reduce joint inflammation 🌊
• Require 4+ weeks to build up
• Prefer fish oil over flax (low conversion in pets)

Green-Lipped Mussel

• Inhibits leukotrienes (5-LOX)
• Modest pain relief

Dried Milk Proteins

• Derived from hyperimmunized dairy cows
• Fast onset: relief in 4–7 days

Phycocyanin, Green Tea, Turmeric, ASU

• Act as antioxidants and COX gene suppressors 🌿
• Popular in vet-formulated joint chews

Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

• Offer antioxidant & mild pain relief
• May interfere with liver-metabolized medications
• Use only pet-approved formulations

🔹 5. Injections & Regenerative Therapies

Adequan®

• Injectable polysulfated glycosaminoglycan
• Helps rebuild cartilage & reduce inflammation
• Initial series: 2x weekly until results (max 8 doses)

Librela™ (Dogs) & Solensia® (Cats)

• Monoclonal antibodies against nerve growth factor (NGF)
• Monthly injections by your vet
• Safe for long-term use 🧬

Cartrophen Vet (Not approved in US)

• Available in AU, CA, UK
• Protects cartilage & decreases inflammation

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

• Platelets injected into joint to stimulate healing
• Requires sterile technique and joint injection

Stem Cell Therapy

• Uses processed fat-derived stem cells
• Invasive and expensive, but may offer relief in advanced arthritis

🛑 Human NSAIDs Warning

🚫 Never use ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen in pets without a vet’s instruction. These are toxic to pets and can cause ulcers, kidney failure, or death.

🐾 Arthritis Management Tips

• 🏋️‍♂️ Maintain ideal body weight
• 🏃‍♀️ Promote low-impact, gentle exercise
• 💊 Use a combination of therapies
• 📆 Reassess monthly or quarterly with your vet

📲 Ask a Vet for a Safe Plan

Every pet is different—age, weight, health history, and medication compatibility matter. 💡 Download the Ask A Vet app to consult with licensed veterinarians about safe arthritis treatment combos, dosage guidance, and customized care plans.

✅ Final Takeaway

Managing arthritis isn’t about just one pill or product—it’s about a team approach to support your pet’s mobility and comfort over time 🐕‍🦺💚. With today’s advances in medicine, diet, and mobility tools, your pet can still enjoy a vibrant, active life in 2025 and beyond.

Ask your vet before starting any product, and get your pet moving again—with less pain, more joy, and expert care at your fingertips via Ask A Vet! 🐾

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc