Watching your dog struggle with arthritis can be heartbreaking, but the good news is you can learn how to help a dog with arthritis at home. Arthritis is a common condition in the life cycle of a dog. Still, simple lifestyle changes, vet-recommended tips, and a bit of TLC can go a long way in keeping your pup comfortable and improving their quality of life.
If you’ve noticed your dog slowing down on walks, having difficulty climbing the stairs or finding it harder to get up after a nap, this guide will give you simple but effective ways to manage your pup’s pain and keep their tail wagging.
Understanding canine arthritis: signs and symptoms
One of the first signs your dog might have arthritis is stiffness, particularly after resting or a long walk. Your pup might limp when walking and have difficulty standing up or lying down. He might find it harder to jump into the car and be reluctant to climb stairs he once bounded up three steps at a time.
Although your dog can’t tell you they’re in pain, dogs with arthritis often exhibit noticeable behavioural changes which is why it’s important to know what to look out for.
YuMOVE vet, Dr Charlotte Rice, BVSc PgC(SAC) MRCVS, says: ‘As you know, your dog can’t tell you they’re in pain, but at the same time, they’re exceptionally loyal. This means if you ask them to walk miles with you every day or encourage them to jump on the bed or into the car, they will often do their best to please you, even if that means pushing through joint stiffness and pain. This is why it is really important to be in the know when it comes to the signs of stiffness.’
Common signs of joint stiffness associated with arthritis
- A change in behaviour – for example being calmer or quieter than usual
- A lack of enthusiasm when it comes to walks, or slowly lagging behind
- Difficulty or slower standing to rise after resting
- Reluctance to go up and down stairs, or jumping in and out of cars
- Lameness
- Excessive licking at sore joints
These are just some of the warning signs of joint stiffness. We always recommend taking your dog to see your vet if you’ve got any concerns or worries.
Some dogs with arthritis lick and chew their joints to soothe discomfort. Arthritic dogs often become more restless, whining or whimpering as they can’t find a comfortable position when lying down. Other symptoms include sleeping more than usual and, in chronic cases, reduced appetite as it can even become uncomfortable for them to eat.
There are physical signs of arthritis, too, such as swollen or stiff joints. Muscle atrophy in dogs is also a common sign of arthritis, which can be due to reduced activity from favouring one leg when walking, or moving less in general.
How to help a dog with arthritis at home: Practical tips
Thankfully, there are many ways to help a dog with arthritis at home. Although arthritis is progressive, the following tips explain how to help a dog's arthritis naturally with changes at home.
- Create a comfortable resting place: provide supportive bedding such as an orthopaedic bed
- Keep your pup’s living area warm: Warmth can help arthritis symptoms
- Manage slippy areas: Use anti-slip rugs or yoga mats to help your dog get around the house. Keep their nails trimmed and fur between their pads short to help with grip
- Adapt your exercise routine: Avoid high-impact exercise such as chasing a ball and try to be consistent. Short, gentle daily walks are better than a ten-mile hike at the weekend
- Monitor your dog’s weight: Obesity puts additional strain on joints, so chat with your vet about the ideal weight for your dog to manage arthritis symptoms
- Feed a nutrient-rich diet: Marine protein sources like fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory benefits
- Consider gentle massage, acupuncture or physiotherapy: Ask your vet for a recommendation to a reputable therapist. Some vets have in-house services.
- Try hydrotherapy: Swimming is a non-weight-bearing exercise that can help your dog stay mobile, burn off some calories, and have fun without putting pressure on the joints
How to help a dog with arthritis naturally: Lifestyle adjustments
Arthritis isn’t curable, and often prescription medication is needed, but don't forget there are lots of other ways you can also help your pup.
- Plan a daily routine with gentle movement and lots of rest in a warm space with a comfortable, supportive bed. Keeping dogs with arthritis moving, gently, is very important.
- Consider a purpose-built dog ramp if your dog struggles to climb stairs or hop into the car.
- Stick to regular low-impact exercise to help keep your dog mobile. Short walks, gentle stretching, massage, doggy acupuncture or swimming can help. Your vet can recommend an approved hydrotherapy centre.
However you choose to manage your dog’s arthritis at home, the key is to aim for consistency. Make small changes gradually, and you will see the long-term benefits for your dog’s mobility and happiness.
Diet
Feed an anti-inflammatory, Omega-3-rich diet like salmon, and add a spoonful of fish oil or flaxseed. Your vet can advise you on this. Blueberries, carrots, spinach, kale, and sweet potatoes are excellent antioxidants fed in moderation.
Exercise and mobility: Keeping your dog active safely
Short, frequent exercise sessions are better than long walks. Start off a walk slowly and let your dog dictate the pace. To help make walks more fun for your dog, occasionally hide treats or a toy for your dog to find. Scent games open up a world of fun to replace fur-raising chasing balls and sticks.
If you’re unsure how to spot stiff joints in dogs, keep a daily journal to monitor physical and behavioural changes. Note limping, fatigue or stiffness after walks and be sure to reach out to your vet.
Gentle therapies and natural remedies for arthritis in dogs
Your dog may require veterinary support, but natural therapies may complement traditional treatments. Hydrotherapy is excellent if your dog has muscle loss from arthritis, and from several other causes too. Swimming is fantastic for strengthening muscles to support the joints.
Heat therapy is another holistic method for arthritis. It can help to support with discomfort. Your vet or a vet-approved pet physiotherapist may offer heat therapy to support with mobility. After initial treatments, your vet may recommend and advise on using a heating pad at home.
When used correctly, heat therapy can help manage your dog’s arthritis and improve their quality of life.
Massage therapy can also help reduce stiffness by improving circulation. For the best support, we recommend visiting a qualified veterinary physiotherapist. They can provide professional care and teach you safe, effective techniques to practice at home under their guidance.
It’s important to avoid massaging your dog without proper instruction. Factors like pressure, target areas and repetition play a crucial role in ensuring your dog’s comfort and wellbeing.
The role of weight management in joint health
Managing your dog's weight helps prevent extra pressure on joints, which can worsen arthritis symptoms. Choose low calorie, high-fibre foods and replace fattening treats with healthy options like carrots or low-fat treats.
Consider buying a slow feeder to prevent your dog from bolting their food. It might seem frustrating to us, but a slow feeder keeps your dog mentally engaged. Work with your vet towards a healthy weight and encourage the entire family to get on board because even a tiny amount of weight lost can help make a difference to arthritis symptoms.
When to seek veterinary support
You now know how to help a dog with arthritis at home. Still, many dogs may need additional veterinary intervention. Routine check-ups help spot early signs of arthritis, which can help prevent worsening symptoms.
Contact your vet if symptoms seem to be getting worse, such as:
- Limping
- Increased stiffness or difficulty standing
- Signs of pain such as whining, licking joints, irritability when touched
- Loss of appetite or reluctance to move
Your vet may recommend a tailored treatment plan, such as prescription medication, supplements, physiotherapy or hydrotherapy.
It’s important to mention that a dog in pain can act out of character. So, always monitor interactions with young family members.
Takeaway
Dogs of all ages can experience arthritis, although it is more common in senior dogs. Still, that doesn’t mean your pup can’t continue to enjoy a happy, active life. Your dog can have fun times with proper care and a treatment plan.
Focus on consistency, implementing new habits such as joint care, weight management, gentle exercise, a comfortable and secure environment, natural therapies and veterinary care.
With the right approach, these small daily actions can make a big difference to your dog and help them stays comfortable, mobile and tail-waggingly happy for many years.
