Arthritis is common in aging dogs and can significantly affect their quality of life, but signs of the disease often come on slowly, and some pet owners may attribute them to normal aging. Understanding arthritis signs and how to manage them is crucial to helping dogs age gracefully and remain mobile and pain-free well into old age. The Tender Touch Animal Hospital team addresses questions about canine arthritis to help pet owners learn more.

Question: What is arthritis in dogs?

Answer: Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation and pain. It typically affects older dogs but can also occur in younger dogs suffering from previous injuries or dysplastic joints. Osteoarthritis, the most well-known type, begins with cartilage breaking down and progresses to involve reduced mobility, lost muscle, and pain. Inflammation is a critical factor in arthritis development and progression.

Q: What are arthritis signs in dogs?

A: Arthritis signs in dogs can vary, depending on how far the disease has advanced and the dog’s size. Common signs may include:

  • Limping
  • Difficulty standing up or lying down
  • Slipping on hard floors
  • Reluctance to run, jump, or climb stairs
  • Stiffness, especially after rest
  • Joint swelling
  • Irritability or other behavior changes
  • Reduced appetite
  • Reduced range of motion in the joints

Q: How is arthritis diagnosed in dogs?

A: If your pup shows signs of arthritis, a visit with our veterinary team is essential. Our team will perform a physical examination focusing on the musculoskeletal system. X-rays can help to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other joint pain causes.

Q: Why does my arthritic dog need blood work?

A: Blood work helps us assess your dog’s overall health, and certain medications used to manage arthritis pain require diagnostics to ensure the body is functioning properly to prevent health complications.

Q: What treatments are available for dogs with arthritis?

A: Several treatment options can help manage arthritis in dogs:

  • Medications — Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain relievers, and joint supplements help reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Weight loss — Maintaining a lean weight reduces stress on your dog’s joints, helping them stay mobile and active.
  • Controlled exercise — Low-impact, controlled exercise, such as swimming or walking, helps improve strength and reduce stiffness.
  • Rehabilitation — Physical therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, and other rehabilitation techniques are drug-free treatment options.
  • Regenerative medicine — Stem cell and platelet-rich plasma therapies harness and enhance your dog’s natural healing abilities to improve joint function.

Q: Can I give my dog over-the-counter medication to treat their arthritis?

A: You should never give your dog any medication without consulting our team. Many over-the-counter and prescription human medications are toxic to pets. 

Q: What is Librela for dogs?

A: Librela is a new, injectable, long-acting treatment for canine arthritis. It uses monoclonal antibody technology to target nerve growth factor (NGF), which is involved in the pain pathway. Once-monthly Librela injections can provide lasting pain relief, helping dogs complete rehab therapies and daily exercise to further reduce the impact of the disease.

Q: What can I do at home to help my arthritic dog?

A: Following our prescribed arthritis treatment plan is the best way to help your dog, but you can also support them in many other ways. Some options to consider include:

  • Providing multiple soft, supportive beds throughout the house.
  • Installing ramps or shallow stairs to help your dog get up onto furniture, get in the car, or get to the yard and back.
  • Helping your dog with traction by putting down rugs, runners, or mats in highly trafficked areas.
  • Providing gentle massage or hiring a professional to do so, which can reduce your dog’s muscle tension and soreness.
  • Ensuring your dog’s diet is balanced and promotes joint health—ask our team for recommendations.

Q: When should I seek veterinary care for my dog’s arthritis?

A: Consult our veterinary team as soon as you notice any potential arthritis signs, which include the general “slowing down” often seen with age. Although some pets become less active as they age, this is also a potential pain sign. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the disease’s progression. We also recommend that all senior pets visit our team at least once annually for a routine checkup, during which we will assess their joint health and look for signs that arthritis has developed or worsened. 

Understanding canine arthritis symptoms and treatment options can help you ensure your dog lives a more comfortable and active life. Contact the Tender Touch Animal Hospital team to schedule an arthritis screening and learn more about treatment options for your furry pal.