Canine arthritis (osteoarthritis) is a progressive, incurable, and painful disease that affects up to 80% of dogs over eight years old. Many dogs suffer in silence because they cannot tell us they hurt — and owners often dismiss early signs as “just getting old.” Understanding what to watch for, how to treat it, and how to adapt your home can transform an arthritic dog’s quality of life.
Early Signs — What Owners Miss
- Stiffness after rest — slow to get up after sleeping, “warming up” into walks
- Reluctance to jump — hesitating before getting on sofas, into cars, or up stairs
- Slowing down — lagging behind on walks that used to be easy
- Muscle loss — hindquarters look thinner; front legs may bulk up as the dog shifts weight forward
- Licking joints — especially wrists, hocks, or hips
- Behaviour changes — grumpiness, avoiding being touched, withdrawal, changed sleep position
- The “bunny hop” — jumping with both hind legs together when running
If your dog shows any of these signs, book a vet appointment. Arthritis is treatable — but the sooner treatment starts, the better the outcome.
Treatment
Weight Control — The #1 Intervention
If your arthritic dog is overweight, losing weight is the single most impactful thing you can do. Every excess kilogram increases joint stress and inflammation. Research shows weight loss alone can improve mobility as much as medication in some cases.
Pain Relief — NSAIDs
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (meloxicam, carprofen, firocoxib) are the cornerstone of veterinary arthritis treatment
- Reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation
- Require regular blood tests to monitor kidney and liver function
- Never give human painkillers — ibuprofen and paracetamol are toxic to dogs at normal human doses
Hydrotherapy
Warm-water hydrotherapy pools and underwater treadmills build muscle without stressing joints. Highly recommended — look for a centre with CHA (Canine Hydrotherapy Association) accreditation.
Joint Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), glucosamine, chondroitin, and green-lipped mussel extract. Supportive evidence — not a replacement for medication, but a useful addition.
Home Adaptations
- Non-slip rugs/mats on hard floors — slipping causes pain and fear
- Ramps to beds, sofas, and cars — reduces joint impact from jumping
- Raised food and water bowls — reduces neck strain
- Orthopaedic/memory foam bed — supports joints and distributes weight
- Warm bedding away from draughts — cold exacerbates stiffness
FAQs
Can young dogs get arthritis?
Yes. While arthritis is most common in older dogs, younger dogs can develop it following joint injuries (cruciate ligament rupture, fractures), due to developmental conditions (hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, OCD), or from being overweight during puppyhood. Dogs that were overfed as puppies and grew too fast are at significantly higher risk. If your young dog shows any signs of joint pain or stiffness, see your vet — don’t assume they’re “too young” for arthritis.
Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Jenkins, MRCVS
Dr. Jenkins is a fully practicing veterinary surgeon in the UK with over 15 years of clinical experience in small animal medicine and canine behaviour. She reviews and verifies our health content to ensure medical accuracy.
