Arthritis

Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage cushioning joint surfaces gradually breaks down, causing bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and pain. It's a progressive condition - meaning it will worsen over time - but the rate of progression varies enormously. Dogs who are well-managed, kept lean, and given appropriate pain relief often maintain excellent quality of life for years.

The challenge with arthritis is that dogs hide pain well. A dog experiencing significant joint discomfort may simply seem "slowing down" or "getting old." Early recognition, based on specific behavioural changes rather than vague decline, leads to earlier management and better outcomes.

What to monitor

Morning stiffness. Arthritis typically causes stiffness after rest that eases with gentle movement - the "warming up" effect. Note whether your dog is stiff getting up after sleeping, and how long before they move more freely.

Exercise tolerance. Track how far your dog walks before showing signs of slowing, lagging, or limping. If they used to manage an hour's walk comfortably and now fatigue at thirty minutes, that's a measurable change worth logging.

Lameness after exercise. Some dogs appear fine during a walk but are noticeably sore the following day. This post-exercise soreness is a useful monitoring point.

Reluctance to perform normal activities. Jumping on and off furniture, climbing stairs, getting in and out of the car - note changes in willingness or ability.

Behavioural changes. Increased irritability, reluctance to be touched in specific areas, changes in social behaviour. Pain changes behaviour.

Weight. Excess body weight is the single biggest modifiable risk factor for arthritis severity. Monthly weighing is essential - even a 10% body weight reduction significantly reduces joint load.

How to log it

Write a weekly note covering: morning stiffness (present or not, how long), walk duration and pace, any visible lameness, post-exercise soreness, and overall demeanour. Score mobility on a simple 1–5 scale each week - even a subjective score creates a trend line.

If you're trialling a new treatment or medication, note it in the log with a start date. Improvement over the following weeks is much clearer with a before-and-after reference.

Management

Veterinary management of arthritis typically includes:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as meloxicam, carprofen, or grapiprant) - currently the most effective pharmacological treatment for pain and inflammation
• Joint supplements - omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil at therapeutic doses), green-lipped mussel, and glucosamine/chondroitin have varying evidence bases; discuss with your vet
• Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy - both have good evidence for improving mobility and reducing pain
• Weight management - non-negotiable for overweight dogs
• Exercise modification - shorter, more frequent walks on soft surfaces; avoiding high-impact activities

When to contact your vet

Contact your vet promptly if:

• Your dog is acutely lame (three-legged, non-weight-bearing)
• Current pain management clearly isn't providing adequate relief
• There is rapid deterioration in mobility
• You notice swelling, heat, or obvious joint deformity

Schedule a routine appointment if:

• You've noticed gradual changes in mobility or activity tolerance
• Your dog is over seven years old and hasn't had a mobility assessment
• You want to start joint supplements and want to confirm appropriate dosing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can young dogs get arthritis? Yes. Dogs with hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or cruciate ligament injuries often develop secondary arthritis in affected joints from an early age. Arthritis is not exclusively a condition of older dogs.

Is exercise good or bad for arthritis? Appropriate low-impact exercise is beneficial - it maintains muscle mass that supports joints, prevents weight gain, and keeps joints mobile. High-impact exercise (jumping, rough play, very long runs) worsens inflammation. Short, frequent, gentle walks on soft ground are ideal.

How do I know if my dog is in pain? Dogs rarely vocalise pain from arthritis. Look for: reluctance to move after rest, changes in how they get up, altered gait, reluctance to be touched on specific areas, reduced play or engagement, or general behavioural quietness. These subtle signs are why a baseline log matters.

My dog seems fine on the medication - should we reduce the dose? Don't adjust doses without discussing with your vet. Some dogs appear "fine" because the medication is controlling pain effectively - reduction may simply return them to discomfort. Your vet can help assess the appropriate minimum effective dose over time.