You may have already come across the term arthritis in the human context, but arthritis in dogs is just as common and just as much of an issue. At Wuffes, we like to make things nice and simple for dog parents. So, from what arthritis in dogs actually is to how it’s diagnosed and treated – we’re giving you a play-by-play of everything you need to know.
The Ultimate Guide To Arthritis In Dogs
What is Arthritis In Dogs?
A great question to start with. There can be a lot of noise surrounding how arthritis in dogs is actually defined, so we're clearing it up for you.
What dog arthritis actually is
In short, arthritis in dogs is a common condition that causes inflammation in a dog’s joints. This means that your dog might find moving painful and hard to do. On the other hand, Osteoarthritis — which you may hear people talk about in the world of arthritis — is a chronic, degenerative joint disease. It’s when the joint cartilage breaks down to such a degree that it causes chronic inflammation and pain. The word arthritis is an umbrella term, because there are many types of arthritis.
How common it is
Arthritis in dogs is incredibly common. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, around one in five dogs will be diagnosed with Osteoarthritis (OA) in their lifetime.
Why early detection matters
The sooner you detect arthritis, the better. Although this type of joint pain in dogs can’t be cured, as soon as it’s been detected, it’s possible to significantly halt its progress and prevent it from turning into a more chronic, painful condition. It also stops the degradation of the joint and its components; the fluid, the bones themselves and the surrounding tissues. You can start helping your pup’s joints the sooner you know.
Treatment options for arthritis in dogs
As arthritis is a progressive condition, the goal should be to maintain mobility and decrease pain, which will then increase your pup’s quality of life. The ways arthritis in dogs is typically treated can be split into three key areas.
Lifestyle and environmental changes
- Manage their weight.
- Switch from high-impact activities to low-impact activities.
- Try to have as much non-slip flooring in your home as possible, use ramps and raise their bowls, so they’re not straining as much.
- Try orthopedic bedding, like a memory foam dog bed.
Medical treatments
- NSAIDs – Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. These are medications to reduce the swelling and pain.
- Monoclonal Antibody Therapy – a monthly injection that targets nerves to block the joint pain in dogs. The most common type that you’ll find is Librela.
- Joint injections, like Adequan.
- Other secondary pain medications that NSAIDs don’t target. NSAIDs don’t tackle all types of pain, so there may be another medication that does tackle this specific type of pain.
Integrative and physical therapy
- Hydrotherapy – uses a treadmill in water to build muscle and avoid pain.
- Laser therapy that uses specific wavelengths, like red light to improve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Supplements that use science-backed ingredients, known for aiding joints and mobility.
Types of Arthritis in Dogs
Osteoarthritis
A chronic, progressive disease that affects a dog’s joints. These joints can tend to look and feel swollen, stiff and painful. As Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Dr. Portela, at the University of Florida confirms, “20% of dogs over one year old, 40% of those under four, and an astounding 80% of dogs over eight show signs of this chronic and progressive joint disease.” So, if there’s a type of arthritis that seems the most likely, osteoarthritis is a good guess.
Hip dysplasia–related arthritis
This is essentially a hip joint that doesn’t correctly align or fit – A.K.A, a malformation of the joint. It can lead to hip pain and mobility issues. Because the joint and the socket are misaligned, over time, it can cause a lot of joint pain in dogs. Many dogs are genetically predisposed to have hip dysplasia–related arthritis, but environmental factors can also contribute to this.
The breeds of dogs that are more likely to have this type of arthritis are; German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Old English Sheepdogs, German Shorthaired Pointers, Bulldogs (English and French), Pugs, Corgis and Basset Hounds.
Elbow dysplasia
As its name suggests, elbow dysplasia is a condition in which a dog’s elbow joint is abnormal. Like hip dysplasia–related arthritis, there is a misalignment of the bones that make up the elbow. These are the humerus, radius and ulna. Because they don’t correctly fit together, the connective tissue (cartilage) between the bones can wear down, leading to swelling and joint pain in dogs.
The breeds of dogs that are more likely to have this type of arthritis are; Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands, Basset Hounds, Chow Chows, Great, Danes, English Springer Spaniels and Crossbreeds, including Goldendoodles and Labradoodles.
Post-injury arthritis
Also referred to as Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis, Post-Injury Arthritis, is a progressive, irreversible joint disease that occurs as a result of a physical trauma. Think joint fractures, joint dislocations and ligament tears.
The breeds of dogs that are more likely to have this type of arthritis are; Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Border Collies, Greyhounds, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, Dachshunds, Bulldogs (English and French), Pugs, Welsh Corgis, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and Yorkshire Terriers.
Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA)
A condition where your dog’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Their immune system sends white blood cells – known for defending the body against infections, diseases and foreign invaders – into areas, like joint fluid that can actually cause the reverse effect. This includes inflammation, swelling and joint pain in dogs. This type of arthritis can affect multiple joints.
The breeds of dogs that are more likely to have this type of arthritis are; Akitas, Chinese Shar-Peis, Spaniels, Beagles, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Boxers, Weimareners, German Shorthaired Pointers and Greyhounds.
Causes & Risk Factors of Arthritis in Dogs
Age and joint wear
When dogs age, just like us humans, they biologically decline. Therefore, their ability to maintain and repair a joint, and in this case, arthritis, is slower and not as effective. They also lose muscle mass as they age, which is a natural way to cushion the joint. Over time, naturally, the more your dog moves, the more stress it puts onto their joints. Dogs breeds that are highly active or overweight, may experience this more intensely.
Breed and genetics
Some breeds are genetically pre-disposed to joint conditions like arthritis because of their skeletal structure, growth rate and genetic coding. Take Great Danes and Mastiffs – these breeds are genetically wired for their larger size. Dogs breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Bernese Mountain Dogs are genetically more likely to develop a form of arthritis due to their genetic coding.
Obesity and excess weight
When a dog is overweight, the areas of weight accumulate and act as one force putting pressure on their joints when they move, causing joint pain in dogs. But, that’s not all. A dog’s body can detect when it’s overweight and cause harm. Their fat tissues secrete hormones and proteins, called adipokines, which then enter the joint, causing inflammation.
Previous injuries or surgeries
When your dog injures a ligament, for example, their bones will shift and move to an improper position. Over time, this worsens the state of their cartilage. Surgeries do a great job at decreasing the severity of the injury, however the joint can never be as fully stable as it was before it experienced trauma and a dog may still experience arthritic symptoms after their surgery.
Overexertion in young dogs
A puppy’s skeleton isn’t fully developed, because they’re super young. At this stage, we know they have a lot of energy, often jumping and running around. The trouble is, their bones are still malleable and in development. So, when a puppy overexerts themselves, they could cause damage to the way their joints are forming and fitting in the future.
Poor joint development
A healthy, developed joint, should fit together in a socket and ball-type mechanism – A.K.A have the perfect fit. A joint that’s not as well developed, like one that’s too loose, or where a dog’s body has an uneven distribution of weight, puts pressure on the joint, leading to joint pain in dogs.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Arthritis?
If you’re looking for the signs to spot, we’ve got you covered. The sooner you spot arthritis in dogs, the better. You’ll be able to look into an action plan a lot quicker to manage the arthritic symptoms.
Signs & Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs
Early Symptoms That Are Often Missed
- Slowing down on walks.
- Reluctance to jump or climb stairs.
- Subtle stiffness after they’ve rested.
- Changes in their behavior, like becoming more irritable or not wanting to play as much.
Advanced Symptoms
- Limping or favoring one leg over the other when they move, walk or play.
- Losing muscle mass.
- Finding it difficult to stand.
- Seeing them in pain or if they try to tell you that they’re in pain by whimpering, yelping, whining, howling, groaning, grunting or growling.
How is Dog Arthritis Diagnosed?
Finding out if your dog has arthritis is a lot easier than you might think. We’re running through the most common ways that you can count on to get to the bottom of what’s causing joint pain in dogs.
Veterinary physical exams
This is where a vet uses sight and touch to diagnose if your dog has arthritis. Dogs don’t speak human, but vets can use physical evidence to determine if it’s inflammation and if the structure of their joint has changed.
Gait analysis
During this process, a vet will evaluate how a dog moves and where they shift their weight to determine if it is arthritis that is causing them pain. A dog’s gait – A.K.A the specific pattern in which they move their legs – will usually show the signs of something untoward long before they’re able to vocalize their pain.
X-rays and imaging
An X-ray shows the literal, visible picture of what their joints look like from a structural perspective – without all the fur and muscles. A vet can assess the integrity of the joint from here.
Ruling out similar conditions
The process of looking at a variety of conditions to confirm what it’s not, is called differential diagnosis. It’s important to rule out other similar conditions, like Lyme Disease and Anaplasmosis, because they are completely different and require different treatment. Even though they may look similar to arthritis and have arthritic symptoms, it’s not the same thing.
What Are The Best Treatments For Canine Arthritis?
When it comes to canine arthritis treatments, there’s quite a few types. So, we’re giving you the lowdown on all of your options.
Veterinary treatments
NSAIDs
Otherwise known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, these are a popular treatment option for dogs, because they tackle chronic inflammation and pain.
Pain medication
There’s a ton of options to help joint pain in dogs. NSAIDs, as we’ve talked about above, MonoClonal Antibody Therapy (a monthly injection of Librela to treat Osteoarthritis), neuropathic medication, which helps with nerve pain and opioid-like medications, including Tramadol.
Joint injections
There’s two types of injections that a vet can administer. Systemic, which is under the skin and muscle, or intra-articular, which are injected directly into the space of the joint.
Surgery – if needed
Often the final recommendation for treatment, your vet may recommend a surgery to treat arthritis. There are five main types of surgeries; Total Joint Replacement (TJR), Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO), Arthroscopy (where the joint is cleaned), Arthrodesis (the fusion of a joint) and Corrective Osteotomy (mainly recommended for injuries).
Supplements as Joint Support
A great way to maintain the integrity of a joint that’s affected by canine arthritis is through supplements throughout a dog’s life at any age or stage. More importantly, it’s crucial to choose supplements that contain the right ingredients at the right amounts. These ingredients include:
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is naturally produced in the body to maintain the health of the cartilage within joints. Glucosamine can help build lost cartilage by stimulating chondrocytes in the joint. It also helps maintain the integrity of the synovial fluid, enhancing mobility and reducing occasional stiffness.
Chondrointin
Commonly found in red meat and made by the body naturally, chondroitin can help reduce joint discomfort. It also helps stimulate Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid production. Chondroitin has been shown to stimulate cartilage repair mechanisms and inhibit the enzymes that break down cartilage.
Omega-3 fatty acids
These are polyunsaturated fats found in fish. They help promote a healthy skin and glossy fur, support joint and cardiovascular health, and enhance cognitive function.
Green-Lipped Mussels
Natural powerhouses, Green-Lipped Mussels are rich in Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Vitamins C and E, as well as antioxidants & minerals like Copper, Zinc and Selenium. They’re not only vital for your pup’s joint health, but also act as a natural solution for normal inflammatory responses.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Cannabidiol, most commonly referred to as CBD, is an active compound found in the hemp plant. CBD is able to reduce acute and chronic inflammation by activating the body’s endocannabinoid system. CBD is heavily studied and scientifically-proven to significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, chronic pain and the severity of many inflammatory diseases. Always consult your vet for guidance on the use of CBD for canine arthritis.
Physical and Lifestyle Therapy
Physical therapy
Usually referred to as rehabilitation, this is a form of therapy that uses non-invasive, physical techniques that improve a dog’s mobility and reduces pain that’s associated with dog arthritis.
Hydrotherapy
This is a type of physical therapy that focuses on building muscle strength to improve how the joints function. Because of the buoyancy of the water, it supports their weight, so they’re able to have full range of motion. Arthritic dogs will therefore be able to have less painful movement and work at strengthening the joint a lot easier than when they’re not in water.
Massages
This practice focuses on a dog’s soft tissues; muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massages release tension, boost circulation, provide lymphatic drainage, increase synovial fluid production and lower the stress hormone, Cortisol. Their painful, arthritic symptoms should start to ease following this type of treatment.
Laser therapy
A non-invasive type of therapy, this practice treats canine arthritis by using cold lasers that produce specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the joint and assist with repair and blood flow. In other words, it helps with the inflammation at the joint.
Acupuncture
Rooted in Chinese veterinary medicine, this type of therapy involves injecting a super thin needle into specific parts of the body where blood vessels and nerves meet. This tends to help the pain that’s associated with canine arthritis.
Home Care and Lifestyle Changes for Arthritic Dogs
There are a ton of easy changes that you can make in your home life to give your pup the best chance of feeling better.
Weight management
A dog’s weight isn’t defined by a number on a scale. It’s defined by what vets call a Body Condition Score (BCS). The scale runs from too thin to overweight – with the goal weight being in the middle, called the ideal weight. Making sure they’re at their ideal weight is one of the most effective ways to manage canine arthritis, because there’s less physical pressure exerted on their weaker joints. Plus, excess fat often leads to inflammation.
Low-impact exercise routines
Ideally, your dog should have enough movement to lubricate the joints and strengthen their muscles, without affecting the integrity of the joint. A less intense exercise, like a few 10-15 minute walks at a steady, slower pace, is a great, easy example to try out and alleviate the symptoms of canine arthritis.
Orthopaedic dog beds
This type of bed is designed to support your dog’s skeletal structure using a soft memory foam material. The bed will contour to your dog’s shape, putting less pressure on their joints. It’s also easier to get in and out of bed, which helps with their painful arthritic symptoms.
Ramps and non-slip flooring
The easier you can make your dog’s flooring environment, the better. Some surfaces can be too hard and put pressure on their joints, but a non-slip floor makes it easier for them to grip and not strain themselves. Ramps are a great way to help support the impact of their body weight. If they’re used to jumping from one place to another, but now it’s tricky, a ramp can help take the pressure off.
Warm environments
When it’s colder, the temperature actually makes their joints feel stiffer. If a dog’s environment is warmer, the lubrication of their joints is maintained and they’re not contracting their muscles as much to stay warm.
Best Diet for Dogs with Arthritis
Dog arthritis can be managed by looking at their diet. How is it related to arthritis? Because what they eat can either fuel or alleviate inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory diets
This is a type of diet that is designed with the intention to reduce the inflammation in a dog’s body. This tends to include foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, phytonutrients, like turmeric, ginger and blueberries, high quality protein, like lean chicken, turkey or fish and collagen or gelatin, like bone broth or chicken feet.
Things to avoid
Try to avoid high-glycemic carbohydrates, like corn, white rice and potatoes, an excess of Omega-6’s, like sunflower oil and safflower oil and artificial additives and preservatives. Some pups might be particularly sensitive to a category of vegetables, called nightshade vegetables. They contain a compound called solanine that is often said to worsen inflammation. Example foods include; white potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and peppers.
Prescription vs commercial diets
A prescription diet contains foods that have to be authorized by a vet. These tend to come from brands like Hill’s and Purina Pro. These diets have a higher dosage of active ingredients than a diet that isn’t prescribed for dog arthritis.
A commercial diet contains foods that you can pick up at your local grocery store, usually with the hero ingredients for joints, like Glucosamine and Omega-3 fish oil.
Preventing Arthritis is a Long Game
With a condition like dog arthritis, it’s all about prevention and trying to slow its progress. There are a few key areas to bear in mind as a dog owner.
The puppy stage matters
When a dog is in the puppy stage, their bones and muscles are still soft and in the process of developing. It’s super important to ensure that your puppy gets the best nutrition, maintains an ideal weight and has the right amount of exercise. The goal? That they grow at the right rate and their body develops as it should. It’ll help them in the long run.
The type of exercise fit for their age
As puppies, they have more energy to exert, but it’s important to not overexert. When they start to reach middle age (5-7 years old), it’s all about maintaining the key factors we’ve talked about above. Then, finally, as they become senior dogs (8-10 years), the focus should be on reducing impact, as their body is less efficient at targeting the pain and inflammation.
Start joint supplements sooner rather than later
Try to be proactive and start taking chews that focus on their joints with the right ingredients and the right levels before they reach a dog arthritis diagnosis.
Regular vet check-ups
Take a trip to the vets on a regular basis, so they can monitor and assess your dog’s health to see if they have dog arthritis or how it is being maintained. They’ll be able to perform regular lameness exams and try to detect anything as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dogs live with arthritis?
The majority of dogs tend to live with this chronic condition many years after they are officially diagnosed. The goal after diagnosis, is to prevent the arthritis from progressing any further. Once a component, like cartilage, has been worn away to such a degree, it can't be fully formed again. A dog is still likely to experience arthritic symptoms, but the main change will be in the severity of what they are experiencing. The main effect of this condition will be on the quality of their life, rather than on the quantity of years they are projected to live.
Can arthritis in dogs be cured?
Arthritis in dogs is not something that can be cured. Why? Because it’s a progressive degenerative disease, not an issue that has a reversible solution. Once the cartilage has been damaged, it can't be re-formed. The cartilage doesn't receive a sufficient supply of nutrients or blood flow, so takes time to improve. That’s why it’s super important to try and spot the signs and receive an official diagnosis as soon as possible. Once a vet assesses the state of the arthritis in a dog, they’ll be able to recommend the best route possible to maintain what is left within the joint area.
What are the best supplements for arthritis in dogs?
It isn’t so much about a particular supplement that is best for treating arthritis in dogs, but more so about the specific ingredients that are proven to work well at helping the structure, lubrication and inflammation of the joint. The ingredients you want to look out for when you’re searching for a joint supplement are; Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, MSM (otherwise known as Methylsulfonylmethane), Omega-3 fatty acids, like fish oil, Green-Lipped Muscles and Turmeric (otherwise known as Curcurmin). What’s even better, is if the supplement is certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). If a brand or supplement is certified, you’ll often see a yellow and black oval-shaped logo on their products and their marketing communications.
Should I walk my dog with arthritis?
Yes, walking is a great way for a dog to get exercise. However, the intensity and type of walk they do is what matters most here. When a dog walks, they’ll be strengthening their muscles, which helps with the overall maintenance of a joint, because it provides support and cushioning to the bones that make up the joint. If their muscles are weaker, they won’t be able to support the joint in the way it needs to be supported. Walking also gets blood pumping to the joint. The cartilage in the joint doesn’t have its own blood supply, so the more blood there is providing lubrication to the joint, the better. As a general rule of thumb, walking a dog with arthritis should be split into smaller durations. Three 10 minute walks, as opposed to one long 30 minute walk. The speed should also be super steady and slower than normal, so the joint doesn’t experience any added pressure.
Is arthritis in dogs painful?
Yes, arthritis is painful for dogs. What’s not as easy to decipher is knowing if a dog is in pain, because they can’t speak human and we can’t speak dog. They’re also programmed to hide their pain, from a genetic point of view. Oftentimes, they’ll whimper, whine and vocalize their pain once it has become unbearable, rather than when they first begin to experience the pain.
There are actually three types of pain a dog with arthritic symptoms can experience. The first type is the physical pain, where the bones in joints are grinding together, because of improper fit or the degradation of their cartilage.
The second type is inflammatory pain. When a dog experiences this pain, it releases the inflammatory response chemicals, cytokines and prostaglandins, which can feel like a hot, pulsing ache.
The final type is neuropathic pain. This is where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive and all pain feels severe.
Are natural remedies effective for arthritis in dogs?
Yes, natural remedies, when paired with other methods of arthritis management, can be highly effective. Vets will often recommend multiple ways of treatment for arthritis in dogs, because it gives the joint the highest chance of getting better. Another great benefit of using natural remedies, is that it doesn’t just help with acute pain, it helps a dog’s overall pain state for now and the future. Natural remedies are often found in joint supplements with active ingredients that are proven to work well for joint issues. These ingredients include; Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, MSM (otherwise known as Methylsulfonylmethane), Omega-3 fatty acids, like fish oil, Green-Lipped Muscles and Turmeric (otherwise known as Curcurmin).
What is the best treatment for arthritis in dogs?
There is no one single answer to this great question, unfortunately. The best type of treatment for arthritis in dogs depends on a few key factors. When in their life the arthritis is discovered, how old a dog is, the severity of their arthritis and the type of arthritis they have. Vets will often use a combination of treatment methods for dog arthritis. These can include; physical and lifestyle changes, supplements to help with mobility, medication and physical therapy. It is widely believed that the best treatment for arthritis in dogs is often achieved by using a combination of these treatment methods.
How long can dogs live with arthritis?
Dogs can live with arthritis for many years after their diagnosis. It’s important to note that arthritis is not a terminal illness, it’s a chronic condition. A lot of the treatments for dog arthritis are very effective and can help to alleviate the pain and inflammation and maintain the integrity of a dog’s joint.
In regards to lifespan and arthritis, what matters most is the quality of life. So, ask yourself – is my dog living a quality life filled with a good diet, at an ideal weight, receiving regular vet check-ups, the right amount of exercise and of course, all of the love that we can give them as humans? Treatment for managing dog arthritis is very effective thanks to modern medicine and the options are varied, so your vet can recommend the most bespoke route for your dog.
How do I know if my dog has got arthritis?
It can be tricky to know if your dog has arthritis, for one key reason. Dogs are genetically wired to hide their pain. So, you won’t know until they’re experiencing any pain until you start to notice behavioral shifts, like hiding away, hesitation to jump and move, taking longer to get up and down. If you’re concerned about your dog’s mobility and if arthritis may be what they are dealing with, consult your vet. They will be able to assess their gait, mobility and perform something called a lameness exam, where they will provide a medical judgement on if it is arthritis or not and what the next steps are. It’s always a great idea to give your dog the best possible chance as possible from when they’re young. Start taking supplements for joints and implement lifestyle and environmental changes as soon as they can take them.
What are the four stages of arthritis in dogs?
There are four main stages to dog arthritis in a clinical sense, defined by a method called Canine OsteoArthritis Staging Tool (COAST).
Stage 1: Pre-Clinical
This is before a dog’s arthritis shows symptoms, like limping. They’re clinically normal.
Stage 2: Mild Arthritis
Where the dog starts to show subtle signs of arthritis, like slowing down and hesitation to exercise or move.
Stage 3: Moderate Arthritis
The symptoms are now obvious in your dog’s behavior and their quality of life is being significantly impacted by the inflammation and pain they’re experiencing.
Stage 4: Severe Arthritis
This is the most advanced stage and dogs with arthritis at this stage are often struggling to do basic, everyday movements.
To Sum Up
Arthritis in dogs is incredibly common. We’ve covered everything from what causes joint pain in dogs, the different types of pain, to how it’s diagnosed and the types of treatment that are usually recommended. The sooner it’s diagnosed, the sooner you can formulate a plan to prevent it from getting any worse. The result? Happier, pain-free pups. Who doesn’t want that?