Dog Arthritis: A Guide for Owners
Understanding arthritis and supporting your dog's daily routine. If your dog seems stiff, reluctant to move or less interested in walks, speak to your vet: changes in mobility can have different causes, and a veterinary assessment is the starting point.
What is dog arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a joint condition that can affect a dog's comfort and movement. Your vet can assess your dog, discuss the likely cause of their signs and recommend appropriate care.
Changes to discuss with your vet
Look out for changes from your dog's usual behaviour, including:
Slow to get going after a sleep or lying down.
Lagging behind, or wanting to turn for home sooner.
Difficulty getting up or lying down.
Limping or uneven movement.
Reluctance to jump into the car or onto furniture, or to climb stairs.
Reduced interest in play.
Less obvious changes
Dogs often hide discomfort, so early changes can be subtle. These are also worth noting and mentioning to your vet:
Taking smaller steps, leaning to one side, or keeping weight off one leg when standing.
Repeated licking or chewing at a knee, hip, elbow or shoulder.
Pulling away, grumbling or avoiding being picked up or groomed near the hips or back.
Changing position often, pacing before lying down, or avoiding hard floors, especially at night.
Thinner thighs, shoulders or hindquarters, which can mean a leg has been used less for a while.
Running with both back legs together, or whining when jumping, climbing stairs or lying down.
For signs that point to the hips in particular, see our guide to the symptoms of hip arthritis in dogs. If you notice a sudden change, yelping, or your dog stops eating, contact your vet promptly.
Which dogs are more likely to have joint problems?
Any dog of any size can develop joint stiffness, but some are more likely to, so it’s worth watching more closely if your dog is:
- A large or medium breed, such as a Labrador, Retriever, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog or Spaniel
- Older, or a fast-growing puppy of a larger breed
- Carrying extra weight
- Recovering from a previous injury, or very active in sport or work
If a puppy or young dog seems stiff, moves oddly or doesn’t want to play, ask your vet to check them.
What should I tell my vet?
Veterinary assessment and treatment
Arthritis treatment should be guided by your vet. Ask about the options suitable for your dog, how their comfort will be assessed and when to arrange a follow-up.
Daily care to discuss with your vet
Ask your vet whether your dog is at an appropriate weight and whether their feeding routine needs adjusting. Bring details of meals, treats and supplements.
Discuss a routine suited to your dog. Ask whether controlled walks, mobility exercises or professionally supervised hydrotherapy are appropriate.
Think about how easily your dog reaches their bed, food and water. Non-slip surfaces, accessible bedding and ramps can help.
Where do dog joint supplements fit?
Joint supplements are nutritional products, not medicines for arthritis. Our dog joint supplements are formulated to support joint comfort and normal mobility as part of the daily diet. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, and are not an alternative to veterinary treatment.
Ingredients vary between products. Our range includes formulas containing glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and hyaluronic acid. Compare the actual amounts, serving sizes and feeding instructions, rather than choosing on promises of treatment or guaranteed results.
How should I review my dog's progress?
There is no guaranteed response or fixed timeframe for a nutritional supplement. Agree a review plan with your vet and keep notes on your dog's comfort, movement and daily activities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best treatment for arthritis in dogs?
There is no single treatment plan suitable for every dog. Your vet should recommend care based on your dog's individual assessment.
Can joint supplements treat arthritis?
No. Feed supplements provide nutritional support and are not arthritis treatments. Ask your vet whether a supplement is appropriate alongside your dog's care plan.
Can I combine joint supplements?
Check with your vet first. Formulas can contain overlapping ingredients, so the combined daily intake matters.
What is often the first sign of joint stiffness in dogs?
Stiffness after resting is often the first thing owners notice: a dog that is slow to get up after a sleep and then seems to loosen up. Mention it to your vet, as stiffness can have several causes.
Can young dogs and puppies have joint problems?
Yes. Fast-growing puppies of larger breeds and dogs with a family history of joint problems can be affected. If a young dog seems stiff, moves oddly or is reluctant to play, ask your vet to check them.
Should I keep exercising a dog with stiff joints?
Usually yes, but gently. Shorter, more frequent walks and controlled play are often better than long or high-impact exercise. Ask your vet what suits your dog.
Explore more
Further reading: our guest article in The Good Dog Guide, What Are the Best Dog Joint Supplements in the UK?
Our supplements are nutritional supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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