Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and reduced mobility in older dogs. It develops when the structures within a joint gradually deteriorate, leading to inflammation, stiffness and discomfort.

Many owners first notice that their senior dog is slowing down, taking longer to stand or becoming reluctant to climb stairs. These changes are sometimes dismissed as normal ageing, but they can be signs of treatable joint pain.

Although arthritis cannot usually be cured, a combination of veterinary treatment, healthy weight management, appropriate exercise and changes around the home can significantly improve your dog’s comfort and quality of life.

If your senior dog is showing signs of joint pain or reduced mobility, contact Walker Lake Veterinary Centre at (587) 786-6771 for an assessment.

Slowing down is not always simply part of getting older. Senior dogs with arthritis may gradually change how they move and behave to avoid painful activities.

What Is Arthritis in Dogs?

The most common form of arthritis in dogs is osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease.

Healthy joints contain smooth cartilage that allows the bones to move comfortably against each other. With osteoarthritis, cartilage and other joint structures gradually deteriorate, resulting in inflammation, stiffness and pain.

Arthritis may affect one or several joints, including the:

Hips
Knees
Elbows
Shoulders
Spine
Wrists and ankles

Older dogs are commonly affected, but arthritis can begin earlier in dogs with previous injuries, joint abnormalities or conditions such as hip dysplasia.

Signs of Arthritis in Senior Dogs

Arthritis often develops gradually, so the early signs can be easy to miss.

Watch for:

Difficulty getting up after sleeping
Stiffness after resting
Limping
Walking more slowly
Reluctance to climb stairs
Difficulty jumping into the car
Reduced interest in walks
Less enthusiasm for play
Licking or chewing around painful joints
Irritability when touched
Sleeping more than usual
Loss of muscle around the legs

Some dogs may still run or play when excited but become noticeably stiff later that day or the following morning.

What Causes Arthritis in Dogs?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of arthritis.

These include:

Age
Previous joint injuries
Hip or elbow dysplasia
Cruciate ligament injuries
Being overweight
Poor joint development
Repetitive stress
Certain breed-related joint problems

Large and giant breeds may be particularly susceptible to some orthopedic conditions that eventually contribute to arthritis.

How Is Dog Arthritis Diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will begin by discussing the changes you have noticed at home and examining your dog’s movement and joints.

Assessment may include:

Watching your dog walk
Checking joint range of motion
Feeling for swelling or discomfort
Assessing muscle loss
Checking body weight and condition
Reviewing previous injuries
X-rays when appropriate

Videos of your dog walking, getting up or climbing stairs at home can also be useful because some mobility problems may be less obvious during a clinic visit.

Can Arthritis in Senior Dogs Be Treated?

Arthritis usually requires ongoing management rather than a single treatment.

Current veterinary guidance supports a multimodal approach, meaning several methods are combined to control pain and maintain mobility.

The treatment plan will depend on your dog’s health, weight, severity of arthritis and other medical conditions.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Weight management is one of the most important parts of arthritis care.

Extra body weight increases the load placed on painful joints with every step.

For overweight dogs, gradual weight loss can reduce joint stress and improve mobility.

Your veterinarian can help determine:

Your dog’s ideal weight
Appropriate daily calories
Portion sizes
Suitable food
Safe weight-loss goals

Avoid crash diets. Senior dogs still need adequate nutrition and protein to maintain muscle.

Keep Your Dog Moving

Dogs with arthritis still need exercise.

Complete inactivity can lead to:

Muscle loss
Increased stiffness
Reduced joint mobility
Weight gain
Further difficulty moving

Instead, choose controlled, low-impact activity.

Helpful options may include:

Shorter daily walks
Several brief walks instead of one long walk
Gentle controlled exercise
Swimming where appropriate
Veterinary rehabilitation exercises

Consistency is usually better than occasional intense exercise.

A dog that does very little during the week and then goes on a long weekend hike may become significantly more painful afterward.

Prescription Pain Management

Many dogs with arthritis benefit from veterinary pain medication.

Your veterinarian will choose treatment based on your dog’s overall health and may recommend blood testing before or during long-term medication use.

Never give your dog human pain medication without veterinary direction.

Human medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen can be dangerous or potentially fatal to dogs. Only give pain medication prescribed or specifically approved by your veterinarian.

Joint Supplements and Nutrition

Some dogs may benefit from nutritional support as part of a broader arthritis management plan.

Your veterinarian may discuss products containing ingredients such as:

Omega-3 fatty acids
Glucosamine
Chondroitin
Other veterinary joint-support ingredients

Omega-3 fatty acids are among the nutritional approaches used to support dogs with osteoarthritis.

Supplements should complement veterinary treatment rather than replace appropriate pain management.

Physical Rehabilitation

Veterinary rehabilitation can help some dogs maintain strength, balance and mobility.

Depending on the individual dog, rehabilitation may include:

Controlled strengthening exercises
Range-of-motion exercises
Hydrotherapy
Balance work
Massage or manual therapy
Other veterinary rehabilitation techniques

The goal is to maintain muscle and movement without placing excessive stress on painful joints.

Make Your Home Easier to Navigate

Small changes around the home can make daily life much easier for an arthritic dog.

Put rugs or runners on slippery floors
Use ramps for vehicles or stairs
Provide supportive bedding
Keep food and water easily accessible
Limit unnecessary stair climbing
Keep nails properly trimmed
Use a supportive harness when needed
Create a warm, comfortable sleeping area

Better traction is particularly important because dogs with weak or painful legs may struggle on hardwood or tile floors.

AAHA senior-care guidance specifically recommends environmental modifications such as ramps, improved traction and supportive bedding for pets with mobility limitations.

Arthritis and Edmonton Winters

Cold weather does not cause arthritis, but some owners notice that their senior dogs appear stiffer or less willing to exercise during Edmonton’s colder months.

During winter:

Keep walks appropriate for your dog’s mobility
Avoid slippery ice where possible
Consider paw protection when conditions require it
Keep your dog warm
Continue regular controlled activity indoors when outdoor exercise is limited

Long periods of inactivity can contribute to stiffness and muscle loss.

How Do You Know If Arthritis Treatment Is Working?

Monitor your dog’s everyday activities rather than focusing only on whether they limp.

Improvement may look like:

Getting up more easily
Walking farther comfortably
Returning to favourite activities
Sleeping comfortably
Climbing stairs more confidently
Showing more interest in play
Becoming more social

Taking occasional videos of your dog performing the same activities can make changes easier to compare over time.

When Should an Arthritic Dog See the Vet?

Arrange an examination if your dog develops new or worsening mobility problems.

Seek veterinary attention if you notice:

Sudden inability to use a leg
Severe pain
Significant swelling
Inability to stand
Rapidly worsening weakness
Loss of appetite associated with pain
Sudden difficulty walking

A sudden limp should not automatically be assumed to be arthritis. Injuries and other orthopedic or neurological problems can produce similar symptoms.

Is your senior dog slowing down, struggling with stairs or showing signs of joint pain? Book an arthritis and mobility assessment at Walker Lake Veterinary Centre. Call (587) 786-6771 or book online. We are located at 5109 22 Avenue SW in Southwest Edmonton.

Arthritis Care at Walker Lake Veterinary Centre

Walker Lake Veterinary Centre provides senior wellness examinations, mobility assessments and ongoing pain-management guidance for dogs across Walker Lake, Summerside, Ellerslie, Heritage Valley and Southwest Edmonton.

Our team can help develop an arthritis management plan based on your dog’s mobility, weight, health and individual needs.

Call us at (587) 786-6771 to book an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can arthritis in dogs be cured?

Arthritis is usually a chronic condition and cannot be completely reversed, but treatment can reduce pain and help maintain mobility and quality of life.

Should dogs with arthritis still go for walks?

Yes. Regular controlled exercise helps maintain muscle strength and mobility. The length and intensity should be adjusted to your dog’s comfort.

How can I tell if my senior dog is in pain?

Signs include stiffness, difficulty standing, reluctance to climb stairs, reduced activity, changes in behaviour and avoiding activities your dog previously enjoyed.