How can you support your dog’s arthritis during cold weather? 

In this article we are referring to the most common form of arthritis in dogs called osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD) and I will continue to use “OA” to describe it. It affects 20% of all dogs, and up to 80% of dogs over the age of 8 years.​

OA is a degenerative condition, often referred to as “wear and tear” to the joint over time due to age​​. However, genetics, weight, past surgery to the joint, and conformation of the joint can all play a factor in the likelihood of OA developing. 

Symptoms and Diagnosis  

It is important before discussing management that we first are sure your dog has arthritis. 

Signs could include: 

• Lameness in one or more legs; however, if affecting legs on both sides equally this may be less obvious. 

• Stiffness, especially after activity, often notice when rising or sitting down. 

• Slower on walks, wanting to return early, or even reluctance to go on the walk. 

• Muscles becoming obviously smaller, often due to being used less. 

• Difficulty or refusal to jump both up and down, often stairs or in/out of cars. 

• Sometimes the constant discomfort changes your pet’s personality, and they can be grumpy and irritable​.

If you notice these signs and haven’t already, get in touch with your vet for an appointment. To diagnose OA they will normally need to take X-rays. Any other diagnosis of arthritis is just an assumed diagnosis, which could change if symptoms progress or imaging is performed. 

Veterinary treatment and support 

Only a veterinary surgeon can prescribe your dog with prescription medicines. If your dog is experiencing joint pain book a consultation with your Vet. They will evaluate your pets condition and discuss treatment options with you if they are required. In cold weather your dog may feel stiffer. If this is the case please let your Vet know so they can reevaluate your pets treatment plan. 

Do not give your dog human pain medication as this is toxic in most cases

Alternative support if your dog has arthritis

There are many things you can do to support your dogs arthritis that do not require a veterinary prescription.

Weight management

First, and most importantly, weight loss. Unless your dog is currently underweight, most dogs could do with losing some weight, others a lot more! Before rushing to buy special diets, however, look at what you are actually feeding your dog. Be sure to include everything that they swallow​. Then bear in mind that the instructions on your dog’s food are if you ONLY feed that diet and nothing else. Are you feeding that amount? Do you just “give a handful” or as much as the dog eats?  

You need to know the weight of your dog first, then I’d advise feeding 10% less,​ than whatever the guide on the packet says to feed a dog of that size. Then try to cut out most of the other things, treats could easily be taken from the daily “ration”. If you must feed other things to them decrease the main diet accordingly. Check their weight in 1 month to see if decreasing. 

Sometimes, a special weight loss diet can make this easier, and if you are not having any luck ask your vet for advice, as some health conditions can cause weight gain. 

Non slip surfaces

Secondly, and this is especially true in winter, make the floor your dog walks or sleeps on is grippy and warm. Carpet is best, but mats on slippery floors can help them get purchase with their paws. If they sleep on a cold hard floor, it may make your dogs arthritis worse in the morning, so give them a comfortable, supportive bed, generally something fairly flat that holds its shape though will conform to them when lying down. There are specific orthopaedic beds available for this. 

Other environmental changes can be really helpful too, such as a ramp to get into the car, or a strong harness with a handle on the back so you can help them rise. Look at where your dog has difficulty in your situation and think of ways you could improve things. 

Joint supplements for dogs with arthritis

There is evidence that joint supplements containing omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial to your dog’s health. Supplements have much less regulation than medicines, so either go with a product your vet advises or at least one that states how much of each ingredient it contains​. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also often included in supplements though there is limited evidence of their efficacy​​.  

Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy

Physiotherapy and/or hydrotherapy can also help to grow and maintain muscle mass, so always consider this alongside veterinary care​​. 

Exercising a dog with arthritis

Try to exercise dogs that have arthritis in moderation, walks should not exhaust them nor cause them to be more stiff the next day, try to predict and curtail a walk before they do. Walks should ideally be walking paced, on a lead without burst activities such as chasing a ball. Steady exercise will help get joints moving, but rest is important in a flare up. 

Additional help

There are plenty of things you can do to help your dog with arthritis (or OA). These range from medical intervention to environmental changes. It is key that you, your vet, and your pet, work together to monitor and provide the best care for your dog, make sure the whole family is on board and working together