Arthritis in dogs can be difficult to recognize. Some dogs are more prone to joint issues as they age, and symptoms can range from limping to licking their affected areas.

Dogs may be living with arthritis for years before they begin showing clear symptoms that they’re in pain.

This may start off with slower activity levels, maybe they aren’t as playful as they once were. They may not jump up onto furniture or your lap as quickly or at all, and even walking up or down a few steps can be a challenge.

Recognizing the early stages of canine arthritis can be important to keeping your dogs healthy as they get older. That could mean nothing more than keeping up with veterinary visits for routine checkups, but it could also mean taking other actions, such as adjusting their eating habits to lifestyle factors in the home and the outside yard.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of canine arthritis, affecting about 20% of dogs 1 year or older and becoming more prevalent as dogs age. This is when cartilage in a dog’s joints breaks down, and it’s a persistent pain condition. It can affect many parts of the dog’s body, including:

  • high-motion joints that bear the most weight and activity force, like the hips, knees, and ankles
  • front legs and ankles that carry most of the dog’s weight
  • lower back and parts of the spine
  • neck
  • feet and toes
  • jaw (more rare, but TMJ in dogs can make it painful to chew dry kibble or pick up their favorite toys)

Pet owners should know that this type of arthritis can cause pain in dogs before radiographic images or diagnostic tests show it has developed. That’s why early recognition is important.

Aging isn’t the only risk factor for dogs developing arthritis.

Research suggests that many dogs 5 years and older may experience arthritis, though roughly 20% of dogs at 1 year or older may also experience it.

While the natural progression of time as they get older is a key factor, there are other potential risk factors that include:

  • Genetics: This is the most common cause of arthritis in dogs, regardless of age. This can mean their joints aren’t fully developed or aren’t fitting together properly, causing the bones to rub abnormally and leading to early wear and tear.
  • Weight: An overweight dog can put extra stress on joints.
  • Past injuries: Old injuries can come back to haunt dogs as they get older, including previous bone fractures or cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears in their knees (similar to an ACL tear in humans).
  • Infections: Though arthritis developing from an infection or immune issue is more rare, certain tick-borne diseases (such as Lyme disease) or autoimmune conditions can cause joint inflammation that leads to permanent damage.

Dog breeds prone to dysplasia can be large or small. This is an abnormal joint development affecting the hips and elbows. It’s a genetic, often painful, hereditary condition causing instability, cartilage damage, and arthritis.

Larger breeds can include:

  • Labradors
  • Shepherds
  • Rottweilers
  • Golden Retrievers.

Smaller breeds that are longer and lower to the ground may also be more prone to these genetic joint issues, including:

  • Dachshunds
  • Basset hounds
  • Corgis

Nothing guarantees that any specific dog will ever develop arthritis, though.

While not every old dog gets arthritis, years of activity may eventually take a toll on dogs, especially those with higher activity levels or those that frequently put more stress on their joints. Your vet is the best resource in evaluating and diagnosing possible joint issues early, to prevent or manage them.

The symptoms can be both physical and behavioral, and they can be difficult to recognize.

  • limping
  • stiffness (especially in the morning)
  • walking patterns or usual balance
  • hesitating before jumping or going up or down steps and stairs
  • irritability when you touch an affected area
  • excessive licking of specific joints
  • sleeping more than usual

Dogs often hide pain as a sort of evolutionary instinct, to not let on that they’re injured and signaling to other animals in wildlife that might take advantage of that. It’s also part of why pet parents can mistake arthritis as “just aging,” because the dog may be trying to mask the pain.

A survey to help assess possible symptoms

Veterinarians often recommend the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire, a 13-question survey meant to help pet owners recognize symptoms that might indicate this type of canine arthritis. The answers generate a score that vets can use in their evaluations to assess the level and severity of a dog’s OA.

The aim is always to improve your dog’s quality of life and maintain mobility through early detection.

Depending on how severe the arthritis is, this might mean physical therapy or home exercises, along with pain medications and other treatment options over time.

Consulting your veterinarian is always the best strategy to diagnosis arthritis early, and begin treatment or management as they recommend.

Yes, your vet may recommend canine medications to help ease painful arthritis.

  • Pain medications: These might include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or other types of specific pain medications:
    • Grapiprant is a veterinary drug labeled for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
    • Gabapentin, a human seizure medication often used to help relieve pain for canines with chronic nerve-related pain.
  • Steroids: Medications like Prednisone and Dexamethasone are anti-inflammatories that might help a dog with arthritis, but they are more often used for immune-related arthritis in dogs and are typically considered a last resort because they have long-term side effects (increased thirst and urination, muscle wasting, and liver stress).
  • Newer therapies: Your vet may prescribe Monoclonal antibodies like Librela, which is a monthly injection administered by your vet. Some research shows this can improve the quality of life for older dogs with osteoarthritis, targeting the nerve growth that drives chronic pain.
A warning about human medications

Don’t give a dog any human-prescribed or over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol. These can be toxic to animals. Consult your veterinarian for specific medications that are appropriate for your pet.

At home, this might include low impact exercises to help keep muscles strong without stressing your dog’s joints. Examples may include:

  • Bedding: Your dog’s bedding can make a big difference if they live with arthritis. This might include special orthopedic bedding with memory foam to provide more padding and comfort for your beloved pet.
  • Traction: Using rugs or toe grips on hardwood floors or tiling can help prevent slipping. This may be in near steps, or in specific rooms and areas where the dog might more commonly jump up or down from furniture.
  • Elevated bowls: If dogs can’t bend down to eat or drink, try adjusting the height of their food and water bowls to make it easier for them to eat and drink.
  • Nutritional changes: The American Kennel Club also suggests that what your dog eats can help prevent or treat arthritis. This might include adding omega-3 fatty acid supplements like fish oil or Green-lipped mussel supplements, or adding certain foods like fish, eggs, or premium kibble brands that contain these nutrients.
  • Access: If your dog isn’t able to jump up or down as much as they once did, ramps or stepping aids may help. This can be used for cars, or higher beds or furnuture that they lounge on.

Different therapy options or more intense physical therapy could also be warranted, based on your vet’s guidance and treatment plan. These might include:

  • manual therapy, including massages, stretching, and joint mobilization
  • heat and cold therapy, as vet-recommended
  • physical rehabilitation, such as therapeutic exercise, underwater treadmill, range-of-motion therapy
  • laser therapy to help treat a dog’s more severe arthritis
  • acupuncture
  • pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF)
  • transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Dogs may show varying signs of arthritis. This can include licking affected areas of their body, not being able to jump or walk as they once did, or even behavioral changes that affect their quality of life.

A veterinarian is the best way to diagnose and evaluate potential pet health issues, including joint pain or arthritis. They may suggest simple changes at home or more focused treatment. This could include medications or other therapies, as well as how you manage your pet’s lifestyle at home.