My Dog Has Arthritis, Now What?

Many dog owners may not realize that, just like people, dogs can also suffer from arthritis. In fact, one out of every four dogs in the U.S. is diagnosed with arthritis, AKA osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Arthritis can be a source of significant discomfort for our dogs.

It's important for us to understand the causes, recognize the symptoms, and explore the treatment options available to help dogs with arthritis manage their condition and keep our furry family as comfortable as possible.

From the day you bring your dog home, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of arthritis. Make sure to feed them a balanced diet, keep their weight in check, give them a comfy and supportive bed, take them for regular check-ups, and ensure they get the right kinds of exercise for their age, breed, and size. This will support your dog's joint health and help them stay happy and active into their golden years.

Causes of arthritis in dogs

Arthritis in dogs can develop due to various factors, including genetics, aging, obesity, joint trauma, and congenital issues. It's particularly common in larger, heavier, and working dog breeds as they age, but dogs of any size or age can experience this condition.

German shepherds, Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and Dachshunds are among the most likely breeds to develop arthritis.

Symptoms of arthritis in dogs

Recognizing the symptoms of arthritis in dogs is key for early intervention. Signs such as limping, difficulty getting up or lying down, stiffness, decreased activity levels, and changes in behavior can indicate that your dog may be struggling with arthritis.

Additionally, you might notice increased licking, chewing, or grooming of certain joints.

Do joint supplements work?

When asked about the effectiveness of joint supplements in managing arthritis in dogs, Dr. Serena Nayee, Veterinarian and founder of Ch.VIII: Veterinary Inclusion and Intersectionality Initiative says:

“I am a big proponent of joint supplements to help reduce cartilaginous effects of osteoarthritis. Though osteoarthritis is primarily an inflammatory disease, we do expect cartilage to wear away over time with this disease. Joint supplements can help rebuild cartilage and increase flexibility in the joint. There is a lot of support in literature to warrant the use of omega-3 fatty acids as a joint supplement for osteoarthritis patients. It should be noted that this is in no way meant to replace anti-inflammatory treatment, as osteoarthritis is an inflammatory disease, but rather to help mitigate the effects of joint pain and cartilaginous wear and tear over time.”

What is the best dog arthritis treatment?

Today, a wide range of treatment options are available to help manage your dog’s arthritis symptoms.  Your vet may recommend a mix of treatments, like weight management, physical therapy, joint supplements, prescription meds, acupuncture, gentle exercises, and even surgery for relief.

Dog arthritis medications include:

• NSAIDS

• Pain Medication

• Injections

• Steroids

When asked about the best arthritis medications for dogs and if naturopathic treatments are better than traditional medications, Dr. Nayee says:  “I cannot necessarily state that homeopathic treatments are better or worse than prescription medication. I have anecdotally seen turmeric as a homeopathic supplement used in moderation to help reduce the inflammatory effects of osteoarthritis, as turmeric consists of curcumin which has anti-inflammatory benefits. The anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric have also been assessed in human and veterinary medicine literature."

She stresses, "With any of these supplements, however, it is important to assess all aspects of patient status (i.e., obesity, gastrointestinal disease) to determine if use is overall beneficial to the patient.”

Can arthritis in dogs be cured?

While arthritis cannot be cured, several effective treatment options can help manage your dog's arthritis and alleviate discomfort. When treating arthritis, the main goals are to reduce pain and inflammation, improve joint function, eliminate or control the cause of arthritis, and possibly halt the process.

Treatment can occur through therapy or medication. The best way to create a successful treatment plan is to be committed, eager to learn and work closely with your vet team.

Arthritis can profoundly impact a dog's quality of life. However, as caring and attentive dog owners, we can set our dogs up for success with preventative measures and help them continue to thrive.

If you notice any signs of arthritis in your dog, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from veterinary professionals for a thorough evaluation and a personalized treatment plan. By taking these steps, we can ensure that our dogs continue to lead comfortable and fulfilling lives, even in the face of arthritis.

Ebony R is the founder of Atlanta Dog Mom, a community founded to bring together diverse dog moms to connect, learn, and encourage each other to be the best dog moms we can be. In real life, she enjoys deep-diving of various topics, studying veterinary nursing, and doing queer things in the streets of Atlanta with a small group of friends.