Managing Older Dogs with Arthritis: Tips for Pain Relief and Joint Health
Is your senior dog slowing down, struggling to get on the couch or hesitating on walks?
If so, arthritis might be the answer. As our furry friends age, their joints get stiff and sore, making everyday things hard.
Just like humans, dogs' joints get worn out with age and arthritis is one of the most common conditions in senior pets. But with the right care and attention, you can help improve their quality of life and reduce their discomfort.
Treating arthritis in senior dogs requires a combination of lifestyle changes, supplements, and sometimes medication to keep them comfortable and mobile.
We can’t cure arthritis, but we can reduce its effects and make sure our dogs are happy and healthy as they age.
This article will give you practical tips for pain relief and joint health so your senior dog can live life to the fullest.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of any health concerns regarding your pet.
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Introduction
You and your dog are on a long walk on a sunny autumn day.
Your dog was full of energy, tail-wagging the entire time, and even tried to chase after a few squirrels in the park. Everything seemed normal until you arrived home. You live in a walk-up and notice that your dog is going up the stairs slower than usual.
After the long walk, you both took an equally long nap. Upon waking, you notice that your dog is very slow to stand up. You encouraged them to jump onto the bed with you for some cuddles, but they seemed to hesitate. You had to help lift their hind end into the bed.
Is your dog in pain? Could your dog be developing arthritis? Let us further discuss arthritis in this article. Keep on reading 'til the end!
What is Arthritis in Older Dogs?
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the term used to describe painful inflammation in the joint. It is an irreversible degenerative condition that likely affects 60% or more of dogs in their lifetime.
It is believed that only 25-38% of these dogs are successfully diagnosed and treated in their lifetime.
The signs of arthritis in your dog can be difficult to spot. With increasing awareness and resources for pet parents, we can continue to improve the diagnosis of arthritis and provide pets with relief.
Arthritis can affect any age or breed of dog. While we tend to note the signs of arthritis more commonly in our older pets, it is important to note that young to middle-aged dogs may have early-onset arthritis due to various genetic, developmental, or traumatic causes.
Arthritis is a condition that we cannot cure. Our goal is to manage clinical signs, delay onset, and provide comfort.
Signs and Symptoms of Canine Arthritis
Arthritis in dogs progresses slowly and symptoms are subtle at first. Look out for:
- Stiffness After Resting – Older dogs with arthritis will be stiff or limp after getting up from rest. This stiffness will improve as they start to move but gets worse over time without treatment.
- Not Wanting to do Activities – Older dogs will not want to do activities they used to love like running, jumping, or climbing stairs.
- Behavioral Changes – Painful joints can cause irritability or withdrawal from social interaction and some dogs may growl or whine when touched in sensitive areas.
Monitor for these symptoms and talk to your vet about any concerns.
Weight Management and Exercise
Excessive weight increases stress on joints. It is important to keep pets at a healthy weight. Low-impact activities, such as controlled leash walks or swimming, help with weight reduction and can improve joint mobility and muscle mass.
Why Weight Management Matters
One of the best ways to manage arthritis in dogs is through body weight control. Obesity puts more load on the joints and accelerates degeneration. Weight management takes some of the pressure off the joints and improves mobility and comfort.
Studies show that controlled calorie intake and gentle exercise are beneficial in managing arthritis symptoms in dogs.
Diet and Nutritional Support
Diet plays a big role in managing arthritis in senior dogs especially as they age.
Joint-friendly diets often have anti-inflammatory ingredients, antioxidants, and supplements that support joint health.
For example:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Found in fish oil, omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and can reduce joint inflammation.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin – These supplements maintain cartilage and provide joint lubrication to improve comfort and mobility.
- Green-Lipped Mussel – Anti-inflammatory ingredients found in some dog foods formulated for joint health.
Physical Therapy and Controlled Exercise
Physical therapy is now recognized as a way to manage arthritis in dogs. Low-impact exercises like swimming and controlled leash walks help maintain muscle mass and joint flexibility without putting too much stress on the joints.
Many pet rehabilitation centers also offer physical therapy that includes underwater treadmills and hydrotherapy which helps with mobility and pain relief.
Supplements
A variety of supplements have been shown to benefit joint health, comfort, and mobility. The goal of most supplements is to support the cartilage matrix and reduce inflammation in the joints. Discuss supplementation with your veterinarian.
Depending upon the stage of prevention or active disease, your veterinarian will help guide your pet.
The following is a list of common joint supplement ingredients:
- Adequan (PSGAGs): This is an injection used ideally in early arthritis management. This inhibits the enzymes that degrade cartilage and bone, as well as suppresses inflammation and stimulates the synthesis of cartilage.
- Glucosamine chondroitin: This is an oral supplement to help support cartilage and reduce inflammation, useful throughout stages of osteoarthritis.
- Omega Fatty Acids: Omegas have been shown to reduce inflammation in joints and have benefits for multiple organ systems.
- Collagen: Different types of collagen (more specifically type II collagen) may help provide support and reinforcement to cartilage.
- CBD: A variety of CBD products exist that have been shown to improve comfort and mobility in dogs affected with arthritis.
Pain Control
With progressive arthritis, additional pain medications prescribed by your veterinarian may need to be given.
The following is a list of common arthritis pain medications:
- NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications help alleviate pain. Carprofen (Rimadyl), Metacam, and Galliprant are commonly used NSAID medications for pets. These should never be used together or used concurrently with steroid medications.
- Neuropathic pain medication: Gabapentin (Neurontin) may be used for your pet as added pain control or if your pet is sensitive to NSAID medications.
- Monoclonal antibodies: Librela is a once-monthly antibody injection that reduces pain signals. This medication may be a good option for your pet if they have a variety of other health issues, are sensitive to other medications, or are looking to improve their quality of life.
Alternate Therapies
Physiotherapy, acupuncture, laser therapy, and emerging treatments (like stem cell therapy) are options to consider as the disease progresses.
If interested, discuss these options with your veterinarian.
At-Home Tools
Many products exist to help support dogs with arthritis at home.
- Harnesses (such as a “Help ‘em up harness”) help pet parents to support and mobilize their pets as arthritis progresses
- Boots or foot covers can help with traction on slippery surfaces or when walking outside. These allow pets to grip the ground better.
- Doggy ramps for higher surfaces, such as couches or beds, can be used to prevent jumping. The high impact of jumping can be stressful on already damaged or inflamed joints. Dogs can be trained to use these ramps.
- Elevated feeding bowls mean that your pet doesn’t have to bend their neck down as far each time they eat or drinks.
- Pet strollers, in the most advanced stages, can be used to get your pet outside for walks and fresh air.
Home Comforts
Making small changes at home can make a big difference for a dog with arthritis.
Consider the following:
- Orthopedic Beds – Specially designed beds reduce joint pressure and provide comfort and relief while resting.
- Ramps and Stairs – Placing ramps near beds or couches helps dogs avoid jumping and reduces impact on joints.
- Elevated Feeding Stations – Raising food and water bowls makes mealtimes more comfortable by reducing the need to bend which can be painful for dogs with neck or back arthritis.
Managing Arthritis with Ongoing Care
Arthritis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Regular vet checkups allow for adjustments to the treatment plan as the dog’s condition changes.
By combining diet, supplements, physical therapy, pain management, and home support, pet owners can provide total arthritis care for their senior dogs to maximize comfort and mobility.
Conclusion
Good arthritis management almost always requires a multimodal approach. Rarely does one of the above options alone work to control pain and improve mobility. Each pet may require a different set of treatments, emphasizing the importance of discussing your pet with your veterinarian.
The following resource helps pet owners look for signs of arthritis in their pets. Use the following tool to help you establish a baseline for your pet and their current joint health.
FAQs
1. How do I know my senior dog has arthritis?
Arthritis dogs will show subtle signs which include stiffness after rest, not wanting to get up and active, and limping.
They may also be slower going up and down stairs or have trouble jumping onto furniture. Behavioral changes such as irritability or whining when touched can also be a sign of joint pain.
If you see any of these signs, get your vet to check and diagnose.
2. What supplements for senior dog's pain with arthritis?
Omega fatty acids (from fish oil) and green-lipid mussel extracts have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help with joint lubrication.
Glucosamine, chondroitins, and type II collagens help support and provide integrity to cartilage.
Always consult your vet before giving any supplements to ensure they are safe and suitable for your dog’s needs.
3. How can I make my home more comfortable for senior arthritic dogs?
Simple changes can make a big difference.
Orthopedic dog beds provide support and reduce joint pressure, ramps or pet stairs eliminate the need to jump up high surfaces. Elevated feeding stations reduce neck strain and anti-slip rugs or mats on hard floors prevent slipping and provide stability.
These adjustments reduce joint stress and make moving around the home easier for arthritic older dogs.
4. Can a senior dog's arthritis pain be cured?
Unfortunately, arthritis is a degenerative and irreversible condition. While it can’t be cured it can be managed to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Treatment usually involves a combination of weight management, diet, supplements, medication, and physical therapy. With a comprehensive approach, dogs can live a good quality of life even as arthritis progresses.
5. What types of physical therapy for senior dog's arthritis?
Low-impact exercises like swimming and controlled leash walks are good as they strengthen the muscles without putting too much stress on the joints.
Veterinary rehabilitation centers may also have underwater treadmills that provide gentle resistance while supporting the dog’s weight. Other helpful therapies are acupuncture and cold laser therapy which can reduce inflammation and improve joint function.
Talk to your vet about what therapy is best for your dog’s condition.
References
- Bland SD: Canine osteoarthritis and treatments: a review. Vet Sci Dev 2015 Vol 5 (2) pp. 5931, 84-89.
- Wright A et al. J Small Anim Pract. 2022;63(8):609-618. doi:10.1111/jsap.13500
- Gamble et al (2018). Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165
- Degenerative Joint Disease (Canine). Veterinary Information Network (VIN). VINcylopedia of Diseases.
