Arthritis in Dogs: The Slow Creep of a Progressive Disease (and Why Early Action Matters)

How will arthritis affect my dog?

You may know family and friends who suffer from arthritis, and you would be right in thinking that it can also affect your pets, especially as they get older. But even though it is a common disease, affecting 2 in 5 dogs, it can still be upsetting when you see your dog’s mobility start to decline, especially as arthritis cannot be cured.

Arthritis affects the joints, often the hips and elbows, causing pain and reduced mobility. The entire joint is affected by arthritis, eventually resulting in a joint that can no longer function normally and your dog suffering from ongoing chronic pain and mobility issues. This may sound alarming but rest assured that veterinary treatment can help slow down this process.

How can I recognise if my dog is starting to develop arthritis?

When diagnosing early arthritis in dogs, signs are often subtle and difficult to spot even when you share a strong bond with your pet. It is common for behavioural changes to occur before more obvious signs, such as lameness, so never feel guilty if you feel you have missed one of these subtle signs. Stay vigilant, and if you think your dog's behaviour has changed, do not wait for other signs to develop - get them checked by your vet.

Early signs of arthritis in dogs may include:

• Sleeping more
• “Slowing down” (often mistaken for “old age”)
• Stiffness – especially after resting
• Not wanting to exercise, or exercising at a slower pace than previously
• Not wanting to play, or getting tired more quickly during play
• No longer tolerating certain areas of their body being touched
• Licking at painful areas – usually over sore joints
• Showing signs of aggression
• Avoiding stairs
• Struggling on slippery floor surfaces
• Loss of muscle mass – commonly over hindlimbs
• Deterioration in coat condition
• Wearing out nails by dragging feet
• Limping
• Swollen joints

Arthritis can show itself in many ways, and often the signs that hit you the hardest are the ones that make you feel like your relationship with your dog has started to change, such as your pet no longer wanting to follow you to bed, or refusing to join you on the sofa. If you're unsure whether a change in your dog's behaviour could be related to arthritis, your vet can help.

What can I do to help keep my arthritic dog comfortable?

Arthritis is not a condition that will disappear, so there is no benefit to waiting and hoping your dog will improve. Though you may find it difficult, accepting your beloved pet is in pain and seeking veterinary advice straight away is crucial, to prevent your dog’s mobility and quality of life from deteriorating. 

Treatment options available include:

• Pain relief
• Weight management
• Making changes around the home to support your dog's mobility and comfort
• Supplements to improve joint health

It’s common to use a combination of these treatment options, and your vet can help you to work out what will be best for you and your dog.

Changes that can be made around the home

When your pet is first diagnosed with arthritis you may feel helpless that you cannot fix the problem, but there are changes you can make at home that can improve your pet’s quality of life.

• Cover slippery surfaces with non-slip mats.
• Avoid them needing to climb stairs by changing where your pet sleeps or carry them up and down any stairs if safe to do so – or even better, adding ramps.
• In cold weather, protect your dog’s joints with a waterproof coat and thoroughly dry your pet if they get wet.
• Keep your dog’s exercise levels consistent, with shorter, more frequent walks to help keep your pet moving without creating pain.
• Offer your dog a warm, comfortable bed so they can avoid jumping on and off your sofa or bed. You can also lift them up to be with you or use a ramp for larger dogs.
• Lift your dog in and out of the car or use a ramp.
• Most importantly, keep your dog at an ideal weight. If you are finding managing their weight difficult - you are not alone, vet and nurses all know how difficult it is to keep pets at the right weight, so speak to your vet for advice and support.

Treatment options

Several different medications can be used to manage arthritis pain in dogs. Many of these treatments are most effective when started early in the course of your dog's arthritis. 

When treating arthritis, there are different treatments to manage different aspects of the disease:

• Pain relief - arthritis is a painful condition. Your vet can recommend effective pain relief to help your dog find comfort.
• Joint health - your vet can also recommend proven treatments that can support the health of your dog's joints. While these treatments cannot cure arthritis, they can help to slow the progression of the disease.
• Weight management - your vet may recommend specific diet changes that can help you to keep your dog in a healthy weight range and avoid excess weight putting pressure on already painful joints.

Complimentary therapies

Alongside medication, complimentary therapies can be useful for managing arthritis. Your vet can advise which treatments are suitable for your dog.

• Physiotherapy – Exercises are used to help improve muscle strength, increase mobility and reduce pain levels. You can continue these exercises at home.
• Hydrotherapy – Water provides a low-impact form of exercise, by reducing stress on your dog’s joints. It can provide pain relief and help improve joint movement.
• Laser treatment – This uses infrared light to provide pain relief and reduce joint inflammation.
• Acupuncture – Small needles are placed into specific parts of the body to provide pain relief.

If your dog has arthritis, it is a normal reaction to feel worried and upset. However, with ongoing veterinary support and early intervention, your dog’s mobility can be preserved and their pain controlled, enabling you to continue enjoying a fulfilled life with your beloved dog.