Common Signs of Arthritis in Dogs and What You Can Do to Help

The Short Answer: Signs of arthritis in dogs include limping, stiffness after rest, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and behavioral changes like irritability or decreased activity. Early detection and proper veterinary care can help manage your dog’s pain and maintain their quality of life.

Watching your canine companion slow down can be heartbreaking. Maybe your once-energetic pup now hesitates before jumping onto the couch. Or perhaps your senior dog takes longer to get up in the morning. These subtle changes often point to arthritis, one of the most common conditions affecting dogs as they age. The good news? With the right knowledge and veterinary support, you can help your dog stay comfortable and active throughout their golden years.

Understanding Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, occurs when the protective cartilage covering your dog’s joints wears down over time. This leads to bone-on-bone contact, causing inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility. While arthritis can affect any joint, it most commonly impacts the hips, elbows, knees, and spine.

What Causes Canine Arthritis?

Several factors contribute to arthritis development in dogs:

• Age and natural wear: Joint cartilage naturally breaks down as dogs get older, making this condition more common in senior dogs.
• Developmental conditions: Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia create abnormal joint development that accelerates cartilage damage. Breeds like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers face higher risks.
• Previous injuries: Ligament damage, fractures, or joint infections can trigger arthritis in the affected joint, even in younger dogs.
• Excess body weight: Carrying extra pounds places additional strain on joints, speeding up cartilage breakdown.
• Genetics: Some breeds are predisposed to joint problems regardless of other factors.

Understanding these causes helps explain why arthritis isn’t just an “old dog” problem. While it’s more prevalent in older dogs, younger dogs with developmental issues or injuries can develop arthritic joints too. Being aware of your dog’s risk factors helps you watch for problems before they become severe.

Recognizing the Signs of Arthritis in Dogs

Dogs instinctively hide pain, which makes spotting arthritis symptoms challenging. Knowing what to watch for allows you to catch problems in the early stages when treatment works best.

Physical Symptoms to Watch For

• Limping or favoring certain legs: Your dog may limp after exercise or first thing in the morning. The limping often improves as they “warm up” but returns after rest.
• Stiffness and slow movement: Arthritic dogs often struggle to rise from lying down and move with visible discomfort, especially in cold weather.
• Difficulty with daily activities: Reluctance to climb stairs, jump into cars, or get on furniture signals joint pain.
• Muscle atrophy: When dogs avoid using painful limbs, the muscles in those areas shrink from lack of use.
• Excessive licking: Dogs sometimes lick or chew at painful joints, causing hair loss or skin irritation in those areas.

Behavioral Changes That Signal Pain

Joint inflammation affects more than just movement. Watch for these behavioral signs:

• Decreased activity levels: A dog who once loved walks may now prefer staying home or quit playing partway through.
• Irritability or aggression: Pain makes dogs grumpy. They may snap when touched near sore joints or seem withdrawn.
• Sleep pattern changes: Difficulty getting comfortable often leads to restless nights or frequent position changes.
• Appetite loss: Chronic pain can reduce interest in food and normal activities.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

If you notice any symptom of arthritis in your dog, scheduling a veterinary exam is the best first step. Early intervention can slow disease progression and significantly improve your dog’s comfort.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Arthritis

Your vet will start with a physical examination, checking your dog’s range of motion and watching them walk. They’ll feel for joint swelling, grinding sensations, and pain responses. Diagnostic tests like X-rays help confirm arthritis and reveal its severity. In some cases, additional testing rules out other conditions that mimic arthritis symptoms.

Medical Treatment Approaches

Treatment plans vary based on your dog’s specific needs:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications reduce joint inflammation and relieve arthritic pain. Your vet will prescribe dog-safe options and monitor for side effects.
• Joint supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and fatty acids like omega-3s support joint cartilage health and reduce inflammation naturally.
• Physical therapy: Underwater treadmills, range-of-motion exercises, and massage help maintain muscle strength without stressing joints.
• Laser therapy: This alternative therapy uses light energy to reduce inflammation and promote healing in arthritic joints.
• Injectable joint treatments: Newer options help protect remaining cartilage and improve joint fluid quality.

For dogs with severe arthritis that doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, surgical options may be considered. Your veterinarian will discuss what makes sense for your individual pet.

Supporting Your Arthritic Dog at Home

Medical treatment works best when combined with lifestyle changes at home. These adjustments can dramatically improve your dog’s quality of life.

Weight Management Matters

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most impactful things you can do for a dog with arthritis. Extra pounds mean additional strain on already damaged joints. Even modest weight loss can noticeably reduce your dog’s pain and improve mobility. Work with your vet to determine your dog’s ideal weight and create a safe plan to reach it.

Excercise: Finding the Right Balance

Regular exercise keeps joints mobile and maintains muscle strength, but the wrong type can worsen symptoms. Focus on low-impact exercise like:

• Short, frequent walks: Several brief walks are gentler than one long outing.
• Swimming: Water supports body weight while allowing full range of motion.
• Controlled leash walks: Avoid activities that involve sudden stops, jumps, or direction changes.

Watch your dog during and after exercise. If they’re limping or seem exhausted, scale back the intensity. Consistency matters more than duration. A daily 10-minute walk often benefits arthritic dogs more than occasional longer outings.

Home Modifications for Comfort

Simple changes make daily activities easier for arthritic dogs:

• Supportive bedding: Orthopedic beds cushion sore joints and make getting up easier.
• Ramps and stairs: Pet ramps help dogs access cars, beds, and couches without jumping.
• Non-slip surfaces: Rugs and mats on slippery floors prevent painful slips and give dogs confidence to move.
• Raised food bowls: Elevating dishes reduces neck and back strain during meals.

Coastal Veterinary Care: Your Partner in Your Dog’s Joint Health

Arthritis doesn’t have to mean the end of your dog’s active life. With early detection and proper care, many dogs with this common condition continue enjoying walks, playtime, and comfortable golden years.

At Coastal Veterinary Care in Myrtle Beach, our compassionate team understands how much your canine companion means to you. We offer same-day lab results and advanced diagnostics to quickly assess your dog’s joint health. Our fear-free certified approach means your pet receives care in a low-stress environment, which is especially important for dogs already dealing with pain.

Is your dog showing signs of arthritis? Contact Coastal Veterinary Care today to schedule an examination. Together, we’ll create a plan to keep your furry friend comfortable and active for years to come.