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Arthritis in Dogs: Signs, Causes and Treatment

By the Dog Health Handbook team · Updated · Fact-checked against current veterinary references (see sources)

Key takeaways

  • Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of long-term pain in dogs.
  • Signs include stiffness after rest, limping and reluctance to jump or climb stairs.
  • Weight loss of just 6% can reduce lameness in overweight dogs.
  • Vet-prescribed pain relief plus exercise and omega-3s works best; never give human painkillers.
  • Glucosamine has weak evidence; newer drugs such as Librela need monitoring.

Table of Contents

Research What it is Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Librela Supplements Home care FAQ Sources

Canine Bone Joint and Muscle QuickLinks

Hip Surgery Knee Problems Torn ACL Luxating Patella Sprain Paw Sprain Limp Reader/Vet Q&A

Arthritis in dogs usually means osteoarthritis (OA): a slow, progressive breakdown of the cartilage and other tissues in a joint that causes pain, stiffness and reduced movement.1,2 It is the most common cause of long-term pain in dogs.1 OA usually develops on top of another joint problem, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, a cruciate ligament tear, a luxating patella or an old injury, and it becomes more common with age and extra weight.3,2,4 It can't be cured, but a combination of weight control, exercise, pain relief and home changes can keep most dogs comfortable and active.1 This guide covers the signs, causes, diagnosis, treatment options and what the evidence says about supplements and newer drugs.

See a vet promptly if your dog:

  • Has a joint that is suddenly hot, swollen or very painful, or is lame and has a fever or won't eat; this can be a joint infection or immune-mediated arthritis rather than OA5,6
  • Suddenly won't put weight on a leg, which can mean a fracture, torn ligament or dislocation7
  • Is wobbly, stumbling or dragging the back toes, which can point to a spine or nerve problem8,9
  • Shows side effects from pain medicine, such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloody or black stools, eating less, being less active, or yellow gums or eyes10

What the Research Shows

  • Common, and often missed. UK vets diagnose limb OA in about 2.5% of dogs each year (around 200,000 dogs). Estimates that include undiagnosed dogs are much higher, up to "close to 40%".4,1
  • Weight matters. Dogs at or above their breed's average weight had 2.3 times the odds of an OA diagnosis.4
  • A little weight loss goes a long way. In obese dogs with OA, lameness improved after losing just over 6% of body weight.11
  • Omega-3s help; glucosamine probably doesn't. In a 2022 meta-analysis, only 2 of 20 omega-3 trials failed to show benefit, while 88.9% of glucosamine/chondroitin trials showed no effect.12
  • Newer drugs work but need monitoring. In the US Librela trial, owner-rated success at day 84 was 57.1% vs 33.4% on placebo, and in December 2024 the FDA alerted vets to reports of neurologic signs, including some deaths, in treated dogs; reports alone don't prove the drug caused them.13,14

What Is Arthritis in Dogs?

In a healthy joint, smooth cartilage and joint fluid let the bones glide over each other. In osteoarthritis the cartilage wears and thins, the joint lining becomes inflamed, the bone underneath changes and extra bone spurs form. The result is pain, stiffness and loss of movement that tends to worsen over time.1,2 The hips, elbows, knees (stifles), shoulders, wrists (carpi) and ankles (tarsi) are commonly affected.3

Less commonly, arthritis is caused by infection (septic arthritis) or by the immune system attacking the joints (immune-mediated polyarthritis). These forms often come on quickly, may affect several joints, and can cause fever and lethargy, so they need prompt veterinary care.5,6

Golden Retriever with immune-mediated arthritis
Immune-mediated arthritis in a Golden Retriever. Source: Washington State University.
Swollen carpus (wrist) from immune-mediated arthritis in a Golden Retriever
Immune-mediated arthritis of the carpus (wrist) in a Golden Retriever. Source: Washington State University.

Signs of Arthritis in Dogs

  • Stiffness, especially after rest, that may ease as your dog warms up15,2
  • Limping or a change in gait15,3
  • Difficulty getting up, using stairs or jumping into the car or onto furniture15,16
  • Being slower on walks or cutting them short16
  • Muscle loss15,2
  • Reluctance to be touched, irritability or aggression16,15

These signs are often mistaken for "just getting old". Owner checklists such as the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) and LOAD are validated tools that help vets and owners track arthritis pain.1 The COAST tool combines the dog's signs with the joint exam and X-rays to stage how advanced OA is.17

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Developmental joint disease: hip and elbow dysplasia, and luxating patellas.18,4 See hip dysplasia in dogs and luxating patella.
  • Injury: cruciate ligament tears and other joint trauma.3,2 See torn ACL in dogs.
  • Age: dogs over 12 had about 54 times the odds of an OA diagnosis compared with dogs under 3.4
  • Weight and size: heavier and larger dogs are at higher risk.4
  • Breed: Rottweilers, Dogues de Bordeaux, Old English Sheepdogs, Labradors and Golden Retrievers had the highest odds in UK primary-care data.4,19
  • Neutering: neutered dogs had higher odds of OA, and early neutering is linked to more joint disorders in some breeds.4,20

Diagnosis

Your vet will ask about your dog's history and signs, watch your dog walk, and feel each joint for pain, swelling, thickening and reduced range of motion. X-rays show bone changes and help find the underlying cause.3,2 If a joint is hot and swollen, or several joints are affected, your vet may test joint fluid and run blood tests to look for infection or immune disease.5,6 Before long-term pain medicine, baseline blood work checks the liver and kidneys.10

Treatment for Arthritis in Dogs

The 2022 AAHA pain management guidelines recommend combining several approaches rather than relying on one drug.1

Weight loss

For an overweight dog, weight loss is one of the most effective treatments. In one study, lameness improved after dogs lost about 6% of their body weight, and gait measurements confirmed it at about 9%.11 Ask your vet for a target weight and a feeding plan.

Exercise and rehabilitation

Regular, moderate, low-impact exercise such as leash walks and swimming keeps joints moving and muscles strong. Physical rehabilitation, including underwater treadmills and home exercises, is recommended as part of the plan, though there are few controlled trials.1,21

Pain medicines from your vet

  • NSAIDs (such as carprofen, meloxicam, deracoxib and firocoxib) are the first-line drugs, with strong evidence for carprofen, firocoxib and meloxicam.1,10,22
  • Grapiprant (Galliprant) blocks one pain pathway more selectively. In its trial, 48% of treated dogs vs 31% on placebo were treatment successes at 28 days; vomiting was more common on the drug.23,24
  • Bedinvetmab (Librela) is a monthly injection that targets nerve growth factor; see the safety section below.25
  • Add-on drugs such as amantadine and gabapentin, and injectable polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (Adequan), are second-tier options. Tramadol is no longer recommended for OA pain because studies show it doesn't work well in dogs.1,26

Long-term NSAID use needs regular liver and kidney blood tests. Never combine two NSAIDs, or an NSAID with a steroid, and never give human pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin without your vet's advice.10

Joint injections and surgery

Joint injections are a second-tier option.1 Surgery, such as total hip replacement or cruciate repair, can treat the underlying problem in some dogs.1,18 See dog hip surgery and dog knee surgery.

Librela (Bedinvetmab): Benefits and Safety Concerns

Librela, from Zoetis, was approved by the FDA in May 2023 as the first monoclonal antibody for OA pain in dogs.25,14 In the US field study of 272 dogs, the difference from placebo wasn't statistically significant at day 28 (48.0% vs 36.1%), but by day 84 success rates were 57.1% vs 33.4%.13 A European trial found 43.5% vs 16.9% success at day 28.27

In December 2024 the FDA told vets about reports of incoordination, seizures, weakness, inability to stand, incontinence, increased thirst and urination, and deaths, including euthanasia, in treated dogs.14 A Zoetis-funded analysis of 18 million doses found about 9.5 adverse-event reports per 10,000 doses, with most individual events rare.28 An independent 2025 study of European reports found ligament and tendon injuries, polyarthritis, fractures and joint infections reported about 9 times more often with Librela than with comparison drugs, and an expert panel strongly suspected a link to faster joint destruction in some dogs; the authors note this can't prove cause.29 The label now asks vets to warn owners about these signs.13 The label also notes that dogs that become more active after treatment may be at higher risk of injury, so ask your vet about an exercise plan. In the European trial, musculoskeletal problems were reported in 2.1% of treated dogs vs 15.1% on placebo.13,27 If your dog is on Librela, report any change in walking, balance, thirst or behavior to your vet promptly.

Supplements and Alternative Therapies

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil): the best-supported supplement. Fish-oil-enriched diets improved weight-bearing in more dogs than control diets (82% vs 38% in one industry-funded trial), and an independent trial found more owners satisfied with fish oil than placebo (66% vs 39%), though its main measures didn't differ between groups.30,31,12 Ask your vet about a suitable product and amount.
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin: a 2022 meta-analysis found no effect in 88.9% of trials and concluded they "should no longer be recommended" for pain. Some older studies were more positive.12,32
  • Other supplements: AAHA rates the evidence as low for all nutraceuticals other than omega-3s. Green-lipped mussel had moderate evidence in one review, and cannabidiol needs more research.1,22,12
  • Joint injections of radioactive tin (radiosynoviorthesis): a newer option for elbow arthritis. A single injection calms inflammation inside the joint. Small studies funded by the maker report pain relief in roughly half to two-thirds of dogs, lasting months and in some reports up to a year, with no serious side effects. There are no independent controlled trials yet, so ask your vet whether it suits your dog.33
  • Acupuncture: in 3 of 4 controlled trials it didn't beat placebo for chronic musculoskeletal pain, and AAHA found it not beneficial for OA.34,1

Home Care for a Dog With Arthritis

  • Non-slip rugs or mats on slippery floors, and ramps or steps for cars and furniture35,15
  • An orthopedic or memory-foam bed, and keep your dog warm and dry35
  • Keep nails short for grip; some dogs tolerate traction boots35
  • Raise food and water bowls35,16
  • Gate off stairs when no one can supervise35
  • Regular, controlled, low-impact walks; ask your vet how far and how long35,15

Environmental changes like these are part of the first-tier recommendations in the AAHA guidelines.1 More reader questions are answered on our bone, joint and muscle questions page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thing for dogs with arthritis?

A combination of weight control, regular gentle exercise, vet-prescribed pain relief and omega-3s works best.

Can arthritis in dogs be reversed?

No, the joint damage can't be reversed, but treatment can greatly reduce pain and slow the decline.

What are the signs of end-stage arthritis in dogs?

Struggling to stand or walk, pain that medicine no longer controls, muscle wasting, and loss of interest in normal life.

What can I give my dog for arthritis pain?

Only medicines your vet prescribes. Human pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen can be dangerous for dogs.

Is there a "miracle" arthritis drug for dogs?

No. Newer drugs such as Librela help many dogs, but they carry risks and work best alongside weight control and exercise.

Do glucosamine supplements work for dogs?

Recent reviews find little evidence that glucosamine or chondroitin relieve arthritis pain. Omega-3s have better support.

Is it cruel to keep a dog with arthritis alive?

Not if the pain is controlled and your dog still enjoys life. When it can't be managed, talk to your vet about quality of life.

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Sources and further reading

This article was rewritten and fact-checked on October 16, 2026 against current veterinary references and specialist guidelines:

  1. Gruen ME, Lascelles BDX, Colleran E, et al. 2022 AAHA pain management guidelines for dogs and cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 2022.
  2. Epstein ME. Osteoarthritis in dogs and cats. Merck Veterinary Manual, 2024.
  3. American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Osteoarthritis in dogs. ACVS.
  4. Anderson KL, O'Neill DG, Brodbelt DC, et al. Prevalence, duration and risk factors for appendicular osteoarthritis in a UK dog population under primary veterinary care. Scientific Reports, 2018 (VetCompass).
  5. Lafuente P. Septic arthritis in dogs and cats. Merck Veterinary Manual, December 2025.
  6. Lafuente P. Immune-mediated polyarthritis in dogs and cats. Merck Veterinary Manual, December 2025.
  7. Weir M, Llera R, Buzhardt L. First aid for limping dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals.
  8. American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Intervertebral disc disease. ACVS.
  9. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Riney Canine Health Center. What to expect when taking your limping dog to the veterinarian. 2026.
  10. US Food and Drug Administration. Get the facts about pain relievers for pets. FDA, 2022.
  11. Marshall WG, Hazewinkel HAW, Mullen D, et al. The effect of weight loss on lameness in obese dogs with osteoarthritis. Veterinary Research Communications, 2010.
  12. Barbeau-Grégoire M, Otis C, Cournoyer A, et al. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of enriched therapeutic diets and nutraceuticals in canine and feline osteoarthritis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022.
  13. Zoetis. Librela (bedinvetmab) package insert. Via VetLabel (manufacturer label).
  14. US Food and Drug Administration. Dear Veterinarian letter about adverse events reported in dogs treated with Librela. FDA, December 2024.
  15. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Riney Canine Health Center. Osteoarthritis. 2025.
  16. Weir M, Llera R, Downing R. Arthritis in dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals.
  17. Cachon T, Frykman O, Innes JF, et al. Face validity of a proposed tool for staging canine osteoarthritis: Canine OsteoArthritis Staging Tool (COAST). The Veterinary Journal, 2018.
  18. American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Canine hip dysplasia. ACVS.
  19. Pegram C, Woolley C, Brodbelt DC, et al. Disorder predispositions and protections of Labrador Retrievers in the UK. Scientific Reports, 2021 (VetCompass).
  20. Hart BL, Hart LA, Thigpen AP, Willits NH. Long-term health effects of neutering dogs: comparison of Labrador Retrievers with Golden Retrievers. PLoS ONE, 2014.
  21. Mlacnik E, Bockstahler BA, Müller M, et al. Effects of caloric restriction and a moderate or intense physiotherapy program for treatment of lameness in overweight dogs with osteoarthritis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2006.
  22. Sanderson RO, Beata C, Flipo RM, et al. Systematic review of the management of canine osteoarthritis. Veterinary Record, 2009.
  23. Rausch-Derra L, Huebner M, Wofford J, Rhodes L. A prospective, randomized, masked, placebo-controlled multisite clinical study of grapiprant in dogs with osteoarthritis. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016.
  24. Elanco. Galliprant (grapiprant) package insert. Via VetLabel (manufacturer label).
  25. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves first monoclonal antibody for dogs with osteoarthritis pain. FDA, 2023.
  26. American Regent. Adequan Canine FDA approval (manufacturer).
  27. Corral MJ, Moyaert H, Fernandes T, et al. A prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled multisite clinical study of bedinvetmab in dogs with osteoarthritis. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, 2021 (industry-authored).
  28. Monteiro BP, Simon A, Knesl O, et al. Global pharmacovigilance reporting of the first monoclonal antibody for canine osteoarthritis: bedinvetmab (Librela). Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2025 (Zoetis-funded).
  29. Farrell M, Waibel FWA, Carrera I, et al. Musculoskeletal adverse events in dogs receiving bedinvetmab (Librela). Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2025.
  30. Roush JK, Cross AR, Renberg WC, et al. Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2010 (industry-funded).
  31. Hielm-Björkman A, Roine J, Elo K, et al. An un-commissioned randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study to test the effect of deep sea fish oil as a pain reliever for dogs suffering from canine OA. BMC Veterinary Research, 2012.
  32. Aragon CL, Hofmeister EH, Budsberg SC. Systematic review of clinical trials of treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2007.
  33. Donecker J, Lattimer JC, Gaschen L, Aulakh KS. Safety and Clinical Response Following a Repeat Intraarticular Injection of Tin-117m Colloid in Dogs with Elbow Osteoarthritis. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 2021 (industry-funded).
  34. Gong J, Thompson MF. Assessing the efficacy of acupuncture as the sole analgesic for canine chronic pain. Veterinary Evidence, 2024 (also indexed on IVIS).
  35. Weir M, Williams K, Downing R. Helping your dog with osteoarthritis. VCA Animal Hospitals.

About this article

Last updated : added radioactive joint injections for elbow arthritis. Earlier: fully rewritten using the 2022 AAHA pain management guidelines, VetCompass research, FDA safety information and peer-reviewed trials and reviews; added a research summary, Librela safety update and FAQ.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an exam by your veterinarian.