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Have you noticed your pet slowing down lately?  If you’ve noticed your pet hesitating before jumping, slowing down on walks, or finding it harder to get comfortable at rest, it may be more than just age catching up. We see many pets living with chronic arthritis: dogs showing stiffness through their stride, cats thinking twice before leaping, and rabbits adjusting their posture to ease discomfort. Arthritis is a degenerative joint condition that causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Over time, the protective cartilage within the joint wears down, making movement less smooth and more uncomfortable. It’s most common in older pets, but can also appear after injury or long-term joint stress, gradually changing how your pet moves and feels day to day.  Recognising the signs of arthritis  Arthritis can develop gradually, and many pets adapt so subtly that the early signs are easy to miss. You might begin to notice: • Stiffness or hesitation after rest • Difficulty jumping up or climbing stairs • Slower pace on walks or reduced playfulness • Changes in posture or stride • Excessive licking at a sore joint • Noticeable swelling around a joint • Sudden change in personality • Reluctance to be touched in certain areas • Subtle weight shifting or uneven movement  Recognising these signs early allows us to support them more effectively, combining medical care with hands-on osteopathic treatment to keep their bodies moving comfortably for longer. Validated screening tools such as the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) , Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) , and MI-CAT(C) for cats help detect early indicators of joint discomfort. These questionnaires highlight subtle signs that may indicate discomfort and encourage you to discuss them with your veterinarian and animal osteopathic practitioner. How the body adapts to arthritis With arthritis, the joint itself may be stiff, degenerated or painful. In response, your pet may begin to favour one limb, shift weight away from a painful area, tighten through the back, or reduce use of a certain joint. These compensatory patterns don’t occur in isolation, they ripple through the body.  A dog may carry more weight through the front end. A cat may tighten through the back to protect sore hips. An older bunny may stop stretching out fully, gradually losing spinal flexibility. These small compensations build up over time, creating muscle tension, stiffness, and restricted range of motion. That’s where osteopathic treatment makes a difference. How osteopathic treatment helps Osteopathy uses precise, gentle manual techniques to release areas of restriction and restore healthy motion through the body. Each session supports: • Improved joint range of motion • Balanced weight distribution and posture • Better circulation and tissue elasticity • Reduced compensatory tension from altered movement Most pets become visibly more relaxed during treatment: breathing deepens, their eyes soften, and they often move more freely in the days that follow. The results can be subtle or surprisingly noticeable: a smoother, looser stride, less stiffness after rest, improved posture and comfort, renewed energy and engagement in daily life. Supporting your pet with arthritis Living with arthritis doesn’t mean your pet can’t enjoy life. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference in their comfort and mobility: • Keep them warm and comfortable: Provide soft bedding away from draughts and damp floors. • Gentle, regular movement: Controlled exercise helps keep joints supple: short, frequent walks or light play are ideal. • Maintain a healthy weight: Reducing excess weight lessens strain on joints and improves mobility. • Modify their environment: Use ramps or non-slip mats to help them move safely and confidently. • Complementary care: Osteopathic treatments can support joint function, ease muscular tension, and improve overall mobility. • Work with your vet: Discuss pain relief, supplements, or other management strategies tailored to your pet’s needs. Complementing Veterinary care Veterinary medicine offers excellent tools to reduce inflammation and pain: prescribed medicine and quality joint supplements can make a remarkable difference. These treatments improve comfort and protect joint health, but because arthritis affects how the whole body moves, supporting overall mobility is just as important. Osteopathic treatment works hand in hand with your pet’s veterinary care. By improving joint mobility, circulation, and balance, osteopathy enhances the benefits of medication and supplements, allowing your pet to move with greater ease and stability. Some pet insurance providers include osteopathic treatment under their complementary therapy or rehabilitation cover. If your pet is insured, it may be worth checking your policy to see whether osteopathic care is included, as this can help support ongoing management of arthritis and mobility issues.

Interview from PD Pet Insurance Animal osteopathy, although lesser known about in New Zealand, is a gentle, drug-free approach to helping animals with stiffness, pain or injury. It works alongside medical vet treatments, and is based on the idea that the body can heal itself when it’s in balance. An Osteopath doesn’t just treat symptoms, they look at your pet’s whole body and how different parts affect each other. https://www.pdinsurance.co.nz/blogs/animal-osteopathy/ We spoke to Julie Garreau, a passionate animal osteopathic practitioner based in Auckland, on the benefits this treatment can have for dogs and cats and how the field is evolving in New Zealand. Hi Julie, thank you so much for speaking to us. First off, what exactly is animal osteopathy? Hi Anna! Osteopathy is a type of healthcare that looks at the whole body to find and treat problems with movement. It uses gentle, hands-on techniques to find what’s causing pain or other health issues. By making careful adjustments, an osteopath helps the body move better, feel better, and heal more quickly on its own. What inspired you to become an animal osteopath? Growing up in the mountainous South of France, my childhood was spent largely surrounded by wonderful companions - a pony, a donkey, two sheep, two goats, guinea pigs, a rabbit, two dogs, and many cats! Their unique personalities and unconditional love showed me the deep bond between humans and animals and the capacity of each to heal. I’ve always been fascinated by medicine and the body’s natural ability to heal, which led me to pursue becoming an animal osteopath. After completing a five-year Master’s degree in France, I worked with pets and high-level competition horses across Germany, Luxembourg, and France. I’m officially registered in France’s National Register of Aptitude (RNA OA1081). It’s recognised by the National Council of the Order of Veterinarians (CNOV). I’m also trained in Dry Needling for animals and currently studying animal acupuncture. Before settling in Auckland, I spent two years in Australia working alongside holistic vets and therapy clinics. Additionally, I have worked with wildlife in Australia. This includes native species such as freshwater crocodiles, dingoes, razorbacks, and koalas. I’ve also worked with reptiles in France, like boa constrictors, and elephants in Thailand. This diverse experience has given me the opportunity to work with a wide range of animals from all over the world.   What are some common issues or conditions you treat in dogs and cats? As an osteopath, I help animals with many different health issues. This includes preventing future injuries, easing long-term pain, and supporting healing. I do treatments for arthritis  and joint pain, stiff or tight muscles, spine issues, trouble walking, soft tissue injuries, recovery after surgery, nerve-related conditions, and more. How does animal osteopathy complement vet care? Osteopathy adds extra support on top of their vet care to help animals heal, feel more comfortable, and stay healthy. For example, it can help ease pain and improve movement, which can speed up recovery after surgery or an injury. It can also be useful for long-term problems like arthritis. It helps animals feel more comfortable alongside any medicine or treatments from the vet. I often work closely with vets and other animal health experts to make sure treatment works well. Every animal I see gets a personalised care plan designed just for them, to support their health, happiness, and well-being. Can you walk us through what a typical osteopathic session looks like for a dog or cat? It begins with a thorough review of your pet’s medical history and any current issues. This is followed by a gait analysis, observing how your pet moves to detect pain, limping, or imbalances. A hands-on clinical examination assesses posture, range of motion, and areas of discomfort. If needed, a referral to a vet or specialist may be recommended. Diagnosis considers the whole body to understand how symptoms connect. Each animal osteopathy treatment is tailored to your pet and may include joint mobilisation, muscle tension release, abdominal work, soft tissue techniques, massage, stretching, and craniosacral therapy to support the nervous system. In some cases, dry needling is used to relieve muscle tightness and pain. The goal is not only to ease discomfort and improve mobility but to treat the root cause and help prevent recurrence. After each session, you’ll receive a personalised plan with exercises and lifestyle tips to support healing. Most pets respond positively, often relaxing or sleeping during treatment, and many show noticeable improvement soon after. Mild tiredness or soreness post-treatment is normal and usually resolves within 24 to 72 hours as the body adjusts. Results may appear within days or gradually over a few weeks, depending on your pet’s healing process. Do you have a memorable success story where osteopathy made a significant difference in a pet’s quality of life? One particular fulfilling case was Mollie, a Cavoodle  who fractured and displaced her pelvis after being hit by a car. Mollie’s owners were advised by their previous vet to opt for euthanasia due to her severe injuries and poor prognosis. By working closely with a vet and a hydrotherapist, we could effectively combine treatments to help her. This included vet assessments, osteopathic treatments, hydrotherapy sessions, and the attentive care of her owners. And now she’s running again! Of course Molly and her owners were extremely happy with the outcome, as were we. But it did show me the importance of collaborating effectively with other professionals and sharing knowledge in order to achieve what we cared for most, Mollie’s health and happiness. How do you see the field of animal osteopathy evolving in New Zealand? Although I knew animal osteopathy was still becoming known, I was surprised to see just how new it really is in New Zealand and Australia. In France, it’s already a well-established practice. There are strong rules around training and a culture that values animal care and accepts alternative treatments like this. I believe animal osteopathy has a lot of room to grow in New Zealand. As more pet owners learn about the benefits of holistic and natural treatments, I think the demand will increase. It’s an exciting time, because osteopathy is becoming more accepted in regular vet care. It has the potential to really improve animals’ lives, both by treating health issues and helping prevent them. What is the benefit of pet insurance when it comes to animal osteopathy? It can help make osteopathic treatments more affordable and easier to access for pet owners. This is especially helpful for pets with ongoing health issues or those recovering from injuries, as it can ease the cost of care. When some or all of the treatment is covered by insurance, owners are more likely to choose osteopathy for their pets. This can lead to better long-term health, because early treatment and regular care can reduce pain, improve movement, and support overall well-being. It also encourages pet owners to include holistic therapies like osteopathy as part of a full healthcare plan, rather than waiting until a problem becomes more serious. Insurance for the unexpected PD  pet insurance  is a financial safeguard for accidents, illnesses, third party damage and more. We cover animal osteopathic treatments if recommended by your vet. With us, you get total flexibility with our month-to-month policy option AND we contribute a certain amount towards any switching fees your current insurer charges. Best of all, you get ONE MONTH* FREE when you sign up.

Research shows that despite   our love for our pets, many pet owners cannot tell when their animals are in pain.   Our pets can be experts at hiding pain and often suffer in silence.  Hiding pain is a behaviour animals developed in the evolutionary process to protect themselves from predators during times of injury or sickness. Even though they’ve been domesticated for thousands of years, dogs and cats have preserved this trait to some extent.   As a result, most of the animals that experience pain, don’t receive the treatment they need.  The common signs of pain in dogs and cats  It is important to consider that these signs of pain may not always be noticeable  - our pets may communicate only a few of these behaviours when they're in discomfort or pain. In cases of sudden, intense pain, the signs tend to be more apparent, whereas in long-term or gradually developing conditions, the symptoms can be much more subtle and harder to detect. A reduced appetite  is a common sign of pain in dogs and cats and can be indicative of various underlying health issues. No matter the cause, if your pet refuses to eat for more than a day or two, it’s  essential to consult a veterinarian , as prolonged refusal of food can lead to health complications.  Have you noticed any changes in your pet’s behaviour?  Pain can cause them to be more irritable, aggressive, or reactive to their surroundings due to emotional arousal and physical discomfort. These behavioural changes are not intentional but are instinctive responses aimed at self-protection. Your pet might show  changes in their body language , such as altered posture or facial expressions. You may observe tense muscles, faster breathing or heart rate, shaking or trembling. Your pet may also exhibit signs of emotional distress, such as heavy panting, crying or vocally reacting. Changes in the way your pet walks or moves can be a clear sign that they’re in pain. Limping, stiffness after rest, or a reluctance to move, jump, or play - especially if these are out of character - are all important indicators. Pain often shows up in subtle ways, and reduced mobility is one of the most common. If your pet seems hesitant to engage in their usual activities, it’s likely because something is hurting. On touch or inspection,  you may notice signs like swelling, warmth, redness, twitching or tense muscles, flinching, or an unexpected reaction when touched. Repeated licking or scratching at a particular spot can also indicate discomfort or pain. In   cats, changes in the grooming habits can be cause for concern. Excessive grooming may reflect stress or anxiety, as it's a common self-soothing method. On the other hand, a lack of grooming might indicate that pain or illness is preventing your cat from comfortably reaching or cleaning certain areas of its body. How can you alleviate your pet’s pain? Remember:  pain delays healing. Pain unchecked leads to a cascade of problems, causing the frequent release of stress hormones and worsening your companion's life quality.   So, what can you do if your pet is in pain?  Look for changes in your pets normal state, learn the signs of pain, take a video or write it down, and share it with your pet’s veterinarian and other healthcare professionals. 1.   Prevention is key.  Be proactive, you can help prevent pain with regular visits to your animal healthcare professional. Good nutrition, dental checks, optimal body condition, and regular exercise will go a long way to a healthier pet. 2. Never ignore signs of pain. By recognising pain quickly and seeking treatment as soon as possible, alongside your vet, we can determinate the underlying cause of their discomfort and prevent the problem from worsening. Never give your pet pain medications meant for people or another pet, as there can be life-threatening consequences. 2 . Create a calm environment. Stress and anxiety can amplify pain. And chronic pain can cause anxiety and depression, which is somewhat a vicious circle. According to a recent study by Scientific Reports, dog guardians can transfer the feelings of anxiety and stress to their pets. 3.  Lifestyle changes.  If your pet suffers from chronic pain, it is important to create an  environment in your home where your pet feels safe and comfortable. This can include  nonslip rugs, an easy access to food bowls and litter boxes, a soft bed to cushion their joints and a ramp to get in and out of the car. 4.  Complementary therapies for alleviating pain. There’s more to pain relief than medication. Depending on the underlying cause, laser therapy, acupuncture, osteopathy, hydrotherapy or physical therapy can be complementary options for alleviating your pet’s pain. Pain management is a team effort, the need to work with allied professionals is paramount to the successful outcome of any treatment program.   Can osteopathy reduce your pet’s pain? Osteopathy offers a non-invasive and natural approach that can be beneficial for your pet experiencing discomfort or pain.  It emphasises a holistic approach that prevents, diagnoses, and manually treats restrictions in mobility by addressing the root cause of the health issues. This hands-on approach improves overall well-being, restores function and speeds up recovery by using precise adjustments to help the body's capacity to heal and regulate itself. Just like us, dogs and cats can suffer from various musculoskeletal issues, including joint stiffness, spinal restrictions, and muscle spasms. Your animal osteopath can play a vital role in managing various age-related conditions, supporting your pet’s postoperative rehabilitation and enhance their overall recovery process.  Pain assessment tools Pain assessment in dogs and cats involves tools that range widely, from functional signs evaluated by owners and physical signs detected by clinicians to physiological signs measured by researchers. Find below a few useful tools to help you assess your pet’s pain: BEAP Pain Scale for Cats and Dogs  – A structured scale designed to assist in evaluating the severity of pain. Facial Expressions of Pain in Cats (Training Manual & Fact Sheet)  – An easy-to-use tool for identifying acute pain in cats based on changes in facial expressions. Common Signs of Pain in Dogs and Cats – A general guide to help you recognise behavioural and physical indicators of discomfort.