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's a common disease, affecting 2 in 5 dogs, it can still feel like the end of the world when you see your dog’s mobility start to decline, especially as arthritic changes are irreversible.

Arthritis affects the joints, often the hip and elbow, causing joint instability and pain. The entire joint gets affected by arthritis. This eventually results in the joint no longer functioning normally, which creates chronic pain and mobility issues in your dog. The idea of your dog suffering may be alarming, but the good news is that veterinary treatment can help significantly slow down this process.

How can I recognize 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's common for behavioural changes to occur before more obvious signs, such as lameness and sore joints, so don't feel guilty if you miss one of these small signs. What's important is not to wait until more symptoms appear. You know your pup best, so if you see changes in their behaviour, get them checked out right away by your veterinarian.

Early signs of arthritis in dogs may include:

• Sleeping more
• “Slowing down” (often mistaken for “old age”)
• Stiffness – especially after resting
• Depression
• Not wanting to exercise
• Not wanting to 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. Some of the signs that hit the hardest are the ones that make you fear that your dog is starting to slip away, like your pet no longer wanting to follow you to bed, or refusing to join you on the sofa. If you're concerned that your dog is behaving out of sorts, there's no time to waste. Diagnosing arthritis early can make a massive difference to your dog’s quality of life.

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

Arthritis is not a condition that will disappear, so there's no benefit to waiting and hoping your dog will improve. Though it may be difficult, admitting that your beloved pet is struggling and seeking veterinary advice right away is crucial, to prevent your dog’s mobility from deteriorating. The support and wide range of arthritis treatment for dogs ensure that you don't have to go through this journey alone.

Treatment options available include:

• Weight management
• Making changes around the home
• Pain relief
• Supplements
• Complementary treatments
• Surgery – your veterinarian will discuss this option with you if it's appropriate for your dog

It’s common to use a combination of these treatment options. Your veterinarian can help you 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 can't fix the problem, but there are changes you can make at home that can significantly 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 carrying them up and down stairs if it's 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 tiring them out.
• Offer your pet a comfortable dog 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. You are not alone. Veterinarians know how challenging it can be to keep your pet at the right weight, so turn to them for advice and support.

Treatment options

Several different medications can be used long-term when managing arthritic pain in dogs. You may wonder if you should start treatments when your dog is only showing subtle signs of arthritis but, in fact, they are more effective when started early.

• Monoclonal antibodies – Given by injection and provides ongoing pain relief, often reducing the need for daily medication. All medications have the potential to cause side effects. Talk to your veterinarian about the benefits and risk of each treatment.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment - Used to control pain and reduce joint inflammation. All medications have the potential to cause side effects. Talk to your veterinarian about the benefits and risk of each treatment.
• Additional pain relief – Usually used in combination with other treatments.
• Joint supplements – There are a wide range of joint supplements available, often with limited evidence to support how well they work, so speak to your veterinarian for advice on the different options available.

Complimentary therapies

Alongside medication, complimentary therapies can be useful for managing arthritis. Your veterinarian 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. This can provide pain relief and help improve joint movement.
• Laser treatment – 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's normal to feel worried and upset. Thanks to ongoing veterinary support and early intervention, however, your dog’s mobility can be preserved and their pain controlled, so you can continue enjoying a fulfilled life with your beloved pup.