What Is Arthritis in Dogs? What Are the Signs?

Arthritis can occur in dogs of any age, but it’s more common in older dogs. Does your dog seem slower on walks, hesitate before jumping onto the couch, or struggle to get up after resting? Arthritis could be the culprit—especially if your pup has entered their golden years.

Arthritis in dogs is a condition that causes inflammation in one or more joints, leading to discomfort, swelling, and stiffness. The most common form is osteoarthritis, which involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage—the smooth, cushioning tissue at the ends of bones. As cartilage wears away, bones rub together, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced joint function.

Close-up of a senior dog gently resting on a soft orthopedic bed, showing relaxed posture and calm expression

What Are the Signs of Arthritis in Dogs?

Arthritis often develops gradually, making early signs easy to miss—especially since dogs instinctively hide pain. Watch for these subtle but telling behavioral and physical changes:

Difficulty getting up, lying down, or navigating stairs
Avoiding activities like running, jumping, or climbing
Altered gait—such as a stiff, shortened stride or “bunny-hopping” hind legs
Stiffness or lameness, especially after rest
Limping (may be intermittent or worse in cold or damp weather)
Increased sleeping or reluctance to stand for long periods
Decreased interest in play or interaction
Reduced appetite—or refusal to eat altogether
Resisting being touched, brushed, or petted—especially near joints
Uncharacteristic irritability or aggression
Swelling, warmth, or tenderness around joints
Excessive licking or chewing at specific joints

What Causes Arthritis in Dogs?

According to Dr. Kelly Hood, DVM, associate veterinarian at Highlands Veterinary Center in Chesapeake, Virginia, canine arthritis typically results from a combination of factors that trigger joint inflammation and cartilage degradation. Key contributors include:

Joint wear and tear: Natural aging—and especially high-impact activity over time—can erode cartilage, particularly in active or senior dogs.
Genetics: Breeds like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are predisposed due to hereditary joint conditions.
Previous injuries: Past ligament tears, fractures, or joint trauma increase long-term arthritis risk—even after apparent healing.
Hip or elbow dysplasia: These developmental abnormalities cause joint instability, accelerating cartilage damage and early-onset arthritis.
Excess weight: Carrying extra pounds places significant stress on joints, speeding up cartilage breakdown and fueling systemic inflammation.
Abnormal joint development: Rapid growth in large-breed puppies can lead to poorly formed joints and uneven wear over time.
Lifestyle factors: Both insufficient exercise (leading to weak supporting muscles) and overly intense activity (causing repetitive joint strain) contribute to risk.
Autoimmune disease: Rarely, immune-mediated arthritis occurs when the body attacks its own joint tissues.
Infection: Septic arthritis—caused by bacterial or fungal joint infection—is uncommon but serious.

Dr. Hood notes that larger dogs are more prone to arthritis—and often develop it earlier than smaller breeds—due to the increased mechanical load their size places on joints.

How Do Vets Treat Arthritis in Dogs?

If you observe signs of arthritis, schedule a veterinary exam promptly. Your vet will review symptoms, perform a thorough physical assessment—including checking joint range of motion, pain response, and swelling—and likely recommend X-rays to evaluate joint structure and damage.

Treatment focuses on three core goals: reducing pain, improving mobility, and slowing further joint deterioration. Plans are always customized—but commonly include the following components:

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is the single most impactful step in managing arthritis, says Dr. Marc Smith, DVM, MS, owner of Natchez Trace Veterinary Services in Nashville, Tennessee.

“Carrying excess weight strains the joints directly, accelerates wear and tear, and increases overall body-wide inflammation,” he explains. A balanced diet and consistent, low-impact exercise (like leash walks or swimming) are essential pillars of care.

Medications

Veterinarians frequently prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Common options include grapiprant (sold under the brand name Galliprant), carprofen, and meloxicam—all available through furpetvo.com.

In addition to NSAIDs, your vet may recommend other medications depending on severity and individual needs:

Gabapentin: Helps manage chronic nerve-related pain
Tramadol: An opioid-like analgesic for moderate-to-severe discomfort
Amantadine: An NMDA receptor blocker used for persistent pain
Adequan®: Injectable polysulfated glycosaminoglycan that supports cartilage repair and joint lubrication
Librela®: A monoclonal antibody injection specifically designed to treat osteoarthritis pain in dogs

In select cases, short- or long-term corticosteroids like prednisone may be prescribed to control severe inflammation—but they must never be combined with NSAIDs due to the risk of life-threatening gastrointestinal ulcers.

Joint Supplements

Supplements can complement medical therapy and support long-term joint health. Always consult your vet before starting any new product.

Dr. Smith commonly recommends:

Glucosamine with chondroitin and MSM: These ingredients work synergistically to nourish cartilage and inhibit enzymes that break it down. Look for trusted formulas like those offered by FurPetVo.
Fish oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), high-quality fish oil supplements have been clinically shown to reduce joint inflammation.

Dog owner gently administering a joint supplement chew to their senior dog during a quiet moment at home

Therapeutic Dog Food

Veterinarians often suggest prescription diets formulated to support joint health. These foods contain elevated levels of key nutrients—including omega-3s, antioxidants, glucosamine, and chondroitin—at therapeutic doses proven to ease arthritis symptoms.

Examples include: