Osteoarthritis in Dogs » Joint Wear and Tear

The slow wear of joint cartilage, often in old age.

At a glance

What is it?: Progressive wear of the joint cartilage; the changes are considered permanent.
Typical signs: Stiffness after lying down, difficulty getting going, lameness, hesitating at stairs and the car.
Commonly affected: Mainly older dogs, but in principle any age.
Joints affected: Usually the large weight-bearing joints: hip, elbow and knee.

Reading time 5 minutes Joints & bones

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When should you see a vet?

Osteoarthritis usually develops slowly and should be monitored by your vet. Get to the vet quickly if:

your dog suddenly can’t get up or won’t put any weight on a leg,
a joint is clearly swollen or hot,
they whimper in pain, snap when touched or stop eating.

Osteoarthritis is the progressive wear of the joint cartilage. It often shows as stiffness after lying down, difficulty getting going, or hesitation before stairs and jumping into the car. The changes in the joint are considered permanent. With veterinary support and an adapted daily routine, though, many dogs can stay mobile for a long time.

What is osteoarthritis in dogs?

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease in dogs. The cartilage, which acts as a gliding surface and cushion between the bones of the joint, gradually breaks down. This causes friction, pain and restricted movement. Osteoarthritis mainly affects older dogs, but it can basically occur at any age.

How do you recognize osteoarthritis?

stiffness after getting up that improves after a few steps
lameness or an uneven gait
hesitation before stairs, jumps and getting into the car
less enjoyment of walks and play
licking individual joints or resisting being touched

Where does osteoarthritis occur most often?

The large weight-bearing joints are affected particularly often: hip, elbow and knee. In large breeds, hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia often paves the way. In small dogs the knees are more often the focus, for example after a patellar luxation.

Possible causes

Age: Over the years, cartilage loses elasticity.
Malalignment: Congenital or acquired malalignment puts uneven stress on the joint.
Excess weight: Every extra kilo increases the load on the joints.
Injuries and inflammation: Earlier injuries or arthritis can damage the joint in advance.

How does the vet diagnose osteoarthritis?

The vet examines gait, joints and mobility. X-rays show how far the changes have progressed. The vet then decides on the treatment together with you, often including pain management and physiotherapy.

Also ask the vet whether there is anything to consider when it comes to feeding your dog.

What you can do in everyday life

Adapted exercise: Several short, steady walks on soft ground are usually better than long outings. Swimming is easy on the joints if the vet agrees.
Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises maintain the muscles and take strain off the joints.
Relief at home: An orthopedic dog bed, non-slip floors and a ramp for the car make a big difference.
Weight: Keep an eye on your dog’s weight and talk to the vet about which weight is right for your dog.

Frequently asked questions about Osteoarthritis

Is osteoarthritis curable?

No, the changes to the joint are considered permanent. How best to manage its course is something to discuss with your vet.

How can I spot osteoarthritis early?

Often by small things: your dog gets up more slowly, needs time to warm up or hesitates at stairs and jumping into the car.

Can my dog still go for walks with osteoarthritis?

Yes, several short, steady walks on soft ground are usually better than long outings. Agree with your vet how much exercise is right.

What helps at home?

Non-slip floors, an orthopaedic dog bed and a ramp for the car take strain off the joints. Also keep an eye on your dog’s weight after talking to your vet.

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Veterinary expertise at the heart of our team

Dr. med. vet. Sibylle Ott has been part of our team at DOG FIT by PreThis^® from the very beginning. As an experienced vet, she supports our work professionally and contributes her knowledge of dog health. Her experience and her deep understanding of dogs’ needs are an important guide for us. She is a valuable treasure for our team and for the well-being of many dogs.

This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a vet. Our products are complementary feed for dogs. They do not replace a veterinary examination or treatment. If your dog has any health problems, please contact your vet.