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 two in five dogs¹, 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 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 be reassured 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 and sore joints, so never feel guilty if you feel you have missed one of these small signs. Instead, if you think your dog’s behaviour has changed, do not wait for other signs to develop, get them checked by your vet, as you are the best person to know when your pet is not right.

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, and often the signs that hit you the hardest are the ones that make you feel like your dog has started to slip away, such as your pet no longer wanting to follow you to bed, or refusing to join you on the sofa. Though these strange behaviours can be worrying, the best thing you can do is speak to your vet as soon as you notice them because diagnosing arthritis earlier can help make a massive difference to your dogs quality of life.

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, admitting your beloved pet is struggling and seeking veterinary advice straight away is crucial, to prevent your dog’s mobility from deteriorating. The support and wide range of arthritis treatments for dogs ensure you do not 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 vet will discuss this option with you if it is appropriate for your dog

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 massively 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 help them up and down any stairs if safe to do so – or even better, adding ramps.
• In cold weather, consider 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. Vets and nurses know how difficult it is to keep a pet at the right weight, so speak to your vet practice team for advice and support.

Treatment options

Several different medications can be used long-term when managing arthritic pain in dogs. Don’t worry about starting treatments when your dog is only showing subtle signs of arthritis, as the sooner you provide support, the sooner your dog can begin to feel better. All medications have the potential to cause side effects. Talk to your vet about the benefits and risk of each treatment.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment – This is used to control pain and reduce joint inflammation. 
• Monoclonal antibodies – These are given by injection every month and provide ongoing pain relief.
• Additional pain relief – This is usually used in combination with other treatments.
• Joint supplements – There are a wide range of joint supplements available, so speak to your vet for advice on the different options available.

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 helped and their pain controlled, enabling you to continue enjoying a fulfilled life together.