🐾 Quick answer: Dog arthritis causes stiffness, reluctance to exercise and joint pain — especially in older dogs. Learn the signs, the most effective treatments from NSAIDs to hydrotherapy, and how to keep your dog comfortable at home.
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions in older dogs — affecting an estimated one in five dogs over seven years old. It’s painful and progressive, but with the right management, arthritic dogs can remain comfortable and mobile for years.
What Is Dog Arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints — the cushioning that allows smooth, pain-free movement. As cartilage erodes, bone rubs on bone, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. It most commonly affects the hips, elbows, knees, and spine.
Signs of Arthritis in Dogs
- Stiffness after rest, especially first thing in the morning
- Reluctance to climb stairs, jump into the car, or get onto furniture
- Slowing down on walks or lagging behind
- Licking, chewing, or nibbling at joints
- Muscle loss — particularly over the hindquarters
- Behavioural changes — grumpiness, less interest in play
- Difficulty rising from lying down
- Visible swelling around joints
Management Options
Weight management is the single most impactful intervention. Every extra kilogram dramatically increases load on painful joints. Even modest weight loss produces significant improvement in comfort.
Pain medication — NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) prescribed by your vet are the most effective pharmaceutical option. Never give human NSAIDs like ibuprofen — they are toxic to dogs.
Joint supplements — omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) have the strongest evidence. Glucosamine and chondroitin provide modest benefit for some dogs.
Hydrotherapy — water-based exercise supports the body weight while allowing joint movement. Excellent for maintaining muscle mass without impact.
Physiotherapy — targeted exercises prescribed by a canine physiotherapist can improve strength and mobility significantly.
Environmental modifications — ramps instead of stairs, orthopedic beds, non-slip mats on hard floors, raised food and water bowls.
Newer treatments — Librela (bedinvetmab), a monthly injection targeting a pain signalling molecule, has shown excellent results for many arthritic dogs.
- Any signs of joint pain or stiffness in a middle-aged or older dog
- Sudden worsening of mobility
- Dog crying out when moving or being touched
- Current medication no longer providing adequate relief
Arthritis is manageable. A proactive, multi-modal approach — combining weight control, medication, supplements, and physiotherapy — gives arthritic dogs the best quality of life possible.
The PawPulse Team
Researched using current veterinary guidelines. Always consult your vet for medical advice about your pet.