Updated 20 May 2026
Just like in humans, arthritis is a problem faced by many senior dogs. From dog supplements for joints to veterinary interventions, there’s a lot you can do to look after your dog’s joint health and manage arthritis.
Contents:
Arthritis in dogs
What is arthritis?
Arthritis, by definition, is a general term that simply means “inflammation of the joint”. There are several types of arthritis, but the one most people are familiar with is osteoarthritis. Also known as degenerative joint disease, it is a condition that causes joints to become stiff and painful over time. It’s a common condition that affects many senior pets and even some younger dogs.
What causes arthritis in dogs?
Osteoarthritis is the result of wear and tear of joints. As your dog moves around in their day to day lives, the cartilage lining the ends of bones rubs together and, over time, wears down, leading to inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joint.
Larger dog breeds and overweight dogs are prone to developing osteoarthritis earlier, as their weight puts extra load and stress on their joints. Dogs that experience joint disease, such as congenital issues, like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, or traumatic injuries, like cruciate ligament rupture or fractures, are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
Other forms of arthritis can be caused by infections and autoimmune disease.
At what age does arthritis start in dogs?
While osteoarthritis is more common in senior dogs, it’s not limited to a particular age group. Even young dogs can develop arthritis.
What are the signs of arthritis in dogs?
Signs of arthritis in dogs include:
- Stiffness that seems to worsen in cool weather or after resting
- Difficulty getting up and down stairs
- Reluctance to jump or exercise
- Limping
- Licking or biting joints
- Personality changes (may appear less happy or more irritable)
If your dog shows signs of joint pain, contact your veterinarian.
How to look after your dog’s joint health
There are several things you can do to help improve your dog’s joint health and reduce joint pain.
Consult your veterinarian
If you suspect your dog is experiencing joint pain, your first step should always be to consult your veterinarian. It is important to rule out other causes of pain. Once they assess and diagnose your dog with arthritis, they will give you a management plan tailored to your dog’s condition. This plan may include some medications administered by your veterinarian to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Your vet may also recommend some over-the-counter supplements, food, and exercise regimes to help improve your dog’s overall joint health.
Dog supplements for joints
There are several over the counter joint health supplements for dogs. These supplements contain active ingredients like omega 3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin that reduce joint pain and improve joint function. They come in a number of forms, including powders or oils you add to your dog’s food or chews that you can give as treats.
Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been shown to reduce inflammation within joints and improve mobility and range of motion. They are commonly added to joint health supplements and diets, but you can also get omega oil for dogs.
Another great source of Omega-3 fatty acids is green-lipped mussels, so you’ll often see them incorporated into joint health treats and chews.
Glucosamine and chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are two other ingredients commonly found in dog joint supplements. When used together, these nutraceuticals have been shown to help reduce cartilage breakdown, improve the quality of joint fluid, and reduce inflammation and associated pain.
Dog food to improve joint health
If your dog isn’t one for treats or supplements added to their meals, consider feeding your dog a diet that is specifically formulated to improve joint health. These joint health diets often contain ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, and glucosamine, just like in joint health supplements.
Others are veterinary prescription diets that your vet may recommend as part of your dog’s arthritis management plan. There are even some vet diets that help to cover for multiple issues, such as weight loss or kidney disease, in combination with joint support together.
Ask your veterinarian if your dog would benefit from a joint health diet.
How to help arthritic dogs at home
In addition to medications, supplements, and food to improve joint health, there are some changes you can make at home to help your arthritic dog feel more comfortable.
Set up ramps and non-slip flooring
Reduce stress on your dog’s joints by making it easy for them to navigate the home. Place ramps near couches, beds, and any other high places where they are allowed to sleep so they don’t have to jump. These are also very helpful for getting into cars. If you have slippery floor surfaces, place some runners or other non-slip flooring down around the home, so their paws can get a proper grip.
Establish a gentle exercise routine
Short, regular periods of low intensity exercise are good for your arthritic dog. Frequent short walks or swimming can help keep your dog active without placing too much strain on their joints.
Avoid high energy activities with lots of speed, sharp turns, or jumping, like chasing balls. This will place unnecessary stress on your dog’s joints.
Manage their weight
Carrying excess weight places more strain and pressure on your dog’s joints and having extra fat in the body can worsen inflammation within joints just by being there. Watch your dog’s waistline and keep them at a healthy weight. If your dog is overweight, losing weight through diet control and low-impact exercise to reduce the load on their joints will benefit them significantly.
Provide supportive bedding
Spoil your dog with a nice, thick, orthopaedic bed that will support their joints as they sleep. Consider the height of the bed and where it will be placed – if it’s too low, your arthritic dog may struggle to get in and out of it.
Keep them warm
Cold weather can lead to arthritic flare ups, where stiffness and other symptoms appear worse. Keep their bodies warm by providing warm bedding they can snuggle in and dressing them in dog jackets if required.
Gently massage their arthritic joints
Gently massage and movement can help improve blood flow and reduce stiffness in affected joints. When discussing your dog’s arthritis management plan with your vet, ask if there are any simple physio exercises you could do at home to help improve your dog’s mobility.
Sometimes heat pack therapy is used to improve joint discomfort with physiotherapy. Ask your vet if this would be recommended for your dog.
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, dogs with arthritis can live long, happy lives with appropriate management of their joint health to keep them comfortable.
Frequently asked questions about dog arthritis and joint health
Do joint supplements really work?
Joint supplements are an effective part of arthritis management in dogs when used appropriately.
How long does it take for joint supplements to work?
When you start your dog on joint supplements, you won’t notice an effect right away. It can take weeks to see an improvement. Continue to give the supplement to your dog as instructed by the label or your veterinarian.
Can I give my dog human medicine for joint pain?
Never give your dog any human medications unless instructed by your veterinarian. The dose and/or type of supplements for joint support can vary between dogs and humans, and some human supplements have extra ingredients not safe for dogs. It is always best to use supplements designed specifically for dogs, unless a specific supplement is recommended by your vet.
Should you walk a dog with arthritis pain?
Short, relaxed walks can be beneficial for dogs and help reduce the stiffness of an arthritis flare up. However, if your dog is significantly lame and not warming out of it, take them to your veterinarian for a check-up. Do not force them to exercise as this could cause an injury and more pain.
How long can a dog live with arthritis?
If managed well, a dog with arthritis can live for years, having a normal lifespan and still enjoy a good quality of life.
Is coconut oil good for arthritis in dogs? What about apple cider vinegar?
These remedies are not proven to be effective. Stick to the management and treatment plan as recommended by your veterinarian.
Does heat help dogs with arthritis?
Heat can help relieve stiffness and pain in joints by relaxing the muscles around the joint and increasing blood flow to the area. If you are applying a heat pack to your dog’s joints, make sure it’s not too hot and it is covered by a layer of material, or you may burn their skin.
What does an arthritis flare up look like?
An arthritis flare up is a period of worsening symptoms. They may seem stiffer, more reluctant to get up or move, or seem more irritable due to pain.
About the Author
Petbarn Team
At Petbarn, we believe that life is better with pets. From high quality products to trusted advice, we're here to provide you with everything you need to care for your furred, feathered, and finned friends.
