Helping Your Dog Live Well With Osteoarthritis
Previously, we’ve talked about the signs of osteoarthritis in dogs and how many dogs show discomfort in subtle ways. They may not cry, limp dramatically or “seem painful”, but they might slow down on walks, hesitate before jumping, become stiff after rest, or seem less enthusiastic about activities they used to enjoy.
As the person who knows your dog best, you are often the first to notice these quiet changes.
So, what should you do next?
What should you do if you think your dog has osteoarthritis?
If you think your dog may have osteoarthritis, the best first step is to book a veterinary appointment.
A thorough physical examination is usually the most important part of that visit. Your vet will check your dog’s general health, assess their movement, and carefully examine their joints, muscles and spine to look for areas of pain, stiffness or reduced mobility.
This matters because not every mobility change is caused by arthritis. Other conditions, including ligament injuries, spinal pain, neurological problems, heart disease and, more rarely, bone cancer, can sometimes cause signs that look similar at home.
Depending on your dog’s age, symptoms and examination findings, your vet may recommend further tests. These may include X-rays to assess the joints or rule out other causes of pain, and blood tests to check liver and kidney function before starting certain pain relief medications.
Osteoarthritis treatment works best as a plan
There is no single “arthritis fix” that suits every dog. Osteoarthritis management works best when it is tailored to your dog’s age, weight, joints, lifestyle, pain level and overall health.
Most treatment plans include a combination of:
exercise and lifestyle changes
pain relief or joint-supporting medications
weight management
regular monitoring and adjustment over time
The good news is that many dogs with osteoarthritis can live very happy, comfortable lives with the right support.
What exercise is best for dogs with arthritis?
Exercise is important for dogs with osteoarthritis, but the type of exercise matters.
In general, we want gentle, regular, controlled movement that keeps muscles strong and joints mobile, without placing sudden strain on sore joints.
For many dogs, this means moving away from intense bursts of activity and towards more predictable, low-impact exercise.
Helpful changes
Aim for shorter, more frequent walks rather than occasional long walks. For example, two or three gentle 10–15 minute walks each day may be better tolerated than one long outing.
Keep walks controlled and on lead, especially if your dog is prone to sprinting, twisting or chasing. Give them time to sniff and explore. Sniffing is excellent mental enrichment and can make a shorter walk feel more satisfying.
Choose stable surfaces such as grass, firm paths or pavement. Softer or uneven surfaces, including deep sand at the beach, can be surprisingly hard work for arthritic joints.
At home, think about where your dog slips, jumps or struggles. Non-slip mats, carpet runners, ramps, steps and supportive bedding can make a big difference to daily comfort.
Activities to avoid or modify
Dogs with osteoarthritis often still want to do the things they love, even when those things are not helping their joints.
High-speed running, ball chasing, rough play with other dogs, sudden turning, jumping in and out of cars, and launching on and off furniture can all aggravate joint pain.
This does not mean your dog’s life has to become boring. It just means we need to find safer ways to meet their needs. Food puzzles, scent games, training exercises, gentle sniff walks and low-impact enrichment can all help keep your dog happy without relying on high-impact exercise.
If your dog absolutely loves ball play, speak with your vet about whether it can be safely modified. For some dogs, occasional controlled play may be possible. For others, it may be best avoided.
Medication and pain relief
Pain relief is often an important part of osteoarthritis management.
This might include anti-inflammatory medications, other pain relief options, or injectable treatments that help reduce pain and support joint comfort. The right choice depends on your dog’s health, age, examination findings and any other medical conditions.
Please avoid starting human pain medications at home. Many common human medications, including ibuprofen and paracetamol, can be dangerous for dogs if used incorrectly.
Your vet may recommend blood or urine testing before or during treatment, especially for older dogs or those needing ongoing medication. This helps us choose safer options and monitor how your dog is tolerating treatment.
One of the most important things to remember is that pain management is not a failure or a last resort. Dogs with osteoarthritis are often much happier, more mobile and more engaged when their pain is properly controlled.
Weight management
Weight control is one of the most powerful tools we have for managing osteoarthritis.
Extra weight increases the load on sore joints every single day, with every single step. It can also contribute to inflammation and make it harder for dogs to stay active.
Even modest weight loss can make a meaningful difference to comfort and mobility in overweight dogs.
If your dog is carrying extra weight, your vet can help you create a realistic plan. This may include calculating your dog’s ideal weight, adjusting food amounts, choosing a lower-calorie diet, reviewing treats, and monitoring progress over time.
Weight loss can be difficult, especially in older dogs who are less active, but you do not have to work it out alone.
Do nutritional support and supplements help?
Nutrition is often overlooked in osteoarthritis management, but it can be very helpful.
Some complete veterinary diets are specifically formulated to support joint health. These may include ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine and chondroitin, while also helping with weight control.
If you do not want to change your dog’s whole diet, supplements may be an option. Joint supplements containing ingredients such as green-lipped mussel, omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine or chondroitin may provide additional support for some dogs.
The evidence for supplements is mixed, and they should not be relied upon as the only treatment for a painful dog. However, when chosen carefully, they are often a reasonable part of a broader plan.
It is worth checking supplements with your vet, especially if your dog has other health conditions, is on medication, or is already eating a complete joint-support diet.
Can osteoarthritis be prevented?
Not every case of osteoarthritis can be prevented. Genetics, breed, body shape, previous injuries and joint development all play a role.
However, there are things we can do to reduce risk and slow progression.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most important. Keeping your dog lean reduces daily stress on the joints and is one of the best long-term investments you can make in their mobility.
Exercise habits also matter. High-impact activities such as repeated ball chasing place a lot of force through the joints, particularly when dogs stop suddenly, twist or change direction. If your dog does this type of activity, warm them up first with 10–15 minutes of walking, keep sessions short, and avoid repetitive sharp turning.
Large-breed dogs, dogs with previous injuries, and dogs with known joint conditions may benefit from earlier conversations about joint protection, nutrition and lifestyle.
When should you book an appointment?
Book a check-up if your dog is:
stiff after rest
slowing down on walks
reluctant to jump, climb stairs or get into the car
limping, even occasionally
licking at joints or paws
less playful or more withdrawn
panting, restless or unsettled at night
gaining weight because they are less active
These changes are common in older dogs, but they should not be dismissed as “just old age”. Our Healthy Ageing Program is designed to help identify pain, mobility changes and age-related health concerns early.
The bones of the matter
Osteoarthritis is common, but it does not have to mean your dog stops enjoying life.
With early recognition, a thoughtful treatment plan, sensible exercise, weight control and appropriate pain relief, many dogs remain comfortable and active for years.
If you have noticed your dog slowing down, seeming stiff, or avoiding things they used to enjoy, book an appointment with your local Evervet team, or learn more about our Healthy Ageing Program. Our teams in Prahran, South Yarra, East Melbourne and Hawthorn can assess your dog’s comfort, check for other causes of mobility change, and make a practical plan to help them move more freely.