Arthritis In Dogs
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Feb 3, 2025
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And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 3, 2025
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Arthritis in dogs is very common, particularly as they get older.
You might notice that your dog doesn’t climb the stairs as quickly as he used to or that running by your side is no longer an option. The usual culprit is arthritis.
Just like humans, arthritis is a result of damage to the cartilage.
In a normal dog, each joint has cartilage that works as a buffer between the bones. When the cartilage within a joint becomes damaged, the result is arthritis.
Arthritis can occur in any joint in your dog’s body, but the most common places are the elbows, hips, shoulder, knees, ankle and lower back.
Arthritis is much more common in dogs than in cats since dogs are more active which puts more pressure on their joints.
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Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs
Arthritis is sometimes hard to detect in the early stages. As it progresses, some of the common symptoms are the following:
- Avoidance of running or reluctant to climb stairs
- Lethargy, sleeping more often, tires quickly
- Difficulty jumping on the couch
- Does not play as often or enjoy it
- Weight gain
- Limited movement
- Changes in appetite
- Depression, grouchy
- Irritated easily
- Starts to poop in the house
- Stiffness
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Causes of Arthritis in Dogs
While the most common cause of your dog developing arthritis is the aging process, there are also some other causes include:
- Joint injuries
- Diabetes and other metabolic disorders
- Obesity
- Joint Diseases or Infections
- Hip Dysplasia
Read more: Does pet insurance cover arthritis?
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Diagnosis of Arthritis in Dogs
Once you see the symptoms of arthritis, it is important to take your dog to the vet for a full diagnosis.
Arthritis alone might not be the only cause of the symptoms that your dog is exhibiting.
Your vet will want to know about how your dog has been behaving and will probably feel around and try to manipulate your dog’s joints to see if there is any cracking or grating of the joints.
X-rays are generally the best way to diagnose arthritis.
Your vet will probably have your dog walk around the room to see where arthritis seems to be occurring.
Treatment of Arthritis in Dogs
There are many of the same treatment options for arthritis in dogs as there are in humans.
The goal is to minimize the dog’s pain while increasing the movement level and to slow down the joint damage and, if possible, repair the cartilage.
Your vet will give you the best treatment recommendation for your dog, but the most common are the following:
- Prescription Pain Medication
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
- Nutritional Supplements
- Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Omega-3 fatty acids
- Cortisone or Steroids – should only be used short term
- Special Diet
- Physical Therapy
- Acupuncture
- Surgery – In extreme cases
- Weight management
Any jumping or vigorous play should be avoided.
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Can Pet Insurance Help With Your Dog’s Arthritis?
While some of the costs of arthritis are not that expensive, the therapy will be on-going for the duration of your dog’s life.
Pet insurance will save you money on your prescription costs as well as other non-invasive treatments like acupuncture and massage.
Healthy Paws, for example, includes alternative therapy options in all their plans such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and physiotherapy.
If your vet decided to start your dog on prescription medication, there will be follow up test on your dog’s liver and kidneys’ to make sure they haven’t been negatively affected by the medication.
Some of the prescription medications can run from $25 to $100 a month.
Pet insurance can be used to offset the costs of all these diagnostic tests.
And in extreme cases, if your dog needs surgery, the bill can be a minimum of $10,000.
Of course, you need to be enrolled in a pet insurance plan before the arthritis is considered pre-existing so you can be covered!
Arthritis Prevention
The best prevention of arthritis or any other condition is to keep up with your veterinary visits to catch the symptoms before arthritis becomes severe.
Once the symptoms of arthritis set in, there is no cure, but you can work with your veterinarian to minimize your dog’s pain.
How to Manage Your Dog’s Arthritis
The best way to manage your dog’s arthritis is to make your dog’s home more comfortable and easily accessible.
Some of the ways you can help your dog’s joint pain are the following:
- Massage the arthritic joint or joints
- Car ramps or even a ramp to your bed helps your pup
- A comfortable cozy bed
- Make sure the food and water bowls are easily accessible
- A supportive harness can help when walking
- Minimize the jumping
- Light exercise
While it’s hard for you to see and can be painful for your dog, with the right treatment and comfortable home environment, your dog can continue to live a long, happy life.
If you are looking for an insurance plan that will cover alternative treatments before your dog exhibits any signs of arthritis, our top 10 pet insurance companies are a great place to start!
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How can I detect arthritis in my dog?
Arthritis in dogs may manifest through symptoms such as slowed movement, difficulty climbing stairs, or reluctance to engage in physical activities. Early detection can be challenging, but as it progresses, common signs include joint pain and stiffness.
What causes arthritis in dogs, and is it comm
The primary cause of arthritis in dogs is the aging process, but other factors such as joint damage and pressure can contribute. Arthritis is more common in dogs than in cats due to dogs being generally more active, putting additional stress on their joints.
How is arthritis in dogs diagnosed?
If you observe symptoms of arthritis, it’s crucial to consult a vet for a full diagnosis. Vets may conduct physical examinations, manipulate joints to check for issues, and often use X-rays for a comprehensive understanding of the extent and location of arthritis.
What are the treatment options for arthritis in dogs?
Treatment aims to minimize pain, increase mobility, and slow down joint damage. Common approaches include restricting vigorous activities, prescription medications, and alternative therapies like acupuncture. Treatment plans are tailored to each dog’s specific needs.
Can pet insurance cover the costs of arthritis treatment for dogs?
Yes, pet insurance can help offset the costs of arthritis treatment for dogs. This includes prescription medications, diagnostic tests, and even surgical procedures if necessary. It’s crucial to enroll in a pet insurance plan before arthritis is considered pre-existing.
How can I prevent arthritis in my dog?
Regular veterinary visits for check-ups can aid in early detection and prevention of severe arthritis. While there is no cure once symptoms set in, working with a veterinarian can help manage pain and enhance the dog’s quality of life.
How can I manage my dog’s arthritis at home?
Creating a comfortable and easily accessible home environment can help manage your dog’s arthritis. This may involve providing supportive bedding, minimizing strenuous activities, and considering alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage.
Who reviewed the content, and is the information unbiased?
The content is reviewed by Dr. Pippa Elliott, a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience. The information is guaranteed to be unbiased, and advertising compensation does not influence rankings or reviews, ensuring the reliability of the provided information.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.