As our canine companions age, one of the things we think about most often is their joints. Joint pain (and the myriad things that can cause it) often starts to show up in later years, and I’m sure every dog parent cringes any time there is even the slightest hint of a limp.
Of course, joint pain isn’t exclusive to older dogs – lots of young dogs suffer for a variety of reasons – but it is more common for our older pups (but we’ll get to that…).
If your dog is slowing down, hesitating before jumping onto the couch, or taking a little longer to get up after a nap, it may be tempting to chalk it up to getting older. But these subtle changes can also be signs of osteoarthritis in dogs.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting dogs. It is progressive, meaning it tends to worsen over time, but that doesn’t mean a diagnosis has to mean the end of an active, happy life. With the right combination of veterinary care, appropriate exercise, healthy nutrition, weight management, and supportive therapies, many dogs with osteoarthritis can remain comfortable and mobile for years.
Let’s jump in!
What is Osteoarthritis in Dogs?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints. Healthy joints are lined with smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of bones and allows them to move easily. With osteoarthritis, that cartilage gradually deteriorates. Changes also occur in the surrounding tissues, including the joint capsule and bone, resulting in inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
Osteoarthritis can affect virtually any joint, but it commonly involves the hips, knees, elbows, shoulders, and spine.
Is it the same as arthritis? Well, no, not really. Althought the terms arthritis and osteoarthritis are often used interchangeably, they aren’t technically identical. Arthritis is a broad term that means inflammation or disease of a joint. There are many types of arthritis, including infectious, immune-mediated, inflammatory, and degenerative forms.
Osteoarthritis is different. It’s a specific type of arthritis characterized by progressive degeneration of the joint and its associated structures.
In other words, osteoarthritis is arthritis, but not all arthritis is osteoarthritis.
The signs of osteoarthritis can be surprisingly subtle, especially in the early stages. Some dogs don’t appear obviously lame or painful at all – we already know our dogs can be masters of hiding their discomfort!
Symptoms can vary and, as mentioned, be subtle. Watch for:
- Stiffness, particularly after resting or sleeping
- Difficulty getting up or lying down
- Reluctance to climb stairs
- Hesitation before jumping onto furniture or into the car
- Walking more slowly or taking shorter walks
- Limping or favouring one leg
- Difficulty sitting or getting into a normal sitting position
- Reduced interest in playing
- Sleeping more than usual
- Less enthusiasm for activities they previously enjoyed
- Changes in gait
- Muscle loss, particularly around an affected limb
- Irritability when touched in a painful area
- Holding the head or tail differently
- Difficulty getting comfortable
- Slipping more frequently on smooth floors
These signs aren’t necessarily present all the time. A dog may seem perfectly normal after warming up, making it easy to miss the fact that something is wrong.
What Causes Osteoarthritis in Dogs?
There isn’t one single cause of osteoarthritis. In many dogs, several factors contribute to the development of joint degeneration.
- Age: The risk of osteoarthritis increases as dogs get older because joints experience years of normal wear and tear. However, osteoarthritis isn’t simply a normal or unavoidable part of aging. Younger dogs can develop it, too.
- Genetics: Some dogs are genetically predisposed to joint problems. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and other developmental abnormalities can alter joint movement and place abnormal stress on cartilage. Larger dogs, such as shepherds, labs, great Danes, Bernese mountain dogs, golden retrievers, etc., are at the top of the list, as are those breeds prone to hip or elbow dysplasia, or those prone to other orthopedic predispositions (e.g., Dachshunds – intervertebral disc disease and abnormal spinal loading can contribute to degenerative changes and mobility problems).
- Previous Injuries: An injury to a joint can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis later. Cruciate ligament injuries, fractures involving a joint, and other orthopedic injuries can all contribute to long-term joint degeneration. Often this is related to overcompensation.
- Excess Weight: Carrying extra weight places additional mechanical stress on the joints. Body fat can also contribute to chronic, low-grade inflammation, creating another pathway through which excess weight can worsen joint disease. For a dog with osteoarthritis, maintaining a healthy body condition is one of the most important things you can do to protect mobility and comfort. If your dog is carrying a little extra weight, here are some safe ways to get it to a healthy level.
Managing with Natural Supplements
As always, we turn to Mother Nature first for her healing wisdom. Supplements can be very useful as part of a comprehensive approach to managing osteoarthritis.
Here are some of the better-studied options.
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids – particularly EPA and DHA – are among the most promising nutritional tools for dogs with osteoarthritis. They top our list, without a doubt.
Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory effects and can influence inflammatory pathways involved in joint disease. Research has found evidence that omega-3-enriched diets and omega-3 supplementation can help with clinical signs of osteoarthritis in dogs.
Fish oil is a common source, but the important consideration is the amount of EPA and DHA, as well as the sustainability aspect, rather than simply the total amount of fish oil. Our Potent-Sea, made from algae oil, covers both of those considerations!
2. Collagen
Collagen is another supplement sometimes used for canine joint support. Studies have shown that dogs have less stiffness and lower overall pain after exercise, that supplemented pets put more weight on their legs and move more comfortably, and that collagen metabolites can lower specific inflammatory signals inside joint cells.
3. Antioxidants
The degeneration of the tissues that protect the joints starts in the cells, and free radicals and oxidative stress can be a huge problem for cells! Antioxidants help manage osteoarthritis by neutralizing free radicals and reducing the oxidative stress that damages joint cartilage and drives inflammation! Our favourite? Phytoplankton! You can find it in both out Phyto Synergy (pure phytoplankton) and our Vital Defense (coupled with chaga for mega antioxidant power).
4. Boswellia
Boswellia is a natural plant extract that has been shown to help reduce joint inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis. This is thanks to its anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Turmeric
This golden spice contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. It’s like a superhero cape for your dog’s cells, fighting off inflammation and supporting overall well-being. On it’s own, it’s not absorbed very well, that’s why we use it by making Golden Paste.
Note: These supplements can be incredible for helping to manage osteoarthritis in dogs (and people, too), but check with your vet if you’re using other things (ex. NSAIDs) for pain or mobility, just to avoid any contraindications.
Honourable Mentions
If you know us, you know that homeopathy is going to be on this list! Our chosen remedies for osteoarthritis support are Arnica, Ruta, Symphytum, and Calendula. They are all indicated for the various elements of joint pain – it’s why they make up our Jump for JOYnts!
Don’t forget about inflammation-fighting foods! There are so many foods that you can add to your dog’s bowl that can help reduce the inflammation that can contribute to the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
- Berries
- Dark, leafy greens
- Cruciferous veggies
- Cucumber
- Apples
Nom, nom, nom!
Exercise for Dogs With Osteoarthritis
It may seem counterintuitive to exercise a dog whose joints hurt, but regular, controlled movement is one of the cornerstones of osteoarthritis management. Essentially, just as with humans, you have to move to move.
Too little activity can lead to muscle loss, stiffness, weight gain, and declining fitness – all of which can make osteoarthritis worse. Appropriate exercise helps maintain muscle strength, joint mobility, circulation, and overall fitness.
The key is controlled, regular exercise rather than intense or high-impact activity.
Depending on your dog’s condition, appropriate activities may include:
- Short, frequent walks
- Gentle leash walking on relatively level surfaces
- Swimming or carefully supervised water exercise
- Veterinary-guided physical rehabilitation
- Gentle strengthening exercises
- Slow, controlled movement rather than explosive bursts of activity
A note from our fearless leader, Julie Anne Lee DCH RCSHom: “Remember, after exercise, the body needs rest to recover. Massage, chiropractics and acupuncture for support, homeopathic remedies like Arnica after heavy workouts, and Bio 12 tissue salts for electrolyte balance are all things I’d recommend.”
How Dogs Hide Pain
Before we go, it’s important to talk about one more thing: pain.
One of the biggest challenges with osteoarthritis is that dogs can be remarkably good at hiding pain.
Dogs are stoic creatures. They’ve evolved to avoid showing vulnerability, and many don’t cry, whine, or obviously limp even when they’re uncomfortable. Instead, pain may show up as a collection of tiny behavioural changes.
In fact, “slowing down” can be a sign of pain, not simply old age.
Pay attention to changes in your dog’s normal routine. Look for those subtle signs…
Your dog may be experiencing discomfort if you notice:
- They take longer to get up. If your dog used to spring up from bed but now needs to shift around, stretch, or slowly rise, take notice.
- They stop doing things they used to love. Maybe your dog no longer races to the door, plays fetch as long, or jumps onto the bed. A gradual loss of enthusiasm can be a pain signal.
- They change how they use stairs. Hesitating, taking the stairs one at a time, or avoiding them altogether can indicate joint discomfort.
- They become less social. Some painful dogs withdraw, sleep more, or spend more time alone.
- Their personality changes. Pain can make a normally affectionate dog irritable or less tolerant of being handled.
- They don’t like being touched. A dog who suddenly objects to having their hips, back, legs, or paws handled may be telling you something hurts.
- They change their posture. A lower head or tail carriage, an unusual sitting position, or difficulty finding a comfortable position can all be clues.
Keeping a simple journal or taking occasional videos of your dog’s movement can also help you identify gradual changes that are difficult to notice day to day.
Managing Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Think Holistically
We’re nothing if not holistically minded, and that means we’re thinking about the whole. There is no single supplement, food, exercise routine, or treatment that works for every dog with osteoarthritis. In our experience, the best approach is multimodal, combining several strategies to address pain, inflammation, mobility, body weight, and quality of life.
That means:
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Appropriate daily exercise
- Physical rehabilitation
- Omega-3 fatty acids and other evidence-supported supplements
- Nutritionally appropriate food
- Environmental modifications, such as nonslip flooring and ramps
- Regular veterinary assessments
- Veterinary-prescribed pain medications if needed
Most importantly, don’t assume that stiffness or slowing down is simply something your dog has to live with because they’re getting older. Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, but pain and mobility can often be managed. Recognizing the early signs and taking a proactive approach can make a meaningful difference in your dog’s comfort and quality of life.
