Arthritis is the single most common cause of chronic pain in dogs — yet it remains one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in veterinary medicine. The reason is straightforward: dogs hide pain instinctively, and many of the signs of arthritis are gradual and easily attributed to normal ageing. By the time an owner notices their dog struggling, the condition has often been progressing for months or years.
The good news is that arthritis is highly manageable. With the right combination of treatments, most arthritic dogs can maintain excellent quality of life well into their senior years. If your dog has been slowing down, stiffening after rest, or losing enthusiasm for activities they once enjoyed, contact Walker Lake Veterinary Centre at (587) 786-6771.
Arthritis is not an inevitable consequence of ageing that must simply be accepted. It is a painful medical condition with effective treatments. Every dog deserves to be assessed and treated appropriately — not managed with the assumption that slowing down is normal.
What Is Arthritis in Dogs?
Arthritis — more precisely osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease — is a progressive condition involving the gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the surfaces of joints. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber and allows smooth, pain-free movement. When it degrades, the underlying bone is exposed, joint fluid changes in composition, the joint capsule becomes inflamed, and new bone forms at the joint margins.
The result is a joint that is painful, stiff, and limited in its range of motion — and a dog that modifies their behaviour, movement, and activity level to minimise the pain.
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body but most commonly involves the hips, elbows, stifles (knees), shoulders, and the joints of the spine.
What Causes Arthritis in Dogs?
Primary Osteoarthritis
Caused by the normal wear and tear of ageing on the joint surfaces. More common in older dogs, particularly large and giant breeds whose joints have been subjected to greater mechanical loads throughout their lives.
Secondary Osteoarthritis
Develops as a consequence of an underlying joint problem. Most arthritis in dogs is secondary — caused by:
- Hip dysplasia — abnormal joint formation leading to accelerated cartilage wear
- Elbow dysplasia — similar developmental abnormality of the elbow
- Cruciate ligament disease — instability in the stifle joint following ligament rupture causes rapid cartilage damage
- Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) — a developmental condition where cartilage flaps form in joints of young dogs
- Previous joint infections or trauma
- Obesity — the single most modifiable risk factor; excess body weight dramatically accelerates cartilage breakdown
Which Dogs Are Most Affected?
While any dog can develop arthritis, certain groups are at higher risk:
- Large and giant breeds — German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes
- Overweight and obese dogs — excess body weight is the most significant modifiable risk factor
- Senior dogs — prevalence increases with age; studies suggest over 80% of dogs over 8 years have some degree of osteoarthritis
- Dogs with previous joint injuries or developmental joint conditions
- Certain working and sporting breeds subjected to repetitive high-impact activity
Signs of Arthritis in Dogs
Early Signs — Often Missed
The early signs of arthritis are subtle and easy to overlook or attribute to other causes.
- Stiffness after rest — the dog rises slowly and moves carefully for the first few minutes before warming up and moving more normally
- Slight reluctance to climb stairs or jump onto furniture that was previously easy
- Reduced enthusiasm for walks or play — the dog still goes willingly but tires sooner
- Occasionally licking or chewing at a specific joint
- Subtle changes in gait — a slightly shorter stride or mild favouring of a limb
Moderate Signs
- Obvious lameness on one or more limbs — particularly after exercise or in cold weather
- Difficulty rising from lying down — requiring multiple attempts or assistance
- Reluctance to use stairs, jump into the car, or get onto furniture
- Visible muscle wasting around affected joints — the muscles shrink because the dog uses the limb less
- Changes in posture — hunched back, lowered head, altered weight distribution
- Behavioural changes — irritability, reduced interaction, withdrawal from family activities
Advanced Signs
- Significant lameness or complete non-weight-bearing on one or more limbs
- Inability to rise without assistance
- Crying or vocalising when moving or touched near affected joints
- Muscle atrophy visible to the naked eye — hindquarters appear narrow and wasted
- Loss of house training — unable to get outside quickly enough due to pain and reduced mobility
- Complete withdrawal from activity and interaction
Cold weather significantly worsens arthritis in dogs — just as it does in humans. If you notice your dog is stiffer and more uncomfortable during Edmonton winters, this is a strong indicator of underlying joint disease that deserves veterinary assessment and treatment optimisation for the colder months.
Diagnosing Arthritis
Physical and Orthopaedic Examination
The veterinarian assesses each joint systematically — range of motion, pain response on palpation and manipulation, muscle mass, and gait analysis. Even before X-rays, an experienced examiner can identify the most significantly affected joints and assess overall mobility.
Radiography
X-rays confirm the diagnosis and assess severity. Characteristic changes include narrowing of the joint space, osteophyte formation (new bone at joint margins), subchondral bone thickening, and joint capsule thickening. Importantly, the degree of radiographic change does not always correlate directly with the degree of pain — some dogs with severe X-ray changes have minimal clinical signs, while others with modest changes are significantly painful.
Pain Scoring
Validated pain scoring tools — such as the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index and the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire — provide a structured framework for assessing pain severity and tracking response to treatment over time. Your veterinarian may ask you to complete a questionnaire about your dog’s activity, mobility, and behaviour as part of the assessment.
Treating Arthritis in Dogs
Arthritis management is multimodal — the most effective treatment plans combine several approaches simultaneously rather than relying on a single intervention.
Weight Management
The single most impactful treatment for any arthritic dog that is overweight. Every kilogram of excess body weight adds significant mechanical load to painful joints. Studies have shown that weight reduction alone — without any additional medication — produces clinically meaningful improvement in mobility and pain scores in overweight arthritic dogs.
Target body condition score is 4 to 5 out of 9. Your veterinarian can assess your dog’s body condition and calculate an appropriate caloric intake for safe, steady weight loss.
Pain Medication
NSAIDs — Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
The cornerstone of arthritis pain management in dogs. NSAIDs reduce both inflammation and pain, and are the most consistently effective medical treatment for osteoarthritis. Common veterinary NSAIDs include meloxicam, carprofen, grapiprant, and deracoxib.
Long-term NSAID use requires periodic monitoring — bloodwork every 6 to 12 months assesses kidney and liver function, as these organs are responsible for metabolising and excreting NSAIDs.
Gabapentin
A neuropathic pain medication that works via a different mechanism to NSAIDs. Gabapentin is effective for the nerve pain component of chronic joint disease and works well in combination with NSAIDs for dogs with moderate to severe arthritis.
Amantadine
An NMDA receptor antagonist used to address central sensitisation — a phenomenon where the nervous system becomes hypersensitised to pain signals in chronic pain states. Used as an adjunct to NSAIDs and gabapentin in dogs with severe or refractory pain.
Librela (Bedinvetmab)
A relatively new monthly injectable biological therapy that specifically targets nerve growth factor — a key driver of osteoarthritis pain. Librela represents a significant advance in arthritis management for dogs that cannot tolerate NSAIDs or where NSAIDs provide inadequate relief. It is administered as a monthly subcutaneous injection at the veterinary clinic.
Joint Supplements
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Marine-sourced omega-3 fatty acids — EPA and DHA from fish oil — have documented anti-inflammatory effects in joints and are among the best-evidenced supplements for osteoarthritis in dogs. Effective doses are higher than those in standard supplements — discuss appropriate dosing with your veterinarian.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
The most widely used joint supplements. They support cartilage metabolism and have mild anti-inflammatory properties. Evidence for their efficacy is variable — they are unlikely to produce significant improvement alone in moderate to severe arthritis but form a reasonable component of a comprehensive management plan.
Green-Lipped Mussel
Contains a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and other compounds. Some studies support its use as an adjunct supplement in arthritic dogs.
Adequan (Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan)
An injectable prescription medication that inhibits cartilage-degrading enzymes and promotes cartilage repair. Administered as a series of injections — typically twice weekly for four weeks initially, then monthly. Most effective when started before arthritis is severe.
Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy
Physiotherapy for arthritic dogs focuses on maintaining and improving muscle mass — particularly around affected joints — range of motion, and overall functional mobility. Specific exercises are tailored to the individual dog’s affected joints and current ability level.
Hydrotherapy — swimming or underwater treadmill exercise — allows significant cardiovascular and muscle-building exercise without the joint impact of land-based exercise. It is particularly valuable for dogs that are significantly lame on land but move much more freely in water.
Environmental Modifications
Simple home modifications can significantly improve a arthritic dog’s daily comfort and independence:
- Orthopedic or memory foam dog beds — reduce pressure on painful joints during rest
- Non-slip flooring — many arthritic dogs struggle on slippery surfaces; yoga mats or carpet runners provide traction
- Ramps or steps — to access furniture, vehicles, or changes in level without jumping
- Raised food and water bowls — reduce neck and back strain during eating and drinking
- Gentle grooming — arthritic dogs may struggle to groom themselves; regular brushing reduces skin problems associated with reduced self-grooming
- Heat therapy — a warm wheat bag or heated pet pad applied to stiff joints for 10 to 15 minutes before exercise can improve mobility
Surgical Options
For dogs with arthritis secondary to specific underlying causes — cruciate ligament rupture, severe hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia — surgical treatment of the primary cause can significantly reduce the progression of arthritis and improve long-term function. Total hip replacement, cruciate ligament repair (TPLO), and elbow surgery are examples of procedures that address the mechanical cause of arthritis rather than simply managing the pain.
If your dog is showing signs of arthritis, book a pain assessment at Walker Lake Veterinary Centre. Call (587) 786-6771 or book online. Located at 5109 22 Avenue SW, Southwest Edmonton.
Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment
Arthritis is progressive — management plans need to be reviewed and adjusted regularly as the dog’s condition changes. Regular veterinary assessments — at least every 6 months for dogs on active treatment — allow objective monitoring of pain levels, body weight, muscle condition, and response to treatment.
Between visits, owner-completed pain scoring questionnaires provide valuable longitudinal information. A dog whose pain scores are gradually worsening over several months needs a treatment plan review rather than continued management at the same level.
Book an Appointment at Walker Lake Veterinary Centre
Walker Lake Veterinary Centre provides comprehensive arthritis assessment, pain management, and long-term monitoring for dogs across Walker Lake, Summerside, Ellerslie, Heritage Valley, and Southwest Edmonton.
Call us at (587) 786-6771 or book online. We are located at 5109 22 Avenue SW, Edmonton.
Clinic hours:
- Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday & Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog’s stiffness is arthritis or something else?
Stiffness that is consistently worse after rest and improves with gentle movement is the classic pattern of osteoarthritis. Stiffness that is equally bad after rest and after movement, or that is accompanied by other signs such as weight loss, lethargy, or fever, may indicate a different underlying condition. A veterinary examination and X-rays provide clarity.
Is it safe to give my dog human arthritis medications?
Never. Human NSAIDs — ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin — are toxic to dogs and cause severe gastrointestinal, kidney, and liver damage. Paracetamol is also toxic to dogs. Only veterinary-prescribed medications are safe for managing arthritis pain in dogs.
At what age do dogs typically develop arthritis?
Large breeds often show signs from 5 to 7 years of age. Small breeds typically develop arthritis later — from 8 to 10 years onwards. Dogs with developmental joint conditions such as hip dysplasia may show signs as young as 1 to 2 years. There is no fixed age — any dog showing signs of joint pain should be assessed regardless of age.
Can arthritis be reversed in dogs?
The structural joint changes of established osteoarthritis cannot be reversed. However, progression can be slowed significantly — particularly through weight management and appropriate treatment of underlying causes. The goal of management is to control pain, maintain mobility, and preserve quality of life for as long as possible.
How much does arthritis treatment cost for dogs?
The cost varies considerably depending on the severity of the condition, the treatments required, and whether ongoing medication and monitoring are needed. Basic management — weight control, joint supplements, and NSAIDs — is relatively affordable. Advanced treatments such as Librela, physiotherapy, and surgery are more significant investments. Your veterinarian can discuss options at different price points to find the most appropriate plan for your dog and your circumstances.
