Hydrogel Injections for Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

Giving pets with arthritis a new lease of life

Hydrogel injections are one of the advanced options we can offer to help manage arthritis in dogs and cats. They are designed to reduce pain, improve comfort, and support better mobility — especially in pets with long-term arthritis that is limiting their everyday life.

What is Hydrogel?

Hydrogel is a safe, sterile gel which when carefully injected into a joint, works with the body to:

Cushion the joint, reducing pain when moving.
Improve the quality of joint fluid, making movement smoother.
Support the joint capsule, helping it stay stronger and more flexible.

These changes can make a big difference for pets who are stiff, sore, or finding it hard to move around.

Which pets can benefit?

We find hydrogel injections particularly useful for:

Older dogs and cats with arthritis that limits their daily activities.
Pets who are struggling with stiffness or reduced mobility
Dogs and cats needing long-term arthritis management alongside other treatments.

While there’s no cure for arthritis, hydrogel can significantly improve quality of life, often helping pets become more active again and supporting weight loss where needed.

The procedure: what owners need to know

Hydrogel injections are performed under a short, light anaesthetic to ensure pets remain still and comfortable.
The procedure usually takes 40–60 minutes, and multiple joints can be treated at the same time if needed.
Most pets go home the same day and recover quickly.
A small number may experience temporary stiffness or soreness for 24 hours, which can be managed with rest and medication.

After treatment, we provide a tailored recovery and exercise plan to help your pet get the best results.

How long do The benefits last?

Every pet is different, but many enjoy the benefits of a single hydrogel injection for up to two years. In cases of more severe arthritis, the effects may be shorter, but hydrogel can be combined with other therapies as part of a wider management plan.