Arthritis in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Daily Comfort

Why dogs get arthritis

In many dogs, arthritis starts with a joint that did not develop normally. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and a kneecap that slips out of place are common examples. Large breeds are prone to hip and elbow problems, and small breeds are prone to a slipping kneecap, so dogs of any size can be affected.

Injuries are another common cause. A torn ligament in the knee, a fracture that reached a joint or an old dislocation can lead to arthritis months or years later. Less often, the damage follows a joint infection or an immune system disorder. Age and extra weight add to the risk.

The changes often begin early and quietly. Studies suggest that up to 40 percent of dogs between 8 months and 4 years old already have some arthritis, yet it is usually not noticed until dogs are between 5 and 13 years old.

Signs to watch for

Arthritis develops slowly, so the signs are easy to mistake for normal aging. Pain is not a normal part of getting older, and many of these changes improve with treatment. Watch for the following.

• Stiffness when getting up, especially after a nap or in the morning
• A limp on one or more legs that may come and go
• Reluctance to jump into the car or onto the sofa, or to use stairs
• Shorter walks, lagging behind, or lying down partway through a walk
• Bunny hopping with both back legs together, or sitting with one leg stuck out to the side
• Thinner muscles over the hips and back legs
• Licking or chewing at one joint
• Grumpiness when touched in certain places, restless nights, or less interest in play

Stiffness is often worse after rest and on the day after a lot of activity, and many owners notice it more in cold, damp weather. Some dogs walk normally at the clinic because they are excited or nervous. A short video of your dog getting up, walking and climbing stairs at home helps the veterinarian see what you see.

When it is an emergency

Arthritis builds up over months and years. A sudden change is different and needs a prompt check. Contact a veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away if you notice any of the following.

• Your dog will not put any weight on a leg
• A leg looks bent, dangling or badly swollen
• A joint is hot and swollen and your dog also has a fever, low energy or no appetite
• Your dog cries out in pain, suddenly cannot stand, or drags a paw or the back legs
• Your dog may have eaten human pain relievers

A milder limp that lasts more than a day is also worth a visit. Lameness with fever and swollen joints can have other causes, including some infections spread by ticks, and these need different treatment.

How vets diagnose it

Your vet will usually ask about your dog's history and daily routine, then watch your dog walk and gently move each joint. They check for pain, swelling, muscle loss and reduced movement. X-rays show the typical changes, such as bony growths around the joint. Some dogs are sedated so the joints can be positioned for clear pictures.

Blood tests are often recommended, both to look for other problems and to check the liver and kidneys before long-term pain medicine. When the cause is unclear, the vet may test fluid from the joint or refer your dog for more detailed imaging. Some clinics use short owner questionnaires to track progress over time.

How it is treated

Most vets combine several treatments, and the plan changes as your dog ages. Pain control usually comes first, because a dog in pain moves less and loses the muscle that supports its joints.

Anti-inflammatory pain medicines made for dogs are the most common choice. Possible side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, black or bloody stools, poor appetite, low energy, and yellow gums or eyes. Your vet will explain what to do if you notice them and how often to repeat blood tests.

A newer option is a monthly injection at the clinic that blocks a protein involved in joint pain. Side effects have been reported in some dogs, so it is worth asking your vet about the benefits and risks for your dog. Other pain medicines can be added when needed.

Human pain relievers can be dangerous for dogs. Dogs process these drugs differently, and they can cause stomach ulcers and kidney or liver damage. It is safest to give only the medicines your veterinarian has prescribed for your dog.

Weight control is one of the most helpful treatments. Extra weight puts more load on sore joints, and body fat releases substances that add to inflammation. In one study of overweight dogs with arthritis, lameness was clearly reduced once they had lost about 6 percent of their body weight. Your vet can set a target weight and a safe plan, sometimes with a special diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, mainly EPA and DHA, have the best evidence among joint supplements. Some veterinary joint diets contain them in useful amounts. Glucosamine and chondroitin are widely sold, but controlled studies in dogs have not shown a clear benefit. Ask your vet before adding any supplement, because some can interact with medicines.

Physical rehabilitation builds muscle and improves movement. It may include guided exercises, underwater treadmill work, massage and other therapies from a trained professional. Joint injections are another option for some dogs. When one joint is badly damaged, surgery may help, from correcting the original problem to replacing the joint.

Daily comfort at home

Regular, gentle exercise keeps joints moving and muscles strong. Several short walks a day usually work better than one long one. A quiet week followed by a long weekend hike can lead to a flare-up. Chasing balls, sudden stops and jumping put heavy strain on sore joints, so calmer games are kinder. Walks on grass or soft ground, and swimming if your vet agrees, are easier on the body. If your dog is stiffer the next day, the activity was probably too much.

Simple changes at home help too. Rugs, runners or yoga mats give grip on slippery floors. A thick, supportive bed in a warm, draft-free spot eases pressure on the joints. Ramps help with the car and the sofa, and a baby gate can block stairs when you are out. Raised bowls mean less bending, but ask your vet first if you have a large or giant breed, because raised bowls have been linked to a higher risk of bloat in these dogs.

Arthritis changes over time. A simple note of good and bad days, brought to each checkup, helps your vet adjust the plan as your dog's needs change.

Prevention and whether it spreads

Osteoarthritis is not contagious. It does not pass to other dogs, cats or people.

Keeping a dog lean throughout life is one of the best ways to lower the risk. In a long-term study of Labrador Retrievers, dogs fed 25 percent less food than their paired littermates developed hip arthritis much later and lived longer. For puppies, steady growth on a diet suited to their expected adult size, along with sensible exercise, may help protect developing joints. Prompt care for joint injuries and for hip, elbow or kneecap problems may also slow arthritis later on.

Rescued and newly adopted dogs

Many dogs adopted from rescue are adults or seniors, and their past is often unknown. A dog that lived on the street may have had an injury that healed without treatment, and old injuries are a common starting point for arthritis. At Paw Squadron, the first stops after every rescue are the vet and a bath, and every animal gets a checkup, treatment, vaccinations and a microchip before adoption. Early arthritis often causes no clear signs, though, so joint problems can still appear later.

Give a new dog time to build fitness. Start with short walks and increase them slowly over the first weeks. If you notice stiffness, limping or reluctance to jump, mention it to your vet early. Arthritis is common and manageable, and it is no reason to pass over an older dog. For more on life with an older companion, see caring for a senior dog. You can meet the dogs looking for homes on our Adoptions page and find more care guides in PawPedia.