How to Tell If Your Dog Has Arthritis

Have you noticed your dog running less, hesitating on stairs or no longer jumping up on the sofa? These could be early signs of joint discomfort and potentially arthritis. Let's talk about canine arthritis, the main symptoms and how to relieve them.

What is canine arthritis?

Arthritis simply means 'inflammation of the joints' and is a common issue for many dogs, especially when they get older. 

In healthy joints, the bone surfaces are covered with a thin layer of smooth cartilage, lubricated with joint fluid, allowing both surfaces to glide without barely any friction.

But in dogs with arthritis, the cartilage gets even thinner, becomes less smooth and as a result, the bone surfaces are rubbing together. Not only this is uncomfortable for your dog, but it also causes further cartilage damage. Their joints get progressively stiffer and their movements become more limited. 

What causes arthritis in dog?

While arthritis is more common in older dogs, it can also develop in younger pups due to joint abnormalities or past injuries. The most common causes include:

• Joint instability (such as from a torn ligament)
• Abnormal cartilage development
• Cartilage damage following trauma or fractures
  

It can affect one joint or several and usually progresses gradually.

How to tell if your dog has arthritis?

The signs to look for

Arthritis in dogs often develops subtly. Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:

• Reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs
• Stiffness, especially after resting
• Limping or favouring one leg
• Licking or chewing at a painful joint

Unlike human arthritis, you won’t usually see redness or swelling, so visual cues alone aren’t enough.

How are the dogs diagnosed?

A simple examination is often not enough to confirm the diagnosis and your vet will most likely recommend X-rays to confirm cartilage damage and help identify the underlying cause.

Sometimes, your vet might also take a sample of fluid from inside the joint, especially if there are signs of infection.

How to treat arthritis? Can it be cured?

While arthritis isn’t curable, it is manageable and many dogs continue to live a pain-free life with a well-managed treatment plan. The goal is to reduce pain, slow progression and support joint health.

Key steps to manage arthritis

• Weight management: Extra weight puts more stress on joints. It is very important to keep your dog's weight under control with a low fat diet and to maintain their activity levels as much as possible.
• Medications: Vets often prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Supplements: An effective joint supplement can support healthy cartilage, reduce inflammation and enhance mobility. If you're looking for a proven solution to help your dog move easier and feel better, HoliPaw Joint Support Supplement is a Vet-recommended option that has restored mobility and quality of life for countless dogs.