As dogs age, it’s common for them to develop joint stiffness and arthritis. This can make it difficult for them to move around and enjoy their normal activities. While there’s no cure for arthritis, there are many things you can do to help relieve your senior dog’s discomfort. With some simple changes and additions to their care routine, you can improve their joint health and mobility.
Understand arthritis in dogs
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that causes pain and stiffness. It’s caused by a wearing down of the cartilage that cushions the joints. This allows the bones to rub together, leading to swelling, stiffness, and loss of joint mobility. Some common signs of arthritis in dogs include:
- Difficulty standing up
- Reluctance to jump or use stairs
- Lagging behind on walks
- Stiffness after resting
- Limping
- Yelping when touched
Arthritis often affects the hips and elbows, but can impact any joint. Larger breed dogs are at higher risk, as are dogs who are overweight. Previous joint injuries can also increase the chances of developing arthritis.
See your veterinarian
If you notice signs of arthritis in your senior dog, schedule a check-up with your vet. They will perform a physical exam and observe your dog’s movements. X-rays or other imaging tests may be recommended to assess the extent of arthritis present. Blood tests can check for underlying illness that may contribute to joint pain.
Your vet will determine the best treatment options for your dog based on their health history and exam findings. Many dogs benefit from a combination of medications, joint supplements, lifestyle changes, and other therapies to relieve their discomfort. Your vet can provide guidance on developing a tailored care plan.
Joint supplements
Joint supplements are a popular option to support senior dogs with arthritis. They contain ingredients thought to help strengthen cartilage, reduce inflammation, and improve joint mobility. Common ingredients include:
- Glucosamine – Building block of cartilage to cushion joints
- Chondroitin – Helps cartilage retain water for flexibility
- MSM – Sulfur compound with anti-inflammatory effects
- Omega-3 fatty acids – From fish oil, reduce inflammation
These supplements come in various forms such as pills, chews, powders, and liquids. Talk to your vet about using a quality joint supplement for your senior dog. It can take 4-6 weeks to see benefits. Give supplements with food to reduce stomach upset.
Prescription medications
For more severe arthritis, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and improve joint function. These include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Block enzymes that trigger swelling and discomfort. Must be given carefully under veterinary guidance.
- Corticosteroids – Potent anti-inflammatories, but have more side effects with long-term use.
- Disease modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) – Work to slow cartilage breakdown and may help regenerate cartilage.
Your vet will explain proper dosage and potential side effects of any prescribed medications. Close monitoring is needed to adjust dosing and watch for problems like stomach ulcers or kidney damage.
Weight management
Carrying extra pounds puts more stress on doggie joints. Losing weight can tremendously improve mobility and decrease arthritis pain. Talk to your vet about an ideal weight goal for your senior dog. They can recommend feeding guidelines and exercise plans to gradually take off the pounds.
Feed a joint-friendly diet for weight loss. Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets OM Overweight are therapeutic foods to nourish dogs while promoting weight loss. They contain glucosamine, omega-3s, and optimal protein/fat content. For homemade diets, choose lean proteins, antioxidant fruits/veggies, and fish oil.
Exercise
Exercise is important for arthritic dogs to strengthen muscles, increase joint flexibility, maintain a healthy weight, and boost energy levels. But it should be low impact and in moderation to avoid overexertion. Try these senior-friendly activities:
- Short, frequent walks – 10-20 minutes 1-2 times daily
- Swimming or water walking – No-impact and builds strength
- Slow hunting games – Hide & seek, sniffing for treats
- Range of motion stretches – Gentle leg and joint movements
Keep exercise sessions short with lots of rest in between. Let your dog set the pace. Discontinue any activity that causes limping or panting. Always provide a soft surface for play and sleep.
Massage
Gentle massage stimulates blood flow to deliver healing nutrients to joints and muscles. It also releases endorphins to ease discomfort and relax the body. Focus massage efforts on major joints – hips, knees, shoulders, elbows. Use circular motions and moderate pressure (unless painful). Start with 5 minutes per area daily.
Consider an appointment with a certified canine massage therapist. They have special training to safely work on dogs. Under their guidance, you can learn specific techniques to practice at home between visits.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy uses targeted exercises, stretches, and other treatments to improve joint mobility. It helps strengthen the muscles supporting the joints and provides pain relief. Talk to your vet about referring you to a canine physical therapist (CPT).
The CPT will do an evaluation and design a custom rehab plan. Therapies may include therapeutic ultrasound, electric stimulation, therapeutic laser, assisted walking on treadmills, therapeutic taping, and more. You’ll be taught how to properly continue exercises at home.
Alternative therapies
Some alternative remedies may help soothe arthritis discomfort in dogs. Always check with your vet before using a new therapy. Options to discuss include:
- Acupuncture – Fine needles stimulate healing effects
- Chiropractic care – Adjusts misalignments in the joints and spine
- Homeopathy – Extremely diluted natural substances to trigger healing
- CBD oil – May reduce inflammation and ease arthritis pain
Research on the benefits of these therapies for dogs is limited. But they may provide modest improvements in mobility and pain levels. For older dogs, even small gains can make a big difference in their comfort and quality of life.
Senior dog-friendly environment
Make some simple changes around your home to accommodate your arthritic senior dog:
- Place mats on tile floors for traction
- Block off stairs with pet gates
- Provide ramps or stairs to get on furniture
- Elevate food/water bowls
- Open doors to eliminate jumping
- Washable dog beds with bolster/memory foam
Dogs with limited mobility need to conserve their energy. Create a quiet rest area without stairs or access to furniture they could injure themselves trying to get on. Provide orthopedic beds and ramps for comfort and safety.
Monitor activity
Carefully supervise your senior dog’s activity levels. Restrict access to slick floors, stairs, or unstable surfaces they could slip and fall on. Lift in and out of cars. Discourage jumping. Prevent chasing or playing with rowdy dogs that could lead to injuries.
Signs your dog is overdoing it include limping, panting, whining, slowing down on walks, or reluctance to move. If you notice these, let them rest immediately. Call your vet if lameness persists more than 48 hours or other concerns arise.
Maintain healthy weight
Excess weight strains the joints and worsens arthritis over time. Monitor your senior dog’s body condition score and adjust feeding as needed. Feed a high quality senior diet and avoid too many treats or table scraps.
Weigh your dog at least every 1-2 months. You should be able to feel their ribs easily without a thick layer of fat over them. A tucked abdomen from above and waist inward of the ribs from the side are ideal body condition.
Use warming/cooling treatments
Therapeutic temperatures can temporarily relieve arthritic pain. Try these safe options:
- Heating pad or warm compress – Apply for 10-15 minutes to relax muscles
- Cold compress – Use for 5-10 minutes to reduce swelling
- Warm bath – Provide grip mat and assist dog in & out
Avoid using warming creams or rubs directly on dogs as they may contain ingredients unsafe if licked off. Do not apply hot or cold therapies directly to joints.
Pain management
If arthritis is severely impacting your senior dog’s quality of life, your vet may prescribe stronger medication for pain relief. Options include:
- Tramadol – Oral opioid pain reliever
- Gabapentin – Nerve pain medication
- Amantadine – Originally an antiviral, used for arthritic pain
- Adequan – Joint fluid substitute injected monthly into muscle
These medications have potential side effects so should be given under veterinary supervision. Never give your dog OTC pain meds like aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen as these are toxic.
Consider hip replacement
For end-stage hip arthritis, a hip replacement surgery may be an option. This removes the arthritic ball and socket joint and replaces it with an artificial one. Dogs typically recover well from this procedure.
Hip replacement is major surgery so your dog must be healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and handle the recovery period. Their other joints should be in good shape so they can use the new hip. Discuss the risks and benefits with your vet.
Monitor for side effects
When trying new arthritis remedies or medications, watch for any worrisome side effects. Contact your vet if you notice:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased thirst/urination
- Lethargy/fatigue
- Skin irritation
- Bleeding gums
- Breathing issues
Adjustments to dosing or a medication switch may be needed. Report any concerning symptoms right away to keep your dog comfortable and safe.
Consider palliative/hospice care
If your senior dog has reached the point where arthritis is severely limiting their quality of life, you may need to consider options for end-of-life care. Palliative care focuses on relieving pain and making them comfortable. Hospice provides support as you care for your ailing dog.
Your vet can advise you when your dog’s condition is declining to where their arthritis is no longer manageable. There are in-home hospice veterinarians in many areas that will come to your home. They can provide pain management, quality of life assessments, and guidance on saying goodbye when the time comes.
Keep an arthritis diary
One helpful way to monitor your senior dog’s arthritis is to keep a diary of their progress. Note things like:
- Medications/supplements given and timing
- Feeding amount
- Weight
- Exercise – duration and activities
- Massage or therapy sessions
- Signs of pain – limping, stiffness, reluctance to move
- Changes in appetite or behavior
This record can help you determine what’s working well and flag any concerning symptoms for your vet. It also provides helpful details at veterinary appointments when evaluating your dog’s condition and treatment options.
Consider multi-modal management
Using a combination of treatment approaches often works better than any one method alone. Work with your vet to develop a plan that may include:
- Joint supplements
- Prescription medication
- Weight loss diet
- Low-impact exercise
- Physical therapy
- Alternative therapies
- Environment/lifestyle adaptations
Focus on long-term management rather than expecting a quick fix. Be patient as it may take time to find the right therapies and dosages to optimize your dog’s comfort.
Provide tender loving care
In addition to medical treatments, don’t underestimate the power of TLC! Your arthritic senior dog will benefit from:
- Petting/massaging sore spots
- Wrapping them in a warm blanket
- Brushing frequently to stimulate circulation
- Speaking softly and maintaining a calm environment
- Keeping them near you as much as possible
- Carrying them gently up/down stairs
Make them as comfortable, loved, and pain-free as you can. This will give precious quality time with your senior pup in their golden years.
Conclusion
Arthritis can rob senior dogs of their mobility and quality of life. But there are many ways pet parents can help relieve their discomfort. Work closely with your veterinarian to find the right combination of treatments. Lifestyle changes, gentle exercise, alternative therapies, medication, and supplements can all provide benefits.
While there is no cure for arthritis, focus on managing symptoms and slowing the disease progression. Pay close attention to your dog’s signals and make adjustments as needed. With some TLC and the right care plan, you can keep your arthritic dog comfortable and loving life as they age.
