Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis is a common condition that affects many dogs as they age. It occurs when the joints become inflamed and the smooth surfaces within the joint gradually wear over time.

Healthy joints allow dogs to move comfortably when walking, running, and playing. When arthritis develops, the joint can become stiff, painful, and less flexible.

Although arthritis is more common in older dogs, it can also develop in younger dogs, particularly if they have experienced joint injuries or orthopaedic conditions.

With appropriate management and support, many dogs with arthritis can continue to enjoy comfortable and active lives.

Signs of Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis often develops gradually, so the early signs can be subtle. Some dogs simply appear to be slowing down, while others may show more obvious changes in movement.

Common signs include:

 • stiffness, particularly after resting
• difficulty rising from lying down
• limping or favouring a leg
• reluctance to jump, run, or climb stairs
• reduced interest in exercise or play
• slower walking pace
• changes in posture or sitting position
• irritability when certain joints are touched

Because these changes can develop slowly, they are sometimes mistaken for normal ageing.

Causes of Arthritis

Several factors can contribute to the development of arthritis in dogs.

These include:

 • normal wear and tear of the joints over time
• previous joint injuries
• ligament injuries affecting the knee
• hip or elbow dysplasia
• joint instability
• excess body weight

Conditions such as damage to the knee ligament can lead to joint instability, which may increase the likelihood of arthritis developing later.

You can learn more about these injuries on our Signs Your Dog May Have a Cruciate Injury page.

→Signs Your Dog May Have a Cruciate Injury

Diagnosing Arthritis

Diagnosing arthritis usually begins with a physical examination and assessment of your dog’s movement.

Your veterinarian will gently assess the joints, looking for signs such as:

 • reduced range of motion
• joint thickening or swelling
• discomfort during movement

In some cases, X-rays may be recommended to help confirm changes within the joints and guide treatment planning.

Managing Arthritis

Although arthritis cannot be cured, many treatment options are available to help reduce discomfort and support joint health.

Management plans are tailored to each dog and may include:

 • pain relief medications
• anti inflammatory treatments
• joint support supplements
• weight management
• controlled exercise programs
• physiotherapy or rehabilitation
• environmental adjustments at home

These strategies help reduce strain on the joints and support comfortable movement.

Arthritis in Senior Dogs

Arthritis is particularly common in senior dogs. As dogs age, natural wear within the joints can gradually lead to inflammation and stiffness.

Because the changes often occur slowly, they may be mistaken for normal ageing. Dogs may appear less interested in walks, slower to rise, or reluctant to jump onto furniture or climb stairs.

Recognising these signs early can make a meaningful difference. When arthritis is identified and managed early, many dogs experience improved comfort and mobility.

Regular health checks for senior dogs allow joint health and mobility to be monitored so appropriate support can be introduced when needed.

You can find out more about Seniors health on our Seniors page.

→ Seniors

New Arthritis Treatments for Dogs

Advances in veterinary medicine mean that more treatment options are available to help dogs with arthritis remain comfortable and active.

In addition to traditional pain relief and anti inflammatory medications, some dogs may benefit from joint support treatments designed to improve joint lubrication and cartilage health.

One example is Synovan, an injectable medication used to support joint function and reduce inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis.

These treatments may be used alongside other management strategies such as physiotherapy, weight management, and controlled exercise.

Your veterinarian can help determine which options may be most appropriate for your dog based on their individual needs.

Supporting Dogs with Arthritis

Small changes at home can make a significant difference for dogs living with arthritis.

Helpful adjustments may include:

 • providing supportive bedding
• using ramps instead of stairs where possible
• placing non slip surfaces on smooth floors
• maintaining a healthy body weight
• keeping exercise regular but gentle

Many dogs respond well to a combination of medical care and supportive home adjustments.

Is Your Dog Showing Signs of Arthritis?

Arthritis can develop gradually, and many dogs adjust their behaviour in subtle ways to cope with joint discomfort. These changes can sometimes be mistaken for normal ageing.

You may wish to consider a mobility check if your dog is showing any of the following signs:

 • slower to rise from lying down
• stiffness when getting up in the morning
• reluctance to jump onto furniture or into the car
• hesitation when climbing stairs
• limping after exercise
• reduced interest in walks or play
• sitting with one leg extended to the side
• difficulty getting comfortable when lying down

If you notice several of these changes, a veterinary examination can help determine whether arthritis or another joint condition may be affecting your dog’s mobility.

Arthritis Mobility Checklist

Small changes in your dog’s routine or environment can make a meaningful difference to comfort for dogs living with arthritis.

You may find the following helpful:

Comfort at Home

• provide soft, supportive bedding
• place non slip mats on slippery floors
• ensure food and water bowls are easy to reach

Exercise and Movement

• maintain regular, gentle exercise
• avoid sudden bursts of intense activity
• keep walks consistent rather than occasional long outings

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces strain on the joints and can significantly improve comfort for dogs with arthritis.

Veterinary Care

Regular veterinary examinations allow joint health and mobility to be monitored over time. Treatment plans can be adjusted as your dog’s needs change.

Helping Your Dog Stay Comfortable

If you notice changes in your dog’s mobility, energy, or willingness to exercise, an examination can help determine whether arthritis or another joint condition may be present.

Early management can help slow the progression of joint disease and support your dog’s comfort and quality of life.

Our team can work with you to develop an individual care plan that supports your dog’s mobility and wellbeing.

Supporting Comfort and Mobility as Dogs Age

As dogs grow older, maintaining comfort and mobility becomes an important part of supporting their overall wellbeing. Many dogs with arthritis can continue to enjoy a good quality of life when their changing needs are recognised and supported.

Regular veterinary health checks allow mobility, joint health, and comfort to be monitored over time. Small changes to care plans, exercise routines, and home environments can make a meaningful difference for dogs living with joint disease.

Our team focuses on helping dogs remain comfortable, confident, and able to move with ease for as long as possible. This may include developing an individual management plan that supports joint health through appropriate medications, supportive treatments, gentle exercise, and environmental adjustments.

For older dogs, monitoring mobility and joint comfort is an important part of routine health care. You can learn more about how we support ageing dogs on our Senior Dogs page.

If you notice changes in your dog’s movement, energy, or willingness to exercise, an examination can help determine whether arthritis or another joint condition may be present.

If you have concerns about your dog’s mobility or comfort, our team is always happy to help guide you through the next steps.

→ Seniors

Frequently Asked Questions About Arthritis in Dogs

  • Arthritis cannot be cured because it involves gradual changes within the joints over time. However, many treatments are available to help manage discomfort and support joint function.

    With appropriate care, many dogs with arthritis can continue to live comfortable and active lives.

    Management may include medications, supportive treatments, controlled exercise, weight management, and adjustments to the home environment.

  • Arthritis is most commonly seen in older dogs, but it can occur at any age.

    Some dogs develop arthritis earlier in life due to joint injuries, ligament damage, or developmental conditions affecting the joints.

    Because arthritis often develops gradually, early signs may be subtle at first.

    Regular veterinary examinations help monitor joint health and allow treatment to begin if signs of arthritis develop.

  • Dogs often show pain differently from people, and the signs can sometimes be easy to miss.

    Instead of vocalising, dogs may show discomfort through changes in movement or behaviour.

    Possible signs include:

     • stiffness when rising
    • slower movement or reluctance to exercise
    • difficulty jumping or climbing stairs
    • limping or favouring a leg
    • changes in posture or sitting position
    • reduced interest in play

    If you notice these changes, a veterinary examination can help determine whether arthritis or another condition may be affecting your dog.

  • Treatment plans are tailored to each dog and may include a combination of supportive strategies.

    These may include:

     • pain relief medications
    • anti inflammatory treatments
    • joint support supplements
    • physiotherapy or rehabilitation
    • weight management
    • injectable treatments such as Synovan
    • adjustments to exercise and home environments

    The goal of treatment is to reduce discomfort, support joint health, and help dogs remain active and comfortable.

  • Regular, gentle exercise is usually beneficial for dogs with arthritis.

    Controlled activity helps maintain muscle strength, support joint stability, and improve mobility.

    Short, consistent walks are generally better than occasional long or intense exercise sessions.

    Your veterinarian can help guide an exercise plan that suits your dog’s individual needs.

When to Book an Appointment

If you notice changes in your dog’s mobility or comfort, a veterinary examination can help determine whether arthritis or another joint condition may be present.

You may wish to schedule an appointment if your dog is:

 • limping or favouring a leg
• slower to rise from lying down
• reluctant to jump, run, or climb stairs
• showing stiffness after rest or exercise
• becoming less interested in walks or play

Early assessment can help identify joint problems sooner and allow supportive care to begin earlier.

Our team can assess your dog’s mobility, discuss treatment options, and develop an individual plan to help keep your dog comfortable and active.