Put The Joy Back In Their Joints

By Jenni Davies

Limping painfully and struggling with his hind limbs, Jamie Behrens’ 8-year-old adopted Border Collie cross Kohli was in trouble. Diagnosis: osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most common chronic conditions in pets today.

There’s nothing like seeing your dog, tail furiously wagging, chasing its favourite ball, or your cat leaping up to survey its kingdom from a lofty height. But osteoarthritis can snatch those joyful moments away, silently stealing their comfort, mobility and zest for life, as it did with Kohli. The good news? With early detection and the right care, you can put the spring back into their step.

It isn’t just old age

This degenerative condition, characterised by inflammation, stiffness and pain, causes breakdown of cartilage – the cushioning between joints – allowing bones to rub together. OA is more common in senior pet-izens, but that doesn’t mean it’s “just age” and can be ignored. It can also strike earlier – Jamie’s other Border Collie cross, 4-year-old Riley, developed OA early, possibly due to minor hip dysplasia.

It can be tough to detect as many animals hide their discomforts. Your dog may struggle to get up, limp, suddenly avoid using stairs or jumping, slow down on walks, or lick its joints. Riley, for example, showed stiffness on movement, pain after long walks or playing too much and, like Kohli, he developed a limp. Signs in cats can be subtle – they may seem hesitant to crouch or jump, have trouble getting into the litter box or cry when using it, avoid playing, become withdrawn, or develop a scruffy coat.

What are the risks?

The earlier its caught, the sooner you can take steps to manage osteoarthritis. That’s why understanding the risks is important.

• Extra kilos put extra pressure on joints.
• Certain breeds are more likely to develop OA. Large dogs, such as Labradors, German Shepherds, Great Danes and Boerboels, and those with conformational traits like short legs or flat faces – such as Dachshunds, Pugs and Bulldogs – are at higher risk. High-risk cat breeds include Scottish Folds, Maine Coons, Siamese, Munchkins and Persians.
• Older age equals higher risk. Around 80% of pets over 7-8 years of age have it, but even young dogs can develop it, with an estimated 20% of dogs under a year old being diagnosed.
• Previous injury or surgery can damage the structure and movement of joints, leading to increased ‘wear and tear’.
• Malformations, such as elbow or hip dysplasia – like in Riley’s case – or patellar luxation.
• Early sterilisation (before 6-12 months), particularly in large, high-risk dog breeds, is thought to potentially impact bone and joint growth.
• Excessive high-impact exercise, too early can cause joint and growth plate damage in puppies.
• Too little exercise can also cause problems, not only by contributing to obesity, but also due to muscle loss, which means less support for joints and increased stress on cartilage.

While you can’t control things like age, you can offset these risks by taking care of things like weight, exercise, and their environment, and by providing joint-support supplements.

Where science meets support

Jamie knew there was no time to waste. Kohli and Riley needed support ASAP, before their osteoarthritis became unmanageable. As a competitive show jumper caring for elite-level horses, Jamie understood the importance of joint-support supplements. “I’d been using GCS MAX Joint Care since 2014 for my horses for maintenance; as they get older it helps with recovery and repair,” she explains. “Because it did wonders for my horse, I tried it for Kohli. In 3 months his limp went away, he can manage on longer walks and is all-round just a happier pup.

When Riley began showing similar signs, he too was put on the supplement. “We can’t believe the difference – he is so much happier, more playful and is able to enjoy himself on outings. 3 months ago, we went for an our first longer walk and no limping,” says Jamie. “I’m so glad I can give them this game changer – they’ve recaptured their zest for life, loving their outings to both stables and beach.”

But why would a supplement make such a difference? To understand that, we need to look at nutrients and how they affect the joints.

• Glucosamine hydrochloride: A compound involved in producing joint tissue building blocks called glycosaminoglycans. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can ease joint pain and stiffness.
• Chondroitin Sulphate: Working hand-in-hand with glucosamine, this helps cartilage retain water and elasticity to improve shock absorption, and helps inhibit cartilage degrading enzymes.
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): A source of sulphur, needed for joint tissue repair. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help combat pain and swelling.
• Green-Lipped Mussel: A natural source of glycosaminoglycans and omega 3 fatty acids, which pack a powerful anti-inflammatory punch.
• Collagen Type II: Provides important cartilage building blocks.
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and manganese: Antioxidant nutrients needed to make collagen and protect joint tissues from damage.

While science-based supplements like GCS aren’t a magic pill, combined with diet, exercise, weight management, and veterinary care, they can form an effective part of a holistic approach to joint health.

Photo: Melissa Maeder Photography

Simple steps to help your pets

Ensure your pet gets daily exercise to keep weight in check, joints lubricated, and muscles strong. This helps reduce pressure on joints and slows degeneration. Aim for low-impact movement, like short walks on flat, non-slippery surfaces, swimming, gentle play sessions, or even physiotherapy or hydrotherapy. Avoid high-impact exercise, clambering on rocks, ball chasing (which causes sudden stop-start movements), jumping, etc.

Stick to a healthy, species-appropriate diets and don’t overfeed your pet – their weight must be controlled. For treats, try joint-support products, like GCS Chews, or antioxidant-rich fruit and veg, like apples and carrots.

Provide a joint-friendly environment.  

• Use non-slip mats and carpets.
• Invest in soft, padded bedding.
• Raise food and water bowls to avoid strain. You can DIY this with a box with a rubber mat underneath to prevent sliding.
• Add ramps or steps up to beds, couches and other perches.
• Use microwavable beanbags or electric heating pads to ease stiff, sore joints. (Always supervise use, take care that they’re not too hot, and switch off electrics if you’re not around.)

Photo: Melissa Maeder Photography

We want our pets to live their most joyful lives, whether it’s evening zoomies, seaside strolls, or curling up beside us on a rainy day. Every tail wag, every relaxed stretch, every contented sigh, is a sign that all’s right in the world. Movement matters. So, let’s go!     

Note: Many conditions have similar symptoms, so it’s important that your pet see a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Never put animals on crash diets.