Arthritis in Dogs: How to Treat and Manage Your Pup's Pain

Many of us think of arthritis as something that may happen as our pets age, just like we often experience as humans as we get older. The truth is, this condition can affect dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds. But like humans, arthritis in dogs is similar in that it can be very painful and severely affect your dog's quality of life.¹

What Is Arthritis in Dogs?

The medical term is osteoarthritis (OA), but the condition is often called arthritis or degenerative joint disease. It involves inflammation of one or more joints due to cartilage degeneration, which causes pain and can usually impact everyday activities for your dog.²

What Causes Arthritis in Dogs?

In most cases, there isn't one single cause for arthritis in dogs. Aging alone isn't a cause of arthritis, and the condition typically involves a combination of factors, including:²

• Stature and body type
• Weight
• Abnormal joint development (hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, etc.)
• Activity history
• Injury or surgical history
• Nutritional history

What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs?

The most common symptom of arthritis in dogs that most pet owners initially notice is a change in their dog's movement: difficulty getting up and down, moving stiffly when walking or difficulty or reluctance going up and down steps or jumping on and off furniture.²

You may also notice things like lameness in one or more legs; resistance to being touched in certain areas of their body; loss of stamina or not wanting to walk as far; or even aggression toward humans or other pets when that was not previously part of your dog's personality.²

How Is Arthritis in Dogs Diagnosed?

Arthritis in dogs is diagnosed by a veterinarian. They will do an exam (including palpation or feeling around to find the source of the pain) and may take X-rays of the affected joints. It's also recommended to take X-rays of the joints annually to monitor the progression of the condition.¹

How Do You Treat Arthritis in Dogs?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis, so pain management is key. Because it can be a complex condition that involves a variety of factors, treatment for your dog's arthritis may vary and may involve multiple components.¹

Most recommended treatments focus on the overall well-being of the dog since arthritis affects all aspects of your dog's life. The focus is not only on the actual cartilage (the main problem) but also the surrounding joint capsule and ligaments, plus managing the pain.¹

Once your dog is diagnosed with arthritis, you will work with your veterinarian to develop the treatment plan that is best for their needs. Treatment plans for dogs with arthritis may involve any or all of the following:¹

• Regular controlled physical activity¹ and sometimes veterinary rehabilitation, physical therapy or hydrotherapy²
• Joint or nutritional supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin and polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (PSGAGs)¹
• Pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tramadol,¹ meloxicam, carprofen or gabapentin²
• Alternative treatment options, such as laser treatment, joint injections and stem cell therapy¹
• Surgical treatment (hip, knee or elbow replacements)²
• Weight management¹ and nutrition²

Although arthritis can't be cured, it can be managed, and your dog can have a normal life expectancy. It's important to take your dog to the vet if you notice symptoms of arthritis because it can be very painful for your dog.

Besides the treatment options above, you can make your dog more comfortable with a few easy home modifications:²

• Soft, padded bedding
• Raised food and water bowls
• Non-skid floor surfaces
• A ramp for getting on or off furniture or in or out of the car (if applicable)

What Is the Cost of Arthritis Treatments for Dogs?

The cost to treat arthritis in dogs depends on the treatment options you choose and your geographic location, as service costs vary in availability and pricing.

How Do You Prevent Arthritis in Dogs?

While abnormal joint development and injuries can't be predicted, keeping your dog at a healthy weight, feeding them high-quality food and making sure they get regular exercise are great ways to prevent or delay arthritis from occurring.²

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs

Taking good care of your pet's well-being from nose to tail is essential. Make sure to stay up to date on their regular checkups at the vet to help keep your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime of love. You can use your CareCredit credit card for pet care throughout the year for routine veterinary services as well as emergencies and surgeries.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian near you that accepts CareCredit.

CareCredit is there for you and your pet every step of the way; continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women's Health Online, Headspace and more.