Managing Arthritis Flare-Ups in Dogs

Acting early during a flare-up is vital, as it can help prevent pain from becoming more difficult to manage over time. [1 ,2] This is because when arthritis pain is not well controlled, it can lead to changes in how the nervous system processes pain signals. [4 ,6]

In plain terms: the longer pain goes unmanaged, the more the nervous system may adapt to it in ways that make it harder to bring back under control. Acting during a flare-up, rather than waiting to see if it settles, gives treatment the best chance of working.

Flare-ups can occur even when a dog's arthritis appears to be well controlled. This is because arthritis symptoms naturally fluctuate over time, meaning periods of relative stability can be followed by episodes of increased discomfort, sometimes without a clear trigger. Recognising what a flare-up looks like for your individual dog, and knowing how to respond, is one of the most practical steps you can take as part of long-term arthritis management.

Research into pain sensitivity in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis has found that affected dogs have a measurably lower threshold for pain than healthy dogs (around 25–30% at the affected joint) and that this heightened sensitivity can extend beyond the joint itself to other areas of the body. [4] This helps explain why, during a flare-up, dogs may appear uncomfortable in ways that seem out of proportion to what is visible and why acting promptly rather than waiting matters.

Signs Your Dog May Be Having a Flare-Up

An arthritis flare-up in dogs causes a temporary increase in stiffness, reduced mobility and behavioural changes compared to your dog's usual pattern. The signs below are the most observed during a flare-up, but the key is noticing a shift from what is normal for your individual dog:

• Greater difficulty rising from rest, or taking noticeably longer to get moving
• Increased stiffness that does not ease quickly after warming up
• Reluctance to walk the usual distance, or lagging behind on routes they normally lead
• Restlessness or difficulty settling — circling, repositioning repeatedly, unable to get comfortable
• Vocalising when moving, being touched, or changing position (whimpering, groaning)
• Reduced appetite or interest in food and usual activities
• Altered posture — hunching, holding a limb differently, or avoiding putting weight through a leg

Professor B. Duncan Lascelles BVSc PhD CertVA DSAS(ST) Dipl ECVS MRCVS, a veterinary pain specialist and co-author of international pain management guidelines, has highlighted that chronic pain in dogs is frequently under-recognised, particularly when it presents as gradual behavioural change rather than obvious limping. [6] During a flare-up, even subtle changes from your dog's baseline are worth noting and, if they persist beyond a day or two, discussing with your vet.

What To Do During a Flare-Up

During an arthritis flare-up, focus on controlled movement, warmth, supportive surfaces and careful monitoring rather than complete rest.

1. Reduce strain but keep gentle movement

Short, controlled walks are usually better than complete rest. Sudden overexertion can worsen discomfort, but gentle movement helps prevent stiffness and supports circulation to the joints. Avoid activities that involve jumping, sharp turns or sustained effort. [2,12]

2. Keep your dog warm and comfortable

Cold conditions can make joints feel stiffer. Provide a warm, draught-free resting area and supportive bedding. A well-cushioned or memory foam bed reduces pressure on sore joints and makes getting up and down easier.

3. Make temporary home adjustments

Use non-slip mats on smooth floors to help your dog move with more confidence. Limit stair use where possible and put ramps or steps in place to reduce the need for jumping, such as for getting in and out of the car, onto furniture, or up to their usual resting spot.

4. Monitor changes

Keep track of mobility, behaviour, appetite and comfort levels day by day. Note whether things are improving, staying the same or getting worse. This information helps your vet understand how your dog is responding and whether the management plan needs adjusting. Research has shown that some dogs with clinically confirmed osteoarthritis had not been recognised by their owners as having mobility issues before formal assessment, [13] which is why tracking small day-to-day changes can be helpful.

5. Never give human pain medication

Medicines intended for people, including ibuprofen and paracetamol, can be seriously harmful to dogs. Always speak to your vet before giving any treatment, including supplements or over-the-counter products.

When Should I Contact My Vet?

Contact your vet if an arthritis flare-up in your dog becomes sudden, severe, prolonged or significantly worse than normal. Your vet may adjust the management plan to bring pain back under control.

How Arthritis Is Managed During Flare-Ups

Arthritis flare-ups in dogs are managed by reviewing the existing care plan and adjusting pain management approaches if needed.

Approaches to arthritis pain management have developed considerably in recent years. Vets may use different types of pain-relieving medicines depending on your dog's needs. Options can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as well as newer therapies such as monoclonal antibodies. [3,4]

Monoclonal antibody treatments work by targeting nerve growth factor, a protein involved in arthritis pain that is found at higher levels in affected joints. By binding to this protein, they help reduce pain signalling through a different biological pathway from traditional medications. Having treatments with different mechanisms of action allows vets to develop more individualised pain management plans. [5,6,9,10]

Helping to Prevent Future Flare-Ups

Preventing arthritis flare-ups in dogs involves consistent weight management, appropriate exercise and regular veterinary review. International consensus guidelines for canine osteoarthritis recommend that management plans are reviewed at minimum every six months, and more frequently when flare-ups are occurring, or the dog's condition is changing. [1] Regular reviews allow treatment to be adjusted before problems escalate and give owners a structured opportunity to report any changes in their dog's day-to-day comfort.

As Dr Hannah Capon BVetMed MRCVS, founder of Canine Arthritis Management and a veterinary surgeon with a special interest in chronic pain, explains: "Through awareness and education, we will identify this disease earlier, as well as refine our management plans." She notes that effective arthritis care often involves adapting treatment approaches over time as a dog's needs change