Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

Arthritis is a common and often painful condition affecting many older dogs and cats. Whilst it can’t be cured, the right care can make a world of difference. At IP Vet Physio, we offer tailored dog arthritis treatment and cat arthritis treatment across Cheshire and Manchester to help your pet move more comfortably, enjoy daily life, and maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Whether your pet is struggling with stiff joints, reduced mobility, or the impact of age-related changes, physiotherapy for dog arthritis and physiotherapy for cat arthritis can provide safe, drug free support to ease discomfort and improve quality of life.

Understanding arthritis in cats and dogs

Arthritis in dogs and cats is caused by inflammation and degeneration of the joints, often due to age, injury, or underlying health conditions. It’s particularly common in larger breeds of dogs and in older cats, although it can occur at any age.

Common symptoms include:

Stiffness when getting up
Reluctance to exercise or jump
Limping or favouring a limb
Behaviour changes or irritability
Muscle wastage or general slowing down

If your dog or cat is showing these signs, it’s worth speaking to your vet and considering animal physiotherapy as part of a long term management plan.

Arthritis: how vet physiotherapy helps

At IP Vet Physio, we use a range of proven techniques to support pets with arthritis, helping to:

Reduce joint stiffness
Relieve muscle tension and pain
Improve range of motion
Rebuild strength and coordination
Prevent secondary issues like muscle loss or joint compensation

Treatment plans are fully personalised to your pet’s age, condition, and lifestyle. We work alongside your vet to ensure our approach fits in with any existing medication or care plan.

How veterinary physiotherapy can help

While there is no cure for arthritis, physiotherapy plays a key role in managing the condition and maintaining your dog or cat's comfort and mobility. At IP Vet Physiotherapy, we offer a range of non-invasive treatments to support joint health and slow the progression of arthritis.
Our physiotherapy services for dogs and cats with arthritis include:

Manual therapy and massage to ease muscle tension and improve joint flexibility
Electrotherapies, including laser therapy and therapeutic ultrasound, to reduce inflammation and promote healing
Tailored home exercise plans to strengthen supporting muscles and improve balance
Guidance on environmental management, including home adjustments to reduce joint strain

We work closely with your vet to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to your dog’s care.

Support from a qualified veterinary physiotherapist

Whether your dog or cat is slowing down with age or struggling with an arthritis diagnosis, our aim is to keep them as comfortable and active as possible. Physiotherapy is especially effective when used alongside veterinary treatments such as anti-inflammatories or joint supplements.

At IP Vet Physiotherapy, we treat every animal as an individual. Our holistic, hands-on approach ensures each treatment plan is carefully tailored to your pet’s condition, personality, and lifestyle.

If you’d like to find out how vet physiotherapy can help your dog or cat with arthritis, or to book an appointment in Cheshire, Manchester or the surrounding areas, please get in touch.