Arthritis in Dogs
Understanding Joint Pain & How to Help
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting dogs, particularly as they age. It causes joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, impacting your dog’s quality of life. While arthritis cannot be cured, early intervention and proper management can significantly improve your dog’s comfort and mobility.
What Causes Arthritis in Dogs?
🐾 Aging – Natural joint degeneration over time
🐾 Hip Dysplasia & Joint Abnormalities – Poor joint development leads to early arthritis
🐾 Previous Injuries – Past fractures, ligament tears, or trauma
🐾 Obesity – Extra weight puts strain on the joints
🐾 Breed Predisposition – Large breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are more prone to hip arthritis, while smaller breeds are more susceptible to congenital knee issues, often leading to osteoarthritis in those joints.
🐾 Inflammatory Diseases – Autoimmune conditions affecting joint health
Early detection and management can slow arthritis progression and keep your dog comfortable.
It’s recommended that every senior dog generally should have a musculoskeletal examination annually as all dogs are at risk, regardless of breed.
Signs Your Dog May Have Arthritis
Dogs may not always show obvious signs of pain, but look out for these symptoms:
🐾 Stiffness, especially after resting
🐾 Limping or favouring one leg
🐾 Difficulty standing up, lying down, or using stairs
🐾 Slower movement on walks
🐾 Hesitation to jump onto furniture or into the car
🐾 Licking or chewing joints
🐾 Behavioural changes—less playful or irritable
If you notice any of these signs, book an appointment to assess your dog’s joint health.
When to See a Vet
Arthritis doesn’t go away on its own, and untreated joint pain can severely affect your dog’s quality of life. Seek veterinary care if you notice:
✔ Ongoing stiffness, limping, or reluctance to move
✔ Difficulty standing, lying down, or using stairs
✔ Signs of pain when touched
✔ Loss of interest in play or exercise
At My Corner Vet Nedlands, we offer expert arthritis management to help relieve pain and improve mobility.
Acupuncture can help manage arthritis pain, but it's best suited for certain patients. Book an initial consult with Dr Nadia to see if it’s right for your pet – call our friendly team today!
How We Treat Arthritis in Dogs
Every dog is unique, so we create a tailored arthritis management plan based on their condition, lifestyle, and needs. Our treatment options include:
✔ Comprehensive Joint Assessments
Identifying the severity of arthritis
✔ Pain Relief & Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Safe options to reduce discomfort
✔ Joint Support Therapies
Cartilage-protecting injections
✔ Weight Management Advice
Reducing strain on joints
✔ Home Adaptation Advice
Tips for improving comfort at home
Arthritis can’t be reversed, but proper management makes a huge difference in your dog’s quality of life.
How to Help Your Dog at Home
In addition to veterinary care, you can make daily life easier for an arthritic dog:
🐾 Soft bedding & warm sleeping areas – Reduces stiffness
🐾 Low-Impact, Controlled Exercise – Gentle, slow-paced on-lead walks are best for joint health. Reducing intensity, rather than duration, helps improve joint lubrication and mobility without added strain.
🐾 Weight control – Maintaining a healthy weight relieves joint stress
🐾 Non-slip flooring & ramps – Prevents slipping and joint strain
🐾 Raised food & water bowls – Reduces discomfort while eating
Looking for more ways to support your dog? Ask our vets about long-term arthritis management.
Arthritis in Dogs– FAQs
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Stiffness, difficulty moving, reluctance to jump, and slower walks are key signs of arthritis. If you notice these, consult a vet.
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Arthritis cannot be cured, but with the right treatment, pain can be managed, and mobility can be improved.
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Pain relief, joint supplements, weight management, and mobility support can all help reduce discomfort and stiffness.
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As soon as you notice mobility issues, stiffness, or signs of pain. Early treatment leads to better long-term management.
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Yes! Large breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are more susceptible to arthritis.
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Your dog’s health matters. If you notice signs of arthritis, book an appointment today as Acupuncture can help manage arthritis pain, but it's best suited for certain patients. Book an initial consult with Dr Nadia to see if it’s right for your pet – call our friendly team today!
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