Arthritis in Older Dogs

ARTHRITIS IN OLDER DOGS

Arthritis affects roughly 80% of dogs over 8 years old and approximately one in five dogs across all ages. This painful and degenerative condition is synonymous with joint pain, but its debilitating effects can negatively impact every aspect of your dog’s life. Understanding arthritis in older dogs,  its causes, and potential treatments can help ensure they receive a timely diagnosis, targeted care, and effective relief. 

Here’s what every senior dog owner should know about canine arthritis.

1: Arthritis in Older Dogs ISN’T normal 

Many dog owners mistakenly presume that their senior dog’s aches and pains are an expected part of canine aging and that nothing can be done for their pet’s “old dog problems.” However, there is nothing natural or expected about this chronic inflammatory and degenerative disease. 

Arthritis occurs in one or more joints in response to an underlying cause that is usually an inherited orthopedic condition, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, a traumatic injury, such as a bone fracture or cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR), chronic inflammation from obesity or another inflammatory condition, or a repetitive high-impact activity, such as jumping or diving after a ball. These conditions cause inflammation and degenerative changes in and around the joint and lead to painful or restricted movement and compensation (i.e., changes in how your dog sits, stands, or walks). 

2: Arthritis Hurts.

If you’ve ever experienced a stiff lower back or an achy knee, you know that arthritis is painful, limiting, and frustrating. Inside an arthritic joint, inflammation creates a cascade of negative changes, including reduced cartilage production and insufficient joint fluid, and the once smooth and effortless joint motion becomes painful and restricted. As the inflammation persists, the joint’s supportive structures weaken and rough bone replaces the smooth cartilage, causing further instability and pain. To relieve their discomfort, dogs may limp or favor an affected limb, but this can lead to more pain, because they overuse other limbs or alter their posture or gait. Finally, similar to your frustration when your mobility is compromised, arthritic dogs can suffer from stress, isolation, and depression, and their quality of life is reduced.

3: Reducing inflammation can reduce arthritis pain.

If you suspect your dog has arthritis, it’s essential that they be evaluated by your veterinarian. Confirming your dog’s diagnosis via physical exam and radiographs (i.e., X-rays) not only reveals which joints are affected, but also helps ensure your dog receives targeted pain relief with a multi-modal management plan.

Because chronic pain and inflammation have widespread effects on the body, your dog’s treatment plan will likely address arthritis signs in several different ways. General goals include reducing inflammation and pain, preserving and improving joint health and current mobility levels, and promoting a healthy body condition via weight loss. Anti-inflammatory measures may include:

• Medications 
• Supplements
• Pain-relieving therapies (e.g., laser or shockwave therapy, massage)
• Low-impact exercise
• Nutrition
• Lifestyle modifications

4: Arthritic dogs still need physical exercise

Although many dog owners want to restrict their senior dog’s physical activity, regular low-impact exercise, such as controlled leash walks or walking on an underwater treadmill, is essential for preserving your dog’s current mobility and maintaining a healthy muscle mass. Remember, what they don’t use, they lose!

But, before you grab your dog’s leash, talk to your veterinarian. They can ensure your dog’s pain is well controlled and that exercise won’t worsen their arthritis. They can also assess your dog’s body condition and, if necessary, provide you with a guided weight loss plan. Fat tissue is naturally pro-inflammatory and forces your dog to bear extra weight on each painful joint, so proactive measures that address your dog’s weight are crucial.

5: Accessibility modifications can enhance your dog’s everyday life

In addition to veterinary-supervised therapies, you can make many small changes in and around your home so your dog is more comfortable, mobile, and confident. Helping your dog maintain their normal routine and family role can help prevent stress and depression often associated with chronic pain.

Common at-home modifications include:

• Installing non-slip rugs, runners, or yoga mats over slick floors — Arthritic dogs may fear losing their balance on slick surfaces, such as hardwood, tile, and concrete. Create a path using non-slip mats to help your dog navigate without worry.

• Using pet ramps to help your dog maintain independence and avoid falls — Arthritic dogs often hesitate to jump or climb stairs, because these movements trigger pain. Pet ramps are affordable and portable and allow your pet to safely reach their favorite resting places (e.g., beds, furniture) or get in and out of your vehicle.

• Elevating food and water dishes for comfort — Leaning over to reach floor-level dishes can be challenging for dogs with arthritis in their forelimbs, neck, and upper back. If your dog struggles to reach their bowls, an elevated feeder will help them maintain a more neutral posture.

• Providing a supportive bed with a low-sided entry — The quality and design of your dog’s bed can affect how easily they can lie down and rise. Look for a bed that provides relatively firm support and cradles your dog’s joints, but isn’t too soft when they need to get up. Beds with a low-sided entry and bolstered back are ideal for mobility-challenged dogs. Finally, ensure the bed is centrally located in your home—or consider multiple beds—so your dog always feels part of the family.

Arthritis in older dogs may present challenges to our pets, but doesn’t have to hinder their quality of life. By recognizing the signs early, implementing a veterinarian-supervised treatment plan, and providing gentle exercise and effective pain-reducing therapies, you can help your senior dog age gracefully and comfortably navigate their golden years.

For more information on how to help your dog live longer with less pain and discomfort, check out our free ebook, How to Help Loved Pets Live Longer, or request a concierge consult with me, Dr. Kevin Toman.