Find a vet
Near You to Help with Dog and Cat Arthritis in South Africa

Find a vet
Near You to Help with Dog and Cat Arthritis in South Africa

Find a vet

When your dog or cat is stiff, slower on walks, limping, struggling to jump, slow to rise, or showing mood changes, it can be scary and confusing. You are not overreacting. These can be common signs of osteoarthritis (OA), and the right vet support can make a real difference to your pet’s comfort and quality of life.


This page helps you find a local vet in South Africa with the right approach for arthritis and ongoing joint care. Use the vet locator below to search your area, then use the tips here to feel confident about what to ask and what to expect at your appointment.

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Questions
to ask at your appointment

Do you think this could be osteoarthritis, or could it be something else?
Which joints are most affected, and how severe does it seem?
What are our options for pain relief and inflammation control, and what are the risks?
What gentle exercise is safe right now, and what should we avoid?
If my pet is overweight, what is a realistic weight goal and how do we get there safely?
Would physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, or rehab exercises help?
What changes at home would you recommend (ramps, bedding, litter tray setup, stairs)?
How will we measure improvement, and when should we check in again?

Quick
next steps

Online Symptom Checker
Use the

symptom checker
it takes a few minutes and helps you spot patterns.

Book a

vet visit
for an arthritis check.

Bring your
results, questions, and a short video of how your pet walks or moves at home.

What to look for in a vet for arthritis support

Arthritis care is not a once-off visit. It is a plan. Look for a vet who:
Takes your observations seriously and asks about day to day movement at home
Is comfortable working with referrals if your pet needs imaging or specialist input
Checks mobility properly (not just a quick look)

Talks about pain management, weight, movement, and home changes as a full plan

Suggests follow-ups to track progress and adjust treatment

What an osteoarthritis consult typically includes

Most arthritis appointments include:
  • a full history (what you have noticed, when it started, what makes it better or worse)
  • a physical and orthopaedic exam, including joint and muscle checks
  • a gait and movement assessment (this is where your home videos really help)
  • a discussion about body condition and weight, because it affects joint load
  • a treatment plan that may include prescribed veterinary medication, lifestyle changes, and a follow-up scheduled appointment.

Sometimes your vet may recommend X-rays or other imaging to support a diagnosis or rule out other causes, especially if symptoms are new, worsening, or unusual.

When to book a vet visit sooner rather than later

Book as soon as you can if you notice ongoing stiffness, limping, slowing down, reluctance to jump, or behaviour changes. Go urgently if your pet:

  • suddenly cannot use a leg or cries out in pain
  • stops eating, seems very unwell, or is extremely lethargic
  • has rapid swelling, heat, or severe tenderness around a joint

If you are worried, trust your gut and contact a vet.

Dog Arthritis Advice. Dr Kenneth.

Find the
best advice

From Our Trusted Vet
Dr Kenneth

Ask our resident vet Dr Kenneth questions about your dog’s arthritis and get the best advice on how to treat your arthritic dog to ensure that your dog enjoys quality of life pain free
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