Early detection and intervention are essential for managing arthritis effectively and improving your dog's quality of life.

Dog arthritis, like arthritis in humans, is a condition characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the joints. And just like there is no absolute cure for arthritis in humans, there isn't one for dogs too but there are several non invasive treatments available to manage a dog's arthritis pain and improve their quality of life. Here are some common conventional treatment options for dog arthritis:

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed for managing pain in dogs. These medications reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve joint mobility by inhibiting specific enzymes that cause inflammation. This helps alleviate discomfort and enhances your dog's overall well-being.

It's essential to use NSAIDs designed for dogs and not human medications.
Always administer NSAIDs under veterinary supervision, as incorrect or prolonged use can cause side effects like gastrointestinal issues, liver problems, or kidney damage. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are necessary to ensure proper use and to monitor your dog's response to NSAID treatment.

Joint support supplements help in reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain. Key ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin repair and maintain cartilage, prevent its breakdown, and improve joint flexibility. Other components, such as MSM and omega-3 fatty acids, further reduce inflammation and support overall joint function. These combined benefits enhance mobility, decrease discomfort, and improve the quality of life for dogs suffering from arthritis.

When used well in advance, joint supplements have proven effective in managing arthritis and the long term use has proven to significantly reduce the speed of progression of arthritis ultimately leading to increased quality of life.

Steroids are potent anti-inflammatory pain medications that can provide significant relief from inflammation and decrease pain associated with arthritis in dogs. They work by suppressing the immune response, which helps reduce inflammation in the affected joints.

Steroids are generally used for short-term management of severe arthritis flare-ups or when other treatments have not provided adequate relief. Long-term use of steroids is typically avoided due to potential side effects, including increased thirst, hunger, and the risk of immune suppression and other health issues.

DMOADs are a class of medications designed to slow the progression of arthritis and protect joint tissues from further damage. It works by promoting cartilage repair and inhibiting enzymes that break down joint tissue. DMOADs are often administered as injections, and they can complement other treatments like NSAIDs and joint support supplements.

Canine Physical Therapy plays a crucial role in improving the health of your dog's joints. It involves targeted exercises and therapies designed to improve joint function, strengthen supporting muscles, and enhance overall mobility. Get in touch with your Vet or a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner and have them teach you a few at home exercises that you can carry out. Some suitable physical therapy exercises for dogs with arthritis include:

Passive Range of Motion Exercises (PROM): Gently move your dog's joints through their full range of motion to prevent stiffness. This can be done by flexing and extending each joint, such as the knees and elbows, in a controlled manner.

Hydrotherapy: Water-based exercises in a controlled pool or underwater treadmill provide low-impact resistance, aiding muscle strengthening and joint mobility without putting excessive strain on joints.

Weight Shifting: Teach your dog to shift their weight between their front and hind legs while standing to help distribute pressure evenly across the joints.

Walking on Uneven Surfaces: Gentle walking on soft surfaces like grass or sand engages different muscle groups, promoting joint flexibility and strength.

Sit-to-Stand Exercises: Have your dog stand and then sit and then get up from the sleeping and the sitting position repeatedly to improve strength in their leg muscles and support their weight-bearing joints.

Low-Impact Fetch: Play a game of fetch using a soft toy or ball on a carpeted surface, ensuring controlled movement to prevent excessive strain on joints but still get in the exercise needed. Ensure your dog doesn't jump too much or does complex moves like a side-to-side jump.

Stretching Exercises: Gently stretch your dog's limbs, holding each stretch for a few seconds, to maintain flexibility and prevent muscle tightness.

Massage: Massaging your dog's muscles helps improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate discomfort. Use gentle, circular motions around the affected joints.

Cavaletti Poles: Set up low hurdles or poles for your dog to step over, promoting controlled movement and flexibility.

Heat and cold therapy: Applying warm compresses or using heating pads can help relax muscles and increase blood flow to affected areas. Cold packs on the other hand can reduce inflammation and ease pain.

Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care for dogs with arthritis involves manual manipulation of the spine and joints to improve mobility, relieve pain, and enhance nervous system function. Chiropractors aim to realign misaligned joints and optimize the body's natural ability to heal itself. However, it's essential to seek a qualified and experienced animal chiropractor for safe and effective treatment of chronic conditions.

Laser Therapy: Also known as cold laser therapy or low-level laser therapy, uses light energy to penetrate the skin and promote tissue healing. It is believed to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and stimulate cell regeneration in arthritic joints. Laser therapy is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated by dogs and is a popular form of treating arthritis in advanced cases.

Remember to always start with short sessions and gradually increase intensity as your dog becomes more comfortable. You don't have to build a plan that comprises all of the above dog physical therapy exercises. Get in touch with your Canine Rehab Center and build a plan that is well-suited for your dog.

It is also important to be regular with the physical therapy exercise sessions and don't forget to monitor their response and adjust the rehab exercises accordingly. If at any point your dog shows signs of discomfort or fatigue, stop the exercises and consult your veterinarian. The goal is to provide gentle and controlled movement to improve your dog's joint health and well-being without causing strain or pain.

In specific cases where conservative treatments have resulted ineffective or your dog's condition is severe. Surgical options aim to reduce pain, improve joint health, and enhance your dog's quality of life. Some surgical procedures for canine arthritis include:

Total Joint Replacement: This involves replacing the entire affected joint with an artificial joint made of metal or other materials. Total joint replacement is often used for severe hip or elbow arthritis and can provide significant pain relief and improved mobility.

Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis): This surgery fuses the bones on either side of the joint, eliminating movement in that area and reducing pain. It's commonly used for wrists, ankles, and toes.

Osteotomy: Osteotomy involves reshaping the bones around a joint to alter the joint's mechanics and reduce pressure on damaged areas. It's often used to address specific issues like abnormal hip joint or angles or instability.

Debridement and Lavage: In some cases of less severe arthritis, arthroscopic procedures can be performed to remove damaged tissue, debris, and inflammatory substances from the joint. This can provide relief and improve joint function.

Ligament Reconstruction: Certain types of arthritis can result from ligament instability, such as cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears in the knee. Surgical repair or reconstruction of the ligament can improve joint stability and alleviate associated arthritis.

Cartilage Restoration Procedures: Techniques like autologous cartilage implantation (ACI) involve transferring healthy cartilage cells to damaged joint surfaces, promoting the growth of new cartilage tissue.

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) and Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA): These procedures are commonly used for dogs with cruciate ligament injuries that contribute to arthritis. They involve altering the mechanics of the joint to reduce strain on the ligaments and prevent further joint damage.


​The decision to proceed with surgery should be made in consultation with a veterinary specialist who can evaluate the dog's overall health, the severity of arthritis, and the potential benefits of surgery. Post-operative physical rehabilitation is crucial to ensure a successful recovery and maximize the benefits of surgical intervention.