Canine Arthritis: How to Spot the Signs and Help Your Dog
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs, particularly as they get older. But arthritis isn’t simply an inevitable part of aging, and there is a lot we can do to help dogs stay comfortable, active and happy.
At Tribe Vets, we see lots of dogs with arthritis, and one of the most important things we can do is recognise it early. Dogs are incredibly good at hiding pain, so the signs can sometimes be surprisingly subtle.
What is canine arthritis?
Canine arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, occurs when the cartilage that normally cushions and protects the joints gradually becomes damaged. As the protective cartilage wears away, the joint becomes inflamed and painful.
Arthritis is most common in older dogs, but it can affect dogs of any age. Younger dogs may develop arthritis because of joint abnormalities such as hip or elbow dysplasia, previous injuries or surgery, or problems with the way their joints have developed.
Some breeds are also more prone to joint disease, particularly larger breeds such as Labradors and German Shepherds.
Unlike a broken bone or other sudden injury, arthritis usually develops gradually over time. This can make it difficult to spot initially. Your dog may simply start doing things a little differently, and these changes can easily be dismissed as them "just getting older".
But slowing down isn't always simply a normal part of aging, it can be a sign that your dog is in pain.
What are the signs of arthritis?
Dogs are remarkably stoic. Rather than crying or obviously showing that something hurts, they often adapt their behaviour to avoid painful movements.
Some of the signs to look out for include:
- Slowing down on walks or not wanting to walk as far as they used to. It's important to remember that reduced exercise tolerance can also be caused by other conditions, including heart or respiratory disease, so it's worth getting checked out.
- Stiffness after resting, particularly first thing in the morning or after lying down for a while.
- Stiffness or lameness after exercise, especially following a longer walk.
- Hesitating before jumping onto the sofa, into the car or up stairs.
- Difficulty getting up or lying down.
- Licking or chewing at joints.
- Limping, which may be very subtle or intermittent.
- A change in behaviour. Your dog may become less playful, more withdrawn, reluctant to interact or even grumpy. Sometimes what looks like a behavioural change is actually your dog telling you that something hurts.
You may also notice that your dog no longer does things they used to enjoy - perhaps they stop greeting you at the door, don't want to play fetch or choose to stay downstairs rather than climbing the stairs.
These small changes matter.
So, what can you do to help?
The good news is that arthritis is very manageable. Although we can't cure the underlying joint disease, there are lots of ways we can reduce pain, maintain mobility and improve your dog's quality of life.
Usually, the best results come from a multi-modal approach, combining several different strategies rather than relying on one treatment alone.
1. Keep them moving - little and often
Exercise is important for dogs with arthritis. Keeping the joints moving helps maintain mobility and muscle strength, but the type and amount of exercise matter.
Generally, shorter, more frequent walks are better than occasional long walks.
Try to:
- Choose regular, gentle walks rather than very long hikes.
- Avoid activities involving lots of jumping, sudden twisting or high-impact exercise.
- Be cautious with repetitive ball chasing, particularly if your dog launches, skids and turns sharply to retrieve the ball.
- Consider swimming or hydrotherapy if your dog enjoys the water and is suitable for it.
The aim isn't to stop your dog exercising - it's to find the level of exercise they can comfortably manage.
And remember that every dog is different. An arthritis-friendly exercise plan should be tailored to your individual dog.
2. Keep them lean
Weight management is one of the most important parts of managing arthritis.
Carrying extra weight puts additional stress on already painful joints and can make mobility much harder.
Even relatively small amounts of weight loss can make a noticeable difference to a dog's comfort and mobility. For some overweight dogs, losing around 5–10% of their body weight can significantly improve their quality of life.
At Tribe Vets, we're always happy to help with body condition scoring and weight management. We'd much rather see a slightly lean dog with arthritis than a cuddly dog who is carrying excess weight and living with unnecessary pain.
3. Make your home arthritis-friendly
A few simple changes around the home can make a surprisingly big difference.
Consider:
- Non-slip mats or runners on slippery floors such as laminate, wood or tiles.
- A comfortable, supportive orthopaedic bed that's easy to get in and out of.
- Ramps or steps to help your dog get into the car or access favourite places.
- Keeping food and water bowls close to their bed so they don't need to walk far.
- Using a supportive harness if your dog struggles with steps or occasionally becomes wobbly.
- Avoiding rough or boisterous play with other dogs if this aggravates their pain.
Think about your dog's whole environment. If getting from their bed to the garden involves navigating slippery floors, stairs and several obstacles, making that journey easier can significantly improve their day-to-day comfort.
4. Make car journeys comfortable
Getting in and out of the car can be particularly challenging for dogs with arthritis.
Many dogs find it uncomfortable to stand for long periods in the car, while others struggle to balance when the vehicle moves.
Think about how your dog can travel safely and comfortably, whether that means using a ramp, providing supportive bedding or adapting their usual travel arrangements.
5. Medication and pain relief
Thankfully, we now have a range of excellent treatments available to help control arthritis pain.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are often an important part of arthritis treatment. They reduce inflammation and pain and can make a huge difference to a dog's mobility and quality of life.
There are also other medications and treatments we can use depending on your dog's individual needs. These may include Librela injections and additional pain-relieving medications such as paracetamol (Pardale), gabapentin, amantadine or, in selected cases, other specialist analgesics.
Not every dog needs every medication, and some medications aren't suitable for every patient. We will consider your dog's age, health, other medications and individual circumstances when deciding what is appropriate.
Often, the most effective approach is multi-modal pain management - using different treatments that work in different ways to provide more comprehensive pain relief.
6. What about joint supplements?
You may have heard of supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin or omega-3 fatty acids.
Some dogs may benefit from joint-support supplements, particularly products containing appropriate levels of omega-3 fatty acids. However, supplements shouldn't be thought of as a replacement for effective pain relief.
If your dog has arthritis, we'd recommend discussing supplements with your vet so that you can choose an appropriate product and use it as part of a wider arthritis management plan.
7. Physiotherapy and acupuncture
Physiotherapy can be a fantastic addition to arthritis treatment.
A veterinary physiotherapist can help improve muscle strength, joint mobility and overall movement. Building and maintaining muscle is particularly important because strong muscles provide additional support around painful joints.
Some dogs may also benefit from acupuncture as part of their pain-management plan.
These treatments work particularly well alongside appropriate exercise and medication.
Arthritis doesn't have to mean slowing right down
A diagnosis of arthritis doesn't mean your dog's adventurous days are over.
With the right combination of pain relief, exercise, weight management, home adaptations and supportive therapies, many dogs with arthritis continue to enjoy a happy and active life for years.
The key is recognising the signs early and not assuming that slowing down is simply something we have to accept because our dogs are getting older.
If you've noticed that your dog isn't quite themselves, is becoming reluctant to jump into the car, is stiff after resting or simply isn't enjoying their walks as much as they used to, please get in touch with us at Tribe Vets. We'd be very happy to assess them and work with you to create an arthritis management plan that's right for them.
Want to learn more?
A fantastic resource for owners is Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), which has lots of practical information about recognising and managing arthritis in dogs:
