If your pet seems a little slower to get up on chilly mornings or hesitates before hopping onto the couch lately, it could be arthritis. Cats, dogs, rabbits, and pocket pets can develop this painful joint condition, and the cold, damp winters in Snohomish, WA, often make it worse. Cedarbrook Veterinary Care has seen how arthritis affects pets’ quality of life. We offer an integrative approach to pet arthritis in Snohomish that goes beyond traditional treatment, using tools like acupuncture, TheraPlate, and SCENAR Therapy to ease pain and support mobility.

What Is Arthritis in Pets?

Arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. It’s especially common in older animals, but can also affect younger pets due to injury, genetics, or excess weight. Typical signs that your pet has arthritis include:

• Difficulty standing up or lying down
• Limping or favoring one leg
• Hesitation when jumping or climbing stairs
• Reduced activity or playfulness
• Irritability due to chronic discomfort

Though arthritis isn’t curable, it can be managed, especially when diagnosed early and treated with a comprehensive care plan.

Why Pet Arthritis Worsens in the Winter

Cold, damp air (common in the Pacific Northwest) can lead to increased joint stiffness and discomfort. Barometric pressure shifts may also trigger inflammation. Pets that slow down during the colder months may lose muscle tone, too, which further reduces joint support.

That’s why it’s so important to make adjustments to your pet’s environment and care routine when the temperature drops.

An Integrative Approach to Managing Arthritis

At Cedarbrook Veterinary Care, we believe in treating the whole pet. Our integrative therapies complement conventional medicine, helping to relieve arthritis pain in pets, thereby increasing mobility. We do this through several holistic approaches, such as:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture for pets involves placing fine needles at specific points to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. For pets with arthritis, acupuncture can reduce inflammation, release tight muscles, and encourage the body to produce natural pain-relieving chemicals. Many pets relax deeply during sessions and experience noticeable relief after just a few visits.

TheraPlate Vibration Therapy

The TheraPlate uses dynamic, low-impact vibration to improve circulation for canine pets. It's especially effective for pets with limited mobility, as it helps support joint function without adding strain. Dogs with arthritis benefit from improved flexibility and less inflammation after TheraPlate sessions.

SCENAR Therapy

SCENAR (Self-Controlled Energo-Neuro-Adaptive Regulator) Therapy is a non-invasive modality that uses gentle electrical impulses to communicate with the nervous system. This therapy encourages the bodies of pets with arthritis to respond to pain. SCENAR is particularly useful in managing chronic arthritis pain, helping to restore comfort and function.

Additional Winter Arthritis Tips for Pet Owners

In addition to professional therapies, here are ways to help your arthritic pet stay comfortable at home this season:

• Provide warm, orthopedic bedding to cushion joints
• Keep them active with gentle, low-impact exercises
• Use ramps or steps to minimize jumping
• Keep their environment warm and draft-free
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint strain

Integrative Treatment for Pets with Arthritis in Snohomish, WA

Arthritis doesn’t have to steal your pet’s joy or mobility, even in the colder months. They just need to find a treatment plan that works for them. Cedarbrook Veterinary Care has treatment for pets with arthritis in Snohomish, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and pocket pets from Monroe, Woodinville, Duvall, and nearby Washington areas. If your pet is struggling with arthritis, schedule a consultation with Cedarbrook Veterinary Care.