What to do for joint pain in dogs

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.

Joint pain in dogs is a common symptom most often caused by osteoarthritis, injuries to the joints, or developmental conditions, and the best way to treat it varies with the situation. While some causes of joint pain can be successfully treated, other conditions result in chronic pain that needs long-term management. Read on to learn:

• Common symptoms of joint pain in dogs to watch for
• Why a dog may have joint pain
• How painful joints are treated in dogs
• When to talk to a veterinarian about your dog’s joint pain

There are many ways to help a dog with joint pain, but seeking veterinary guidance is the best way to ensure you're choosing the most effective options. Many types of joint pain improve with multimodal treatment, which may include medication, surgery, weight management, joint supplements, physical therapy, and alternative therapy methods. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), pain relievers, and supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids and other joint-supportive ingredients are the most frequently used treatment methods for common causes of joint pain in dogs.

While joint pain has many possible causes, the symptoms displayed are often the same, including:

• Limping or changed gait
• Stiffness in the joints
• Decreased activity
• Swollen joints
• Difficulty or reluctance to stand, jump, or climb stairs
• Signs of pain when the joint is touched or moved
• Muscle atrophy

Symptoms vary in severity, and how they start depends on the underlying condition and individual dog. “Signs may start suddenly, with the dog crying out while running or jumping, or start gradually, with no apparent trigger,” states Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. Symptoms may get better or worse after rest or exercise and may be intermittent.

Joint pain refers to soreness in the spine and limbs and is a very common symptom in dogs, especially seniors. A dog’s age, breed, geographic region, and lifestyle make certain joint conditions more or less likely to be the cause of their pain. Joint pain in dogs most commonly occurs as a result of:

• Joint injuries
• Abnormal joint development
• Osteoarthritis
• Bone cancer
• Infections and diseases

Senior dogs are more likely to be diagnosed with bone cancer and osteoarthritis compared to younger dogs. Osteoarthritis is a very common condition that occurs when the cartilage in joints is worn down over time until the bones rub against each other, leading to joint inflammation and pain.

Younger dogs are more likely to have injuries to the joints and show symptoms of developmental conditions.

Common injuries to the joints include:

• Fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations
• Torn CCL (ruptured cranial cruciate ligament)

Conditions that lead to abnormal joint development include:

• Elbow or hip dysplasia
• Luxating patella
• Cranial cruciate ligament disease
• Osteochondritis dissecans
• Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head

Infections and other diseases, such as Lyme disease and septic arthritis, can also cause painful joints in dogs.

Due to the vast array of health conditions that can affect a dog’s joints, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a veterinarian before attempting any type of treatment. Conditions that affect the joints share common symptoms but can require different treatment methods. If a dog has joint pain significant enough that you want to do something for it, a veterinary consultation is the place to start.

How the cause of a dog’s joint pain is diagnosed

A veterinarian typically starts with a physical examination when a dog presents with signs of joint pain, including examining their gait, feeling their joints, and checking reflexes. An X-ray may be recommended to look at the bones and joints. Some medical conditions can be diagnosed from the exam and X-ray alone, while others may require additional diagnostic tests, such as:

• Bloodwork
• Advanced imaging, such as CT or MRI scans
• Joint-fluid analysis
• Biopsy of the joint capsule

An accurate diagnosis is needed to create an effective treatment plan.

Some joint issues are self-limiting, meaning they go away on their own, or the dog may completely recover after successful treatment. Other joint diseases lead to chronic pain that requires long-term management. There are various ways to help a dog’s joint pain symptoms. The best way to ensure your efforts are safe and effective is through veterinary guidance.

Medication and joint supplements

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a cornerstone of arthritis pain management in dogs and are also used to treat other causes of joint pain. Other pain relievers and joint supplements may also be used in treatment.

Never give a dog human pain medication, aspirin, or other anti-inflammatories unless directed to do so by a veterinarian. Some common human medications for pain are highly toxic if ingested by dogs, even in small doses, and can be life-threatening. They also can interfere with other, more effective medications, leading to an inability to properly treat a dog’s pain. Always talk to a veterinarian about pain management for your dog. If the symptoms are concerning enough to consider pain medication, it’s time to contact a vet.

Joint supplements are commonly used to help dogs with chronic joint pain. The evidence to support the effectiveness of supplements is not strong, but more research is currently being conducted to learn more about ingredients, doses, and how to use them properly. However, joint supplements are unlikely to be harmful, and there’s some evidence that supports the use of ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids and chondroitin to help with joint pain. Supplements are more likely to provide a preventative benefit rather than repair damage already done to the joints. Dietary supplements are not regulated the way drugs are, so it’s hard to know exactly what you’re getting. Talk to a vet for a recommended supplement.

Weight management

Obesity is a major risk factor for canine joint pain, as excess weight puts increased pressure on the joints. Symptoms in dogs with joint problems can also be made worse by excess body weight. Dogs with chronic joint issues fare best when at a healthy weight or even slightly underweight to help alleviate unnecessary pressure on the joints. Work with a vet to develop a safe nutrition and exercise plan to help manage your dog’s weight.

Gentle exercise and physical therapy

It’s important to minimize further damage to the joints of a dog living with chronic joint pain. Regular exercise is still important for:

• Maintaining an ideal weight
• Improving joint mobility
• Improving muscle tone and supporting joint health

Gentle, low-impact exercises are best, such as:

• Short, frequent walks on easy terrain
• Swimming
• Reduced length of fetch sessions and other off-leash activities

Limit running, jumping, climbing stairs, rough play with other dogs, and rapid movements and turns while playing and exercising. Playing and exercising on softer surfaces can help alleviate pressure on the joints during play sessions. After exercise, some dogs may benefit from massage and stretching. A veterinarian can help develop an exercise plan based on your dog’s specific needs.

Some areas may have canine physical therapists to help dogs with joint issues. Physical therapy may involve:

• Heat and cold therapy
• Laser therapy
• Underwater treadmill work
• Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy
• Neuromuscular electrical stimulation/transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)

Physical therapists can also help develop a specialized plan for supporting your dog’s joint health at home.

Environmental modifications

Modifying a dog’s home environment can help make day-to-day activities less painful. Modifications may include:

• Elevated food and water bowls
• Carpeted stairs or pet ramps next to the bed, couch, and other favorite high places
• Placing carpets or mats on hard floors and slippery surfaces
• Providing ample soft bedding and heated beds to rest on

Reducing the amount of jumping or bending in daily tasks can help reduce a dog’s joint pain at home.

Surgery and alternative therapies

Surgical intervention may be an option for some dogs if their response to other forms of treatment is minimal. Not all joint diseases can be treated with surgery, and not all dogs are surgical candidates. Surgeries such as joint fusion, joint replacement, and other reconstructive therapies may be recommended to improve quality of life for some dogs.

A veterinarian may advise additional alternative therapies, such as:

• Stem cell therapy
• Acupuncture
• Laser therapy
• Chiropractic
• Herbal remedies
• Dog-safe cannabinoids

Never attempt alternative therapies without a veterinarian’s instruction, as many of them can be dangerous when done incorrectly.

Talk to a veterinarian any time you notice a change in your dog’s physical condition or behavior, including decreased activity levels and intermittent stiffness, pain, or limping. Dogs often hide their pain, so a dog with severe pain in their joints may only be showing minor signs. Never give a dog medications without consulting a veterinarian first. Many medications can be very dangerous, and others may only mask the symptoms instead of addressing the underlying problem. Inappropriate treatment at home delays a proper diagnosis and effective treatment from a vet.

Is joint pain an emergency?

Joint pain alone is not an emergency but may be accompanied by other emergency symptoms, such as:

• Severe swelling or bruising of a joint or limb
• Odd angle or appearance of a limb
• Severe bleeding
• Signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
• Collapse or loss of consciousness
• Paralysis of a limb
• Ataxia, or uncoordinated movements

If a dog is showing any of these symptoms, consult an emergency veterinarian right away. If you’re unsure if your dog is having an emergency, an online vet can help triage and make sure you have the information you need to decide the best course of action.

What can I give my dog for joint pain relief?

Talk to a vet before giving your dog medication or herbal remedies for pain management. A proper diagnosis is needed to determine what method of treatment your dog needs. In addition, some human medications can be very dangerous to dogs. A vet may recommend NSAIDs, prescription pain relievers, joint supplements, and other therapies.

What aggravates arthritis in dogs?

Heavy play and exercise, jumping, climbing stairs, and running can all make arthritis pain worse in dogs. It’s best to limit these types of activities and provide modifications around the home and in daily activities to help prevent added strain on the joints.

What pain relief can I give my dog with arthritis?

Always talk to a veterinarian to get a definitive arthritis diagnosis and receive proper treatment for your dog. Recommended pain relief for arthritis in dogs may involve NSAIDs, pain medication, and joint supplements. Physical therapy, weight loss, and other forms of therapy may also be recommended to help alleviate arthritis pain.