# Arthritis in Dogs UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-arthritis-uk): Arthritis in Dogs UK — Quick answer. Arthritis (osteoarthritis) affects most dogs over eight years old in the UK. Signs include stiffness, limping and reluctance to exercise. Modern vet-prescribed pain relief, weight management and gentle exercise keep dogs comfortable — never give human painkillers.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-arthritis-uk): Arthritis in Dogs UK — Signs of arthritis in dogs. Arthritis develops gradually. Watch for: - Stiffness after sleeping or resting — improves after a few minutes of movement - Limping — intermittent or persistent on one or more legs - Reluctance to jump into the car, climb stairs or get on furniture - Slowing down on walks — wanting shorter routes - Difficulty rising from a lying position - Licking joints excessively - Personality changes — irritability when touched near painful joints - Muscle loss over affected limbs Large breeds (Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers) and overweight dogs are at higher risk. Hip and elbow dysplasia predispose younger dogs to early arthritis.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-arthritis-uk): Arthritis in Dogs UK — How vets diagnose arthritis. Your vet will: - Palpate joints for pain, swelling and crepitus (grinding) - Assess gait and range of motion - Take X-rays to confirm joint degeneration - Run blood tests before starting long-term NSAIDs (to check liver and kidney function) Other causes of lameness — cruciate ligament disease, bone cancer, spinal problems — must be ruled out.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-arthritis-uk): Arthritis in Dogs UK — Treatment and pain management. | Approach | Details | |----------|---------| | NSAIDs | Vet-prescribed only; regular monitoring blood tests | | Weight loss | Reduces load on joints; often most impactful change | | Physiotherapy | Hydrotherapy and controlled exercise programmes | | Joint supplements | Glucosamine/chondroitin — evidence varies; discuss with vet | | Acupuncture | Some UK practices offer referral | | Surgery | Total hip replacement or arthroscopy in selected cases | Never give ibuprofen, paracetamol or aspirin without explicit veterinary instruction — all can cause serious harm.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-arthritis-uk): Arthritis in Dogs UK — Home management tips. - Provide orthopaedic bedding in a warm, draft-free location - Use ramps instead of stairs where possible - Keep nails short — overgrown nails alter gait and worsen joint stress - Maintain gentle daily exercise — little and often beats one long walk - Apply heat pads on cold UK winter mornings (check temperature first) - Consider slip-free flooring — yoga mats on slippery kitchen floors help traction

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-arthritis-uk