Understanding Arthritis in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Care

Has your dog started slowing down, getting up more hesitantly or outright limping? If so, they may be suffering from arthritis. This common joint issue often affects dogs as they age, but it can also develop in younger dogs. Here’s how to tell if your dog might have arthritis and how you can help them get back to their normal, active lifestyle.

What Is Arthritis in Dogs?

Arthritis, also called osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a degenerative condition that leads to joint inflammation. Arthritis causes the cartilage covering the ends of the bones to break down. The joint capsule may also be affected, leading to reduced joint fluid production. The loss of cushion within the joint can lead to inflammation and pain. 

Arthritis is a common age-related disease in dogs, but it can also affect younger dogs with a genetic predisposition or a history of injury. The condition is most prevalent in large breeds. Although any joint can be affected, arthritis typically develops in the major weight-bearing joints, namely the hips, elbows, knees and shoulders. 

Causes of Arthritis in Dogs

In many cases, arthritis develops over time due to a combination of aging and wear and tear on a dog’s joints. However, underlying issues can increase the likelihood that a dog will develop arthritis, including: 

• Developmental diseases. Conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia are a significant cause of arthritis, even in young dogs. 
• Genetics. Certain dog breeds are more likely to develop underlying conditions that can lead to arthritis, like hip dysplasia. 
• Infections. Infections that involve the joints, such as some tick-borne infections, can cause arthritis. 
• Injuries. An injury involving the bones or cartilage of a joint can lead to the development of arthritis down the road. 
• Obesity. Extra weight increases the strain on a dog’s joints, accelerating normal wear and tear.
• Repetitive stress. Joints can wear down prematurely if they are subjected to repetitive stress from work or canine sports.

Dog Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis-induced inflammation typically leads to signs of joint pain, such as:

• Bunny hopping when running
• Difficulty going up or down stairs
• Difficulty rising after lying down
• Hesitancy to jump onto furniture or into the car
• Limping
• Muscle loss
• Reduced activity, or slowing down
• Stiff gait

In addition to these changes, you may notice shifts in your dog’s behavior — such as irritability or becoming withdrawn — that stem from pain and discomfort. Dog owners sometimes attribute slowing down and behavior changes to normal aging, when, in fact, they may be due to arthritis, which can be treated to increase the dog’s quality of life.

How Is Arthritis Diagnosed in Dogs?

If you suspect your dog has arthritis, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your vet will perform a thorough physical exam, focusing on your dog’s joints and movement. They will also gather information from you about changes you have noticed in your dog’s activity and behavior. 

Your veterinarian will likely suggest X-rays to visualize and evaluate the affected joints. Some dogs require sedation for X-rays, since the vet may need to position them in a way that is uncomfortable for their painful joints. Your veterinarian will evaluate the X-rays for signs of joint deterioration. They may also recommend other testing, such as blood work or infectious disease screening, if they suspect an underlying condition is causing arthritis.

The national average cost* for simple arthritis testing is $234, but it can range from $185 to $423.¹ Testing that involves imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI scan, can cost anywhere from $325 to $747, with an average cost* of $410.¹

Dog Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis treatment typically involves medications, supplements and therapies to decrease inflammation and pain and improve your dog’s comfort. Severe cases, especially in young dogs, may require surgery. The following outlines some treatments your veterinarian may recommend.

Arthritis medicine for dogs

These medications may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to decrease inflammation and pain. Steroids may be used for a short time in some cases, but are not suitable for long-term management. 
• Pain medications. Analgesics, which are medications that decrease pain perception, can also help a dog feel more comfortable.

Dog arthritis supplements

Your veterinarian may suggest supplements for your dog:

• Joint supplements. Some nutritional supplements — such as glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids — may help slow arthritis progression. 

Dog arthritis treatment

There are treatments beyond medication and supplements that may help:

• Rehabilitation therapy. Your veterinarian may recommend alternative therapies — such as acupuncture, laser therapy, underwater treadmill therapy or therapeutic exercises — as part of your dog’s treatment plan.
• Surgery. If arthritis is severe, your veterinarian may recommend joint replacement or another surgery to provide long-term relief.
• Weight control. If your dog is overweight, weight loss can play an important role in managing their arthritis.

Veterinarians often use several of these therapies simultaneously as part of a multimodal treatment plan that addresses a dog’s inflammation and discomfort from multiple angles.

Dog arthritis treatment costs

The table below shows the average cost* of common arthritis treatments.¹ 

How to Prevent Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis development is often unavoidable, but there are some factors you can control. Diet and weight are particularly important. Since hip dysplasia is a leading cause of arthritis, it’s important to feed large-breed puppies a diet specifically formulated for large breeds, as it limits nutrients that encourage accelerated bone growth. It's also important to keep your dog at a healthy weight throughout their life to avoid excess stress on their joints. Since Lyme disease can lead to arthritis, you may want to consider including Lyme vaccination in your dog’s regular vaccine schedule.

Helping Your Dog Stay Comfortable and Active

Arthritis doesn’t have to slow your dog down for good. With early detection, the right treatment plan and at-home care, most dogs can regain comfort and get back to enjoying their favorite activities. By staying alert to changes and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help your dog enjoy health and comfort through every life stage.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs

The CareCredit credit card provides a convenient way to pay for your dog's vaccinations and other health and wellness expenses, including exams, medications and products at providers in the CareCredit network.** Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos. Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian that accepts CareCredit to help keep your pet healthy and happy for a lifetime of love.

In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Angela Beal, D.V.M., has more than 20 years of experience as a veterinarian. Leveraging her background in private practice and academia, she uses her passion for writing to convey information to pet owners to help them keep their pets healthy and happy.