Approximately 40% of all dogs have arthritis. Could your dog be suffering in silence?

What Is Arthritis?

There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis, essentially the same chronic condition that humans suffer from. Osteoarthritis is mostly associated with older dogs; however, it is found in younger dogs more commonly than people realise.
It is a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time, causing pain and decreased mobility.

Healthy joints are covered by cartilage, a rubbery material that creates a cushion between the bones and provides a smooth surface for movement. When osteoarthritis occurs, this cartilage breaks down, causing swelling, stiffness, movement problems, and increasing pain as the bone ends rub together.
Osteoarthritis in dogs most commonly affects the hips, knees, elbows, wrists, and shoulders. However, it can affect any bone joint, including the spine, neck, and toe joints.

It can be caused by natural wear and tear of the joints, aging, genetics, past injuries, and obesity, as well as joint abnormalities and hip dysplasia.

How Do I Spot The Symptoms?

Dogs are very good at hiding pain, which means they might not whimper or look obviously lame. Because our furry friends are four-legged, they are more adept at redistributing their weight to cope with discomfort (unlike us!). As a result, a limp can be harder to spot.
Osteoarthritis is also about more than just joint pain, as pain can have emotional responses that affect mental well-being and quality of life.

There are some signs to look out for:

• Changes in Activity and Demeanour​​
  • Subdued or uncharacteristically grumpy behaviour. Your dog may seem less engaged or more irritable than usual
  • Less enthusiasm on walks or at playtime. They might show disinterest, slow down, or take frequent breaks during activities they once enjoyed
  • Sleepiness or general lack of energy. You may notice them taking more breaks when moving around and sleeping more
  • Persistently licking their joints. This behaviour, when other medical reasons are ruled out, can indicate discomfort in the specific area
• Signs of Stiffness and Difficulty Moving
  • Stiffness is often most noticeable after resting or in cold weather
  • Lameness, limping, or hobbling. You might observe an uneven gait. The back legs may step more in unison/together rather than independently, or their head may bob up and down more noticeably when walking
  • Changes in posture. Noticeable alterations in how they stand, run, or lie down. They may struggle to stand up or lie down, and lying down might appear more like a “flop”
• Reluctance or Difficulty with Specific Movements
  • Reluctance to climb stairs, jump onto the sofa, or trouble getting into the back of the car. They may hesitate before attempting these actions, fail to clear jumps in one leap, and/or use their front legs to pull their back legs up
  • Difficulty climbing down stairs: They might angle their body to the side, descend one stair at a time, and/or pause for breaks
• Physical Indicators
  • Muscle Loss. Their frame might appear thinner, and their bones may be felt easier due to muscle loss

Complete the online quiz to see if your dog is showing signs of osteoarthritis:

How Is It Treated?

There is no cure for osteoarthritis. With proper management, the effects of osteoarthritis can be substantially reduced, enabling dogs to live happier and more active lives. Working in partnership with your vet to devise a complete care program can improve the quality of life for your dog.

The most effective osteoarthritis management often requires a combined approach. Our most common recommendations include:

• Monthly Beransa injections. As a monoclonal antibody, Beransa targets and neutralises a specific protein involved in the pain process, helping to reduce pain and inflammation within the joint. Beransa has been shown to significantly reduce pain and improve the mobility and quality of life of dogs.

• Monthly Pentosan injections. Pentosan works to modify the underlying arthritic processes, relieving pain and lameness by stopping cartilage breakdown and stimulating the body’s production of cartilage and joint fluid. Additionally, it helps promote cartilage growth and delivers essential nutrients to joints.

• Daily 4Cyte supplementation. Made from a natural and well-tolerated plant seed oil called Epiitalis, 4CYTE is a scientifically proven supplement that targets the underlying causes of osteoarthritis to manage pain and improve mobility.
  By stimulating the growth of chondrocyte cells, 4CYTE helps repair damaged cartilage, reducing joint pain and inflammation and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.

• Feeding a high-quality super-premium diet formulated for senior dogs to meet their changing nutritional needs. Hills and Royal Canin are some examples. Hills j/d Mobility is a complete dietetic pet food for the support of adult dogs with osteoarthritis. It is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, along with amino acids and L-carnitine to support muscle mass

• Maintaining a healthy weight significantly reduces pressure on arthritic joints in dogs, helping to alleviate pain and slow down further damage. Use a body condition score chart to assess your dog’s weight and consult your vet for guidance on achieving and maintaining a healthy size.

• To manage inflammation and alleviate pain, your veterinarian may prescribe medication. It is important to discuss the various treatment options available with your vet to determine the most appropriate course of action for your pet’s specific needs.

• Gentle, low-impact exercise is key for arthritic dogs. Swimming and hydrotherapy are excellent for muscle strength and joint mobility without strain. Soft-surface walks (like lawns) reduce the impact on joints. Keep sessions short, frequent, and tailored to your dog’s comfort.

• For dogs, especially older ones or those with osteoarthritis or joint issues, orthopedic beds made of memory foam or other supportive materials can significantly improve comfort. These beds contour to the pet’s body, distributing weight evenly and reducing pressure points on joints and bones. This can lead to less pain and a night of more restful sleep. Warmth can help to increase blood flow to the joints and muscles, reducing stiffness and discomfort. Find dog beds that are self-warming or use heating pads.

• Modifying your dog’s home environment with accessible features like ramps, steps, and non-slip rugs and mats can make a significant positive impact on the daily lives of dogs with arthritis. Yoga mats are a cheap option. Raise food and water bowls for ease of feeding without flexing their neck. Products like Paw Friction and Traction Boots can help them grip slippery surfaces like tiles and floorboards.

• Regular nail clipping and trimming of long hair between toes and foot pads to maintain grip and reduce slipping when on hard surfaces.

• Some dogs can benefit from alternative or physical therapies such as massage, rehabilitation, strengthening exercises, physiotherapy, ice and/or heat compression, acupuncture, or therapeutic laser. 

This information is general and does not take into account your pet’s individual medical needs. Please consult one of our veterinarians to find a suitable regimen.