Dogs are part of the family and stay with us for many years. We watch them grow from playful puppies into calm adults, and the bond we share is unique. As owners, we want our pets to be happy and comfortable. Over time, you might notice your dog slowing down. Maybe they don’t rush to the door like before, have trouble with stairs, or take longer to get up from their bed. These are common signs of arthritis, a condition that affects the joints and makes movement painful. Many older dogs deal with this, but there are ways you can help. This guide will walk you through dog arthritis treatment options , including food, medicine, exercise, and home care.
With the right knowledge, you can give your pet the best support. Your dog depends on you, so let’s look at how to make them more comfortable.
Dog Arthritis Treatment & How To Help
Treating arthritis in dogs works best with a clear plan. The goal is to reduce pain and help your dog move better. Since arthritis is a long-term condition and joint damage can’t be reversed, vets focus on managing symptoms and slowing further damage. A combination of treatments is usually more effective than relying on just one medication.
As an owner, keep an eye on your dog every day for any new signs of discomfort. Start treatment early – don’t wait until your dog is in obvious pain. Dogs often hide their pain, so watch for limping, stiff legs, or slower movements. If you notice these changes, talk to your vet.
Arthritis begins in the cartilage, which cushions the bones and allows joints to move smoothly. Over time, this tissue wears down, causing the bones to rub together. This leads to heat, swelling, and the growth of bone spurs, which make joints stiff and every step harder. Arthritis often affects the hips, elbows, and spine.
Some breeds are more at risk, especially large dogs because their weight puts extra stress on their joints. Age and breed can be the biggest factors – most older dogs have some joint damage and several breeds are predisposed to joint conditions. While some dogs show no symptoms for a long time, others may struggle earlier. The best approach is to create a plan tailored to your dog’s needs.
1. Dog Weight Management
Extra weight puts stress on your dog’s joints and can make arthritis worse. Many dogs are overweight, and fat tissue releases chemicals that increase inflammation. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is important for managing arthritis. Ask your vet for a target weight and measure your dog’s food carefully at each meal.
Avoid high-calorie treats and try giving pieces of carrot or green beans instead. Dogs that stay lean tend to live longer, move more easily, and have healthier joints.
Helping your dog lose a few pounds can make a big difference in relieving arthritis pain. Less weight means less strain on their hips and can even make medications more effective. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily with light pressure and see a waist when looking from above. High-protein diets help keep muscles strong, which supports the joints. Avoid giving table scraps, as they are often too high in calories for dogs. Using a kitchen scale to measure food can help keep your dog at a healthy weight.
2. Exercise
Regular movement and exercise is important for dogs with arthritis. Without activity, joints get stiff and muscles weaken, making it harder for your dog to move.
- Choose gentle activities like walking and let your dog set the pace.
- Avoid long runs on hard surfaces and games that require sudden stops.
- If your dog starts limping, stop the walk. It’s better to take short walks every day than one long walk on the weekend.
Exercise helps keep joint fluid healthy, which lubricates the bones and supports movement. Regular activity also keeps muscles strong.
Avoid high-impact activities, like jumping for toys or running on concrete. Walking on grass is gentler on your dog’s paws. Swimming is an excellent exercise for dogs with arthritis because the water supports their weight and lets them move without putting stress on their joints. Keep exercise sessions short and watch for signs of tiredness. Make sure your dog gets plenty of rest after activity.
3. Physical Therapy
Professional physical therapy can help dogs regain their range of motion.
Therapists use special tools and techniques, such as underwater treadmills, where warm water provides both resistance and buoyancy. This allows dogs to walk more comfortably, as the water supports their weight and eases pressure on sore joints.
Balance boards are also used to strengthen core muscles, which help keep the whole body stable.
Some clinics use cold packs to reduce swelling after therapy sessions, while others use heat to relax tight muscles.
Range of motion exercises are also helpful. A therapist may gently move your dog’s legs in slow circles to keep the joints flexible and prevent stiffness.
Owners can learn these exercises and do them at home each day to help their dog stay limber for years.
4. Arthritis Medicine for Dogs
Veterinarians often prescribe medication to help dogs with arthritis. These drugs are designed to reduce pain and swelling, with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) being the most common choice.
NSAIDs work quickly, and most dogs feel better within a few hours. They are available as liquids or pills, and some are flavored to make giving them easier. Never give your dog human medicine, as it can be toxic and cause serious harm. Always use medication provided by your vet.
Some dogs need additional help with pain.
- Gabapentin is a medication used for nerve pain and can be combined with other treatments.
- Amantadine is another option for managing chronic pain.
Vets determine the right dose based on your dog’s weight and may check bloodwork regularly to ensure your dog’s organs stay healthy. The right medication can help your dog feel more energetic and confident, which is an important part of arthritis care.
5. Dog Arthritis Supplements
Supplements can help support healthy joints as part of a long-term plan. Some arthritis supplements for dogs include:
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Green-lipped mussel
Glucosamine is a common ingredient that helps repair cartilage, while chondroitin keeps the joint cushion moist. These two work best when used together. Many senior dog foods include them, but separate supplements can provide a higher dose if needed.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can help reduce inflammation and relieve arthritis pain in dogs. Green-lipped mussel is another supplement with nutrients that support joint health.
Results from supplements take time, so give them daily for several weeks. Choose products with a quality seal to ensure the ingredients are as listed. With consistent use, your dog may move more easily and stand up with less effort.
6. Dog Food for Arthritis
Diet plays an important role in your dog’s health. Some brands offer foods made specifically for joint support, with higher levels of fish oil and added glucosamine. These foods also have controlled calories to help manage weight, and the kibble is often shaped for easy chewing. High-quality protein in the food helps keep your dog’s muscles strong.
Prescription diets are tested to show they help dogs move better. Ask your vet for a recommended brand. When switching to a new food, mix it with the old food over a week to prevent stomach upset. Feed the right amount for your dog’s size. A good diet supports your dog’s whole body and is an easy way to help them every day.
7. Alternative Therapies
Modern medicine is effective, but your primary veterinarian may be able to provide other helpful options as well. Some alternative therapies for dog arthritis and joint support, include:
- Acupuncture is a popular choice, where a vet places tiny needles in specific spots to release natural pain blockers and improve blood flow to sore areas. Many dogs find acupuncture relaxing and may even nap during the session.
- Cold laser therapy is another option that uses light to reach deep into the tissue, helping cells heal and reducing joint inflammation without medication.
- Massage can also help your dog relax and increase blood flow to stiff areas. You can learn simple massage techniques, like gently rubbing the muscles around the joint while avoiding direct pressure on the bone.
These therapies can be used alongside standard medicine to provide extra comfort and reduce stress for your dog.
8. Lifestyle Modifications
You can make changes at home to help your dog. Check your floors – wood and tile can be slippery, and dogs with joint problems may fall and hurt themselves. Place rugs with rubber backing to give your dog better traction. Install a ramp at the back door, as ramps are easier on the hips than stairs.
Use a ramp for the car as well, and don’t let your dog jump out, since the impact can hurt their joints. Provide a thick orthopedic bed, such as one made of memory foam, to support your dog’s body and keep their joints off cold floors. A raised food bowl can help reduce strain on the neck and back. Keep your dog warm in winter by using a coat during walks, as cold air can make joints ache. These small changes at home can make your dog much more comfortable.
Is Your Pet Struggling or in Pain? Find an UrgentVet Near You!
It’s hard to see your dog in pain, and you want to help them feel better as soon as possible. UrgentVet is here when your regular vet is closed, offering care for joint issues and sudden pain flare-ups.
Our urgent vet care clinics are open late, on weekends, and on holidays. We assess your dog’s movement, find the source of their pain, and discuss the best options for arthritis relief. We’ll help you choose the right medications and create a home care plan.
You can check in online to save time, and we strive to make visits easy for both you and your pet. Our goal is to help your dog feel happy and comfortable. Find a location near you and give your best friend the relief they deserve.
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