Have you noticed your dog slowing down, or hesitating to take a walk or play their favorite game? They may suffer from arthritis, a painful condition that affects their joints.
While many pet owners think of arthritis as an older dog’s disease, young dogs can also develop arthritis, especially if they have other joint conditions, such as hip dysplasia or knee problems. Obesity may also lead to painful arthritis.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can support your arthritic dog and help them enjoy greater comfort and quality of life.
Here’s what you need to know about this challenging condition and how to manage arthritis with daily at-home care.
What is dog arthritis?
Dog arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a progressive condition that damages your dog’s joint health. It can occur in any joint, including the hips, knees, elbows, shoulders, wrists, and ankles.
Arthritis can be mild or severe. Dogs with severe arthritis are often in constant pain, which can affect their quality of life.
What causes dog arthritis?
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that leads to the gradual breakdown of cartilage in your dog’s joints, resulting in pain and stiffness. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones may begin to rub together, causing discomfort and reducing your dog’s range of motion. This condition often leads to decreased activity as dogs move less to avoid pain, which may further limit their mobility.
Causes of arthritis include:
- Injuries
- Surgery
- Obesity
- Other joint diseases, such as elbow or hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament disease, and luxating patella
Additionally, large breed dogs such as Labradors, golden retrievers, and German shepherds are at higher risk due to their size and genetic predispositions. However, arthritis can affect dogs of all sizes and breeds, especially as they age.
What are arthritis symptoms in dogs?
Dogs naturally hide pain and weakness, which can make arthritis symptoms difficult to spot. Signs of arthritis may include:
- Difficulty getting up
- Avoiding exercise or play
- Limping
- Stiffness or moving slowly
- Increased sleeping
- Hesitating to climb stairs or jump up or down
- Muscle loss
- Changes in behavior
If your dog is showing symptoms of arthritis, book an appointment with your veterinarian. They can help design a treatment plan that manages your dog’s arthritis pain and protects their joint health.
7 Ways to help an arthritic dog at home
While you may be concerned to learn that your dog has arthritis, there are many simple ways to help them live comfortably. These at-home modifications and lifestyle tips can help your dog enjoy a greater quality of life.
#1: Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations
Your veterinarian (DVM) is the best resource for supporting your dog’s health. Canine arthritis treatment plans commonly include:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as carprofen
- pain medications such as gabapentin
- routine monitoring of arthritis symptoms
- low-impact exercise to maintain mobility
- physical therapy
Communicate regularly with your dog’s DVM for consistent follow-up care and arthritis management.
#2: Keep your dog at a healthy weight
Every extra pound of weight adds additional load to your dog’s arthritic joints. If your dog is overweight or obese, your veterinarian can advise you on safe weight loss. This may include feeding a weight management dog food in measured portions until your dog reaches their goal weight.
Learn how to manage your dog’s diet and measure their body condition score (BCS) so that you can support their healthy weight with every meal.
#3: Boost your dog’s joint health with supplements
Supplements may help manage arthritis in dogs by supporting joint health. They may help relieve inflammation associated with normal daily exercise and activity.
Over-the-counter joint supplements often include omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate. These ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties that may ease joint pain and improve mobility.
While supplements aren’t a replacement for pain medication, they can be a helpful part of a larger treatment plan.
Always talk to your veterinarian before starting your dog on any new supplement.
#4: Provide regular low-impact exercise
Many pet owners think exercise will hurt an arthritic dog, but low-impact movement helps preserve joint health and prevent muscle loss. Slow, controlled exercise on a level surface is also great for your dog’s mental, cardiovascular, and overall health.
Low-impact exercise ideas include:
- Leash walks
- Controlled swimming
- Underwater treadmill therapy (under the supervision of a veterinary professional)
- Core-strengthening exercises
- Balancing on a couch cushion or wobble board
If your dog is overweight or new to regular exercise, introduce these activities gradually to avoid worsening their arthritis.
#5: Install ramps and non-slip floors to prevent falls
Jumping, climbing stairs, and navigating slick floors can be hazardous for dogs with arthritis. Providing pet ramps and non-slip rugs or mats can help dogs navigate their homes safely and easily.
In addition to preventing painful slips and falls, these steps can restore your dog’s confidence and help them continue feeling like part of the family.
If you prefer to avoid floor treatments, consider dog boots or paw applications to improve traction and grip. Finally, if your large or giant breed dog struggles to get off the floor or into or out of your vehicle, a lift harness with top handles can help you provide safe support.
#6: Give your dog a comfortable bed that supports their joints
Rest is critical to your arthritic dog’s overall health and well-being. Quality sleep begins with a comfortable dog bed that evenly supports their joints.
Look for a dog bed with a solid cushion that is soft but doesn’t sag. Dog beds with a walk-in design and a bolster or pillow back may help dogs who have difficulty getting up and lying down.
#7: Explore alternative therapies
Managing arthritis pain often takes a combination of treatments.
In addition to medication, diet, and exercise, ask your veterinarian about alternative therapies that may help. Treatment options such as acupuncture, laser therapy, heating pads, physical therapy, and regular exercise on an underwater treadmill can improve blood flow and reduce stiffness. They’re also low-stress therapies, making them great for anxious and senior dogs.
In addition to helping your dog stay active and comfortable, these more natural remedies and therapies have fewer side effects than medication alone.
Arthritis management starts at home
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can rob young and senior dogs alike of their quality of life. Fortunately, with a combination of veterinary-recommended dog arthritis treatments and thoughtful changes to the dog’s home environment and daily routine, pet owners can successfully manage arthritis and restore their dog’s health and happiness.
By Jaime Bast, RVT, CCRP, KPA-CTP, FFCP
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.
Cohen, Aly. 2023. “Osteoarthritis.” Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. February 8, 2023. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/osteoarthritis.
“Arthritis Management and Prevention.” n.d. Veterinary Teaching Hospital. https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/vth/services/orthopedic-medicine/arthritis-management-and-prevention/.