What is canine arthritis?

Canine arthritis is a painful, progressive disease that causes joint inflammation and lameness in dogs. Often, pet owners misinterpret the signs of arthritis as a natural slowing down due to old age,* however, arthritis can affect dogs of any age or breed.

While it cannot be cured, thanks to the latest scientific knowledge and research, much can be done to control the associated pain, help to manage the progression of disease and improve quality of life.

With proactive care and vet support, dogs with arthritis can live a happy and mobile life.

Signs of arthritis in dogs

Dog resting head on person's lap, looking up.

Watch our animated videos to explore the signs of arthritis in more detail, helping you understand what to look out for.

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Managing arthritis pain in dogs

When it comes to managing pain in dogs with arthritis, a joint effort is important.

For dog owners, being able to recognise both the common and less typical signs of arthritis pain is essential. Regularly checking for these signs and speaking to your vet are important first steps. If your dog has already been diagnosed with arthritis, routine checkups and regular discussions about treatment with your vet are key to making the most of available care options and supporting your dog's quality of life.

When managing arthritis pain, vets will consider a range of treatment options that offer effective pain relief, considering a dog’s age, health history and other therapies they may be receiving.

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Arthritis 'tails'

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The truth about arthritis in dogs

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Vet insights

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Practical tools and resources

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References

*Enomoto, M. et al (2024). Prevalence of radiographic appendicular osteoarthritis and associated clinical signs in young dogs. Scientific reports, 14(1), 2827. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52324-9