Pet mobility

Pet mobility refers to how freely and comfortably a dog or cat can walk, run, jump, climb and rise from rest.

Owners usually notice changes gradually: a dog that stops taking the stairs, a cat that no longer jumps onto the windowsill, slower walks, stiffness in the morning or after naps, or reluctance to play. Reduced mobility in companion animals most often reflects osteoarthritis, but hip or elbow dysplasia, ligament tears, spinal disease, obesity and age-related muscle loss all contribute. Cats tend to hide discomfort, so subtle changes in grooming or litter box use can be the first clue.

Veterinarians evaluate mobility by watching the animal move, palpating joints, testing range of motion and, when needed, taking X-rays. Standardized owner questionnaires help track changes over time. Mobility has been used as an outcome measure in small cannabinoid studies of dogs with osteoarthritis, and the findings are preliminary; changes in an animal's movement warrant a veterinary visit.