Health & wellness
Arthritis in dogs is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and reduced mobility, particularly in older pets. Also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, this progressive joint disease can make everyday activities uncomfortable and significantly affect quality of life.
This guide covers what arthritis is, how to spot it early, the treatment options available, and what you can do at home to support a dog living with joint disease.
Table of contents
- What is arthritis in dogs?
- Spotting the early signs
- Management options
- How pet insurance can support your dog’s health and wellbeing
What is arthritis in dogs?
Arthritis, more precisely osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, involves the progressive degeneration and inflammation of the joint, including the cartilage. This leads to impaired movement and pain. Any dog can develop arthritis, though the risk rises with age, excess weight, previous joint injuries and conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia. There’s a strong genetic component to this disease, and it’s more common in certain breeds.
Arthritis can make ordinary activities like standing, walking, and climbing stairs extremely painful and difficult. Dogs with arthritis may withdraw from activities they previously enjoyed, move less freely, or show reluctance to exercise. These changes are often gradual and may be missed, which is why awareness of the early signs matters.
Spotting the early signs
Dogs can’t tell you they’re in pain. What they do is change their behaviour, often in ways that may be mistakenly explained away as ‘normal ageing’.
Keep an eye out for any of the following:
- Stiffness when getting up after rest
- Reluctance to walk, run, or play
- Difficulty with stairs or jumping into the car
- Limping or noticeably restricted or stiff movement
- Sensitivity or pain when joints are touched
- Licking at paws or specific joints
- Withdrawal from interaction or activities they previously enjoyed
If you notice any of these signs, book a vet appointment rather than waiting to see if things improve. Early intervention can help relieve your dog’s pain, improve their quality of life, and lead to better outcomes.
Management options
Treatment
Arthritis in dogs is usually managed with a combination of treatments tailored to the individual dog. Depending on the severity of your dog’s arthritis, their overall health, and lifestyle, your vet may recommend one or more of the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relief
- Disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs
- Joint support supplements and nutraceuticals
- Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy
- Surgery, where appropriate
Before prescribing certain medications, your vet may recommend blood and urine tests to check for underlying health conditions, such as kidney or liver disease, that could affect your dog’s treatment. They’ll then work with you to develop the most appropriate management plan for your dog’s individual needs.
Lifestyle adjustments
What happens between vet visits matters just as much as what happens at them. Several practical changes can keep your dog more comfortable day to day and help them with their mobility:
- Ramps for getting in and out of the car or onto furniture
- Raised food and water bowls to reduce the need to reach down towards the ground and put extra pressure on the front limbs
- Supportive, cushioned, and comfortable bedding raised off cold floors
- Keeping your dog warm and away from draughts, particularly in cold or wet weather
- Regular nail trimming
- Access to a warm indoor space when it’s cold
- Warm coats in winter (if your dog is comfortable wearing one)
- Gentle handling, and being very mindful of areas that may cause your dog discomfort
Weight and diet
Extra body weight places additional strain on already-inflamed joints, which can worsen pain and reduce mobility. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the most effective things you can do to help manage arthritis-related discomfort and improve outcomes. If you’re unsure whether your dog is carrying excess weight, your vet or vet nurse can assess this and suggest a safe path to a healthy weight.
Prescription joint support diets may also be recommended as part of your dog’s overall arthritis management plan. Available in both dry and wet formulations, these diets are typically enriched with ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids. If you need to change your dog’s diet, do so gradually over several days to help avoid digestive upset.
Exercise
Regular, low-impact exercise is an important part of managing arthritis in dogs. Activities such as leash walking, swimming, wading, and hydrotherapy can help support joint function, maintain muscle mass, and reduce strain on painful joints. Gentle, consistent exercise is the goal.
Swimming and wading are good options, as the water supports your dog’s weight while allowing a full range of movement. Steady, easy-paced leash walks on even ground are also beneficial. Avoid high-impact activities such as jumping, chasing or rough play, as these can put extra strain on painful joints.
Mental exercise is just as important. Scent games, food puzzles, and other enrichment activities can help keep your dog engaged without placing additional stress on their joints.
How pet insurance can support your dog’s health and wellbeing
Managing arthritis over the long term may involve ongoing vet visits, medications, specialist referrals and sometimes hydrotherapy or physiotherapy. These costs can add up over time and pet insurance may help manage treatment costs, giving you the confidence to pursue the best care for your dog without added financial pressure.
With RSPCA Pet Insurance, eligible treatment costs for arthritis may be covered if the condition isn’t pre-existing, and is subject to your level of cover, exclusion periods, policy limits, terms, conditions, and exclusions. Taking out cover before your dog develops signs of arthritis can help ensure that they’re protected if they need treatment in the future.
To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.
Disclaimer
As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.
FAQs
Arthritis can develop at any age, but it becomes more common in middle-aged and older dogs. Some dogs with risk factors such as predisposing genetics or joint injuries or abnormalities may develop arthritis earlier.
Arthritis can’t be cured, but it can be managed effectively. With the right combination of treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and ongoing monitoring, many dogs with arthritis maintain a good quality of life for years.
Yes. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for arthritic dogs because the water supports their body weight while allowing full joint movement. Hydrotherapy with a trained professional can be beneficial and may be recommended by vets.
No, but you should adjust the type and intensity of exercise based on your vet’s recommendation. Gentle, consistent movement is beneficial and helps maintain muscle mass that supports the joints. Avoid high-impact activities and watch for signs of pain or increased stiffness after exercise.
This depends on your policy and when the condition was first diagnosed. Many pet insurance policies cover ongoing illness treatment, but pre-existing conditions are generally excluded. With RSPCA Pet Insurance, eligible treatment costs for arthritis may be covered, provided the condition is not pre-existing and subject to your level of cover, policy limits, exclusions and waiting periods. Taking out cover before symptoms appear is often the most effective approach. To learn more, explore RSPCA Pet Insurance’s website and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
