Dog Arthritis Symptoms: How to Spot Joint Pain Early

It’s very easy to miss the early signs of arthritis in dogs. Despite osteoarthritis being one of the most common chronic conditions in dogs, it frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. Early detection of arthritis through recognition of its subtle signs can lead to better quality of life for your pet.

Here, we’ll discuss what arthritis is, common dog arthritis symptoms to watch for, and what to do if you’re noticing early signs of arthritis.

What Is Arthritis in Dogs?

Canine osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is a painful condition in which the cartilage of the joints breaks down. This cartilage is essential for allowing smooth, pain-free joint movement.

As the cartilage breaks down, the underlying bone begins to change. The affected joints become inflamed and stiff. Eventually, there may be bone-on-bone contact, which is extremely painful.

In addition to causing joint pain in dogs, osteoarthritis affects a dog’s mobility. Commonly affected joints in dogs include the hips, knees, elbows, shoulders, and the joints of the backbone.

Osteoarthritis affects around 20% of dogs over the age of one. This number increases as dogs age.

Risk Factors for Canine Arthritis

Arthritis is more common as pets age due to the wear and tear on their joints over time. Genetics also play a role in the development of arthritis. For example, German Shepherds are more likely to have hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia than many other breeds.

Osteoarthritis can also develop due to:

• Inherited or developmental conditions, like hip dysplasia
• Joint trauma and injuries, such as previous fractures, joint dislocation, or torn ligaments
• Repetitive high-impact exercise
• Chronic strain due to obesity
• Infections that affect the joints
• Prior orthopedic surgery

Common Dog Arthritis Symptoms to Watch For

Some dog arthritis symptoms are more obvious, such as:

• Limping or lameness
• Stiffness after resting
• Difficulty getting up or lying down
• Lagging behind on walks
• Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or play
• Changes in posture or gait
• Licking or chewing at sore joints
• Behavioral changes, such as irritability or withdrawal
• Muscle atrophy in the hips and back legs

Early Signs of Arthritis in Dogs

The early signs of arthritis in dogs can be more subtle. These include:

• Sleeping more than usual
• Difficulty finding a comfortable position at night
• Hesitation before movement
• Less interest in activities the dog previously enjoyed
• Reduced flexibility or range of motion
• Groaning when getting up

For example, if your dog used to assume the frog-legged or “sploot” position but can no longer do so, it might be worth considering osteoarthritis in the hips.

It’s important that you don’t chalk these symptoms up to “normal aging.” Noticing these subtle dog joint pain symptoms can help your pet get diagnosed earlier. Earlier intervention may translate to better outcomes for your pet, and you may be able to slow the condition’s progression.

How to Tell If Your Dog Has Arthritis at Home

Osteoarthritis does require a veterinary diagnosis, but at-home observations can help your veterinarian achieve the diagnosis.

Examples of observations you can make at home that may indicate arthritis include:

• My pet is stiffer in the morning right after getting up.
• I have to cut our walks short because my dog is struggling to keep up.
• I’ve noticed that my dog doesn’t jump onto my bed anymore.
• My pet eats better if I elevate their bowl from the ground.

Consider keeping a symptom journal. Write what you’re noticing and when you’re noticing it. If you’ve noticed any changes to your dog’s behavior, it’s a good idea to start tracking these changes.

When to Call the Veterinarian

Your veterinarian can diagnose osteoarthritis and develop an effective treatment plan for your dog.

You should call your veterinarian if your dog:

• Has symptoms that last more than a few days
• Limps constantly or intermittently
• Has changes in mobility
• Reacts painfully to touch

If you’re noticing canine arthritis symptoms, then it’s likely your dog is experiencing pain, and pain should never be ignored. It’s best to contact your veterinarian even if you’re only noticing subtle dog arthritis signs. If you’re unsure, your veterinarian can help you determine if your pet is affected by osteoarthritis.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Arthritis

Your veterinarian will discuss any changes that you’re seeing at home. They may have you fill out an osteoarthritis questionnaire to see if your pet is showing signs.

After, they’ll perform their physical examination. This should include palpating the joints, manipulating the joints, and analyzing your pet’s gait. They may perform x-rays of your dog’s joints. In some cases, sedation is necessary to allow pain-free manipulation of the joints for x-rays.

The veterinarian will want to rule out other causes of pain or “slowing down.” They’ll evaluate your dog’s neurologic system as part of their examination. Some neurologic conditions can share symptoms, such as muscle atrophy or weakness in the hind end, with osteoarthritis.

Early professional evaluation can result in earlier intervention. In some cases, progression of osteoarthritis can also be slowed through early veterinary intervention.

Dog Arthritis Treatment Options

Dog arthritis treatment includes both things you can do at home and veterinary treatments. If you suspect arthritis, it’s important to have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian is likely to recommend a combination of prescription medications, over-the-counter treatments, and lifestyle changes to manage arthritis.

Lifestyle changes that can help your pet include:

• Weight management: Obesity adds extra strain on the joints. Ask your veterinarian about your dog’s body condition and work with them to develop a healthy weight loss plan.
• Low-impact exercise plans: Exercise continues to be important, even in dogs with arthritis. Low-impact exercises include walking and swimming. Avoid running and jumping in dogs with osteoarthritis.
• Home modifications: Consider placing mats on hard floors and adding ramps to your pet’s favorite furniture. You can also use a ramp for getting into and out of the car. An orthopedic bed is another good option for helping your pet get comfortable at night.

Some over-the-counter treatments can be beneficial for dogs with arthritis, such as:

• Joint supplements: Common ingredients in joint supplements for dogs include glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids. Your veterinarian can help you select a joint supplement. It’s a good idea to look for the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Even if you do not provide your dog with a full joint supplement, Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be beneficial for dogs with arthritis. Work with your veterinarian to determine dosing.
• CBD: There is some evidence that cannabidiol may be beneficial for dogs with osteoarthritis, though studies are ongoing.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as grapiprant or carprofen, are used to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. These are usually given daily. NSAIDs are a standard treatment for dogs with arthritis.

Another potential prescription treatment is the anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody called bedinvetmab (Librela). Nerve growth factor (NGF) is elevated in dogs with osteoarthritis and plays a role in pain perception. By binding to NGF, bedinvetmab prevents NGF from binding to its receptors, which reduces the release of chemical signals for pain and inflammation. Bedinvetmab is given once monthly as an injection under the skin.

If you are interested in this prescription option, make sure to discuss the risks and benefits of these medications for your individual pet with your veterinarian. In some cases, adverse effects can be severe.

You can also see if your veterinarian offers any alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or laser therapy, or request a referral to a clinic that may have these options. Canine rehabilitation centers may have alternative therapies available for dogs with arthritis.

Preventing or Slowing Joint Pain in Dogs

If your dog is prone to arthritis, there are steps you can take to prevent or slow the onset of joint pain:

• Keep your dog at a healthy weight
• Provide regular, moderate exercise
• Offer a nutritionally complete, joint-friendly diet appropriate for your dog’s life stage
• Avoid high-impact activities like jumping hurdles
• Have your pet seen for regular veterinary checkups
• Start your dog on joint supplements early

Trust Your Instincts

Osteoarthritis is manageable with early detection and early intervention. When something seems “off,” trust your instincts. No one knows your pet better than you do! If you see signs of arthritis in your dog, even if you think they’re subtle or mild, schedule a veterinary exam to discuss treatment options to help your pet stay comfortable and active.