Beyond Pain Relief: A Multi-Modal Strategy for Treating Arthritis in Dogs

Approaching arthritis from all angles

As hard as it is for you to hear, arthritis is a progressive disease that cannot be cured. This means that damage to your dog's joints cannot be repaired. But if you start your dog on treatment early, it is a disease that can often be managed for many years, allowing them to continue to live life to the fullest.

Types of treatment for arthritis include:

• Pain medication
• Joint supplements
• Physical therapies
• Diet
• Weight management
• Joint injections
• Surgery

Part of your dog’s arthritis journey will involve regular visits to your vet to reassess your dog's condition. We want your pet to receive the individual care they deserve, so their treatment plan should be tailor-made for their needs. Don't be alarmed if multiple veterinary arthritis treatments are advised early on, as this will help keep your pet pain-free and preserve their mobility.

Medication options for managing pain

Coming to terms with your dog starting long-term pain medication for the rest of their life can be upsetting and overwhelming. However, medication is very effective at controlling pain when started early. You may feel that your dog is still able to cope without treatment but it’s hard for us to really understand the extent of their pain and the impact it is having on their quality of life.

There are many different pain relief options including:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories – These are effective long-term pain medications that are used frequently to treat arthritis. There are several different options available for dogs, so your vet will advise on the best one. 
• Monoclonal antibodies – This is a treatment option that only needs to be given once a month by injection. It targets nerve growth factor, helping to block pain signals before they reach the brain. As this is most effective against long-term or chronic pain, it significantly reduces your pet’s joint pain within one or two doses, giving them a new lease of life.
• Additional pain relief – Your vet will be in the best position to advise on other options for pain relief. When treating an arthritic dog, joint pain relief means additional medications can be added to your pet’s current medication to provide the most effective pain relief. 

Physical therapies for treating arthritis

There are a number of physical therapies that your vet may recommend to help manage your dog's arthritis, and they will be able to help you decide which would be most appropriate for your pet. For the best results, these treatments should be started sooner rather than later.

Physical therapies available include:

• Physiotherapy – This uses specific exercises for dogs with arthritis to improve their mobility and increase their strength, helping them stay active.
• Hydrotherapy – This uses exercises in water to strengthen your dog’s muscles while minimising stress on joints and can be a great way to increase your dog’s activity levels.

Why weight management is important

Many veterinary professionals agree that weight management plays a crucial role in easing arthritis symptoms. In fact, studies have found that even a 6% weight loss in overweight dogs¹ can significantly improve their arthritis signs. Weight management for arthritic dogs is essential, but how do you achieve this goal?

We understand how guilty you can feel for ignoring your pet’s sorrowful eyes when you won’t top up their food bowl and how hard it can be to resist giving them their favourite treat. However, your vet will support you through this process, so don’t feel alone. Many veterinary practices run weight clinics where you can get diet advice, find out how much to feed your dog and have regular weigh-ins so you can see your dog’s progress. They are always happy to answer your questions and will be the first to celebrate with you when your dog achieves their target.

What is the best diet to feed my arthritic dog?

Choosing a diet for your dog can feel overwhelming at the best of times. There are lots of options available, so where do you start when trying to find the ideal diet for your arthritic dog?

There are several diet options for dogs with arthritis that you could consider:

• A veterinary mobility diet – These diets are formulated to help support your pet’s joint health. Speak with your vet before making any diet changes and they will be able to guide you on the best choice for you and your dog's individual needs.
• Your pet’s normal diet with a joint supplement added – There are many different joint supplements for dogs for you to choose from, all with varying ingredients and quality. So, how do you choose? Supplements are not regulated like medications, so you should pick a reputable brand, backed by scientific research. The product should also clearly list the ingredients. Your vet will also be able to help you choose an appropriate joint supplement, so ensure you speak with them before adding anything new to your dog's diet.

Advanced treatment options

Alongside regular arthritis treatments, you may also consider joint injections or surgery to help give your pet longer-lasting pain relief. Your vet will be able to advise if these are appropriate for your dog.

Advanced treatment options include:

• Joint injections – These need to be performed while your pet is under heavy sedation or general anaesthesia as it involves injecting medication directly into the joint to provide pain relief. These injections will usually need to be repeated for ongoing pain management.
• Surgery – If your dog has joint disease, surgery may be an option to slow down arthritis progression and help improve lameness. Your vet will be able to advise if it is an option that can be considered for your dog.

We know that watching your beloved dog develop signs of arthritis can be distressing. However, rest assured that there are many treatment options to successfully keep your pet pain-free and mobile, so they can remain the happy, active dog you know and love for many years to come.