Arthritis: A Sore Subject

← All articles

Dog Arthritis: Signs, Causes & Treatment Options

Arthritis is a common condition that can affect a pet's joints and make everyday activities more difficult or uncomfortable. It is particularly common in older dogs, although younger pets can also develop joint problems related to injury, abnormal joint development, or other underlying conditions.

For pet owners, one of the most important things to know is that signs of arthritis in dogs can be subtle. A dog does not have to cry or visibly limp to be experiencing discomfort. Changes in the way your pet moves, plays, rests, or interacts with the family may be worth discussing with your veterinarian.

The good news is that there are ways to help many pets with chronic joint problems maintain mobility and quality of life.

What Is Arthritis in Dogs?

Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, involves changes to the structures within a joint. Over time, these changes can contribute to inflammation, stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility.

Arthritis can affect almost any joint. Commonly affected areas include the:

Hips Knees Elbows Shoulders Back and spine Other weight-bearing joints

Some dogs develop arthritis following an injury or another orthopedic condition. Others may develop changes over time without one obvious cause.

Age, previous joint injuries, certain orthopedic conditions, genetics, activity level, and body weight can all play a role in a pet's joint health.

Signs of Arthritis in Dogs

Dogs can be very good at hiding discomfort. Instead of obviously showing pain, they may simply begin doing less of the things they used to enjoy.

Common dog arthritis symptoms may include:

Stiffness after resting Difficulty getting up or lying down Limping or changes in the way your dog walks Reluctance to climb stairs Hesitation to jump onto furniture or into a vehicle Less interest in playing Shorter or slower walks Lagging behind on walks Spending more time resting Difficulty walking on slippery floors Changes in posture or movement Loss of muscle in an affected limb Irritability or other changes in behavior

You may notice that your pet seems particularly stiff when first getting up after sleeping or resting. Some dogs may appear to loosen up once they begin moving, while others may become increasingly uncomfortable with prolonged activity.

A Change in Behavior Can Be a Sign of Discomfort

Sometimes the first sign that something is wrong isn't a limp. It may be a change in your pet's personality or daily routine.

For example, a dog that used to greet you at the door but now stays in bed may be experiencing discomfort. A dog that suddenly stops jumping onto the couch, avoids stairs, or no longer wants to play fetch may also be telling you that something has changed.

These signs do not necessarily mean arthritis is the cause. Several medical conditions can produce similar symptoms, which is why an examination is important.

What Causes Arthritis in Dogs?

Arthritis can develop for several reasons.

Some pets develop joint changes as they age. Others may have an increased risk because of developmental orthopedic conditions, previous injuries, ligament problems, or abnormal joint structure.

Body weight can also have an important impact on joint health. Carrying excess weight places additional stress on the joints and can make mobility more difficult.

Maintaining a healthy body condition is therefore an important part of supporting your pet's overall musculoskeletal health.

How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Because arthritis can look similar to other orthopedic or neurological problems, a veterinarian should evaluate a pet showing persistent changes in mobility.

During an examination, your veterinarian may assess your pet's:

Walking and movement Joint range of motion Muscle condition Body weight and body condition Joints for swelling or other abnormalities Response to manipulation of affected areas

Depending on your pet's symptoms and examination findings, your veterinarian may recommend X-rays or other diagnostic testing.

Conditions involving the ligaments, bones, spinal cord, nerves, or other structures can sometimes cause symptoms similar to arthritis. Identifying the underlying problem is important when determining appropriate treatment.

How Is Arthritis in Dogs Treated?

There is no single treatment plan that is appropriate for every pet with arthritis. Management is based on the individual animal, the severity of the condition, overall health, and other factors.

Your veterinarian may recommend a combination of strategies designed to support comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Weight management is an important part of caring for a dog with arthritis.

Excess weight can place additional stress on painful joints and make movement more difficult. If your pet is overweight, your veterinarian can help establish a safe nutrition and weight-management plan.

Portion control, appropriate nutrition, and regular monitoring can all contribute to maintaining a healthy body condition.

Regular, Controlled Exercise

Exercise remains important for many dogs with arthritis.

Appropriate activity can help maintain muscle strength and mobility while also supporting a healthy body weight. However, strenuous or high-impact activity may make some pets more uncomfortable.

Low-impact activities may be appropriate for certain dogs. Swimming, for example, can provide exercise with less impact on the joints for pets that are comfortable and safe in the water.

Your veterinarian can help determine what type and amount of activity is appropriate for your pet.

Veterinary Pain Management

When arthritis causes discomfort, your veterinarian may recommend medications or other therapies as part of your pet's treatment plan.

There are several veterinary pain-management options available, but medications are not appropriate for every pet. Your veterinarian will consider factors such as your pet's age, health history, current medications, and other medical conditions when determining which options may be appropriate.

Pets receiving certain long-term medications may require periodic examinations and laboratory testing to monitor their health and response to treatment.

Rehabilitation and Other Supportive Therapies

Some pets may benefit from veterinary rehabilitation or other supportive therapies. Depending on the individual pet, this may include therapeutic exercises, range-of-motion activities, swimming, or other forms of controlled rehabilitation.

Your veterinarian can help determine whether rehabilitation may be appropriate for your pet.

Never Give Your Dog Human Pain Medication Without Veterinary Guidance

If your pet appears painful, it can be tempting to reach for medication from your own medicine cabinet.

Do not give your dog human pain medication unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to do so.

Human medications can be dangerous to pets, and the appropriate medication and dose for an animal can be very different from those used for people.

If you believe your pet is experiencing pain, contact your veterinary team for guidance rather than attempting to treat the pain yourself.

How Can You Help a Dog With Arthritis at Home?

In addition to following your veterinarian's treatment recommendations, simple changes around the home may make daily activities easier for a pet with mobility problems.

You can consider:

Providing a comfortable, supportive bed Adding rugs or non-slip surfaces to slippery floors Limiting unnecessary jumping Using a ramp when appropriate Keeping food and water easily accessible Maintaining a healthy body weight Keeping exercise regular and controlled Watching closely for changes in mobility or behavior

Pay attention to what your pet is doing differently. Changes that seem small can provide important information about your pet's comfort and mobility.

When Should You Contact Your Veterinarian?

If your dog is consistently stiff, limping, reluctant to move, having trouble getting up, avoiding stairs, or showing other changes in mobility, it is worth scheduling a veterinary examination.

You should also seek veterinary attention if your pet develops sudden or severe pain, an inability to use a limb, significant swelling, or a sudden major change in mobility.

Not every mobility problem is arthritis. An examination can help determine what may be contributing to the change and whether additional diagnostic testing is appropriate.

Helping Your Pet Stay Comfortable

Arthritis can be a long-term condition, but there are multiple ways your veterinary team may be able to help manage its effects.

The goal is not simply to treat a diagnosis. It is to understand what your individual pet needs to remain as comfortable, active, and engaged in everyday life as possible.

If you have noticed changes in your pet's mobility, activity level, or behavior, don't assume those changes are simply a normal part of getting older.

Concerned About Your Pet's Mobility?

If your dog or cat is slowing down, having difficulty getting up, avoiding stairs, or showing other changes in mobility, the team at R Veterinary at All Creatures in Bolivar, Missouri, can evaluate your pet and discuss appropriate next steps based on their individual needs.

Contact All Creatures to schedule a veterinary examination if you're concerned about changes in your pet's mobility or comfort.