Seeing your dog slow down can be difficult for any pet owner. It's easy to chalk it up to "just getting older," but in many cases, arthritis is quietly taking a toll.
Dogs can lose mobility for many reasons, including arthritis, hip dysplasia, neurological disorders, injury, and breed-specific conditions. But arthritis in dogs remains one of the most common culprits in senior dogs. Thankfully, it's also one we can manage with the right care.
What Is Arthritis in Dogs?
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility in dogs. It occurs when cartilage (the smooth tissue cushioning joints) begins to break down, leading to friction and discomfort during movement.
In Australia, osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition among dogs. A study conducted by the University of Sydney found that approximately 20% of dogs over one year of age are affected by OA, with the prevalence increasing significantly in older dogs (source).
OA can be chronic (developing gradually over time) or acute (triggered by injury or a sudden inflammatory response). While it's more common in older dogs, arthritis isn’t exclusive to seniors. Early intervention, even before visible signs appear, can help slow the progression and improve long-term quality of life.

Recognising the Signs of Dog Arthritis
Sometimes it starts small. Maybe your dog doesn’t jump on the couch like they used to, or they seem a bit stiff in the mornings. Here’s a table to help you decode what your dog’s symptoms:
Symptom | Possible Cause | Home Action | Vet Visit? |
Limping after naps | Osteoarthritis | Gentle daily exercise, joint supplement | Yes, especially if persistent |
Licking joints | Joint Inflammation | Anti-inflammatory diet, observe | Yes, for diagnosis |
Dragging paws | Nerve or joint issue | Prevent further stress | Yes |
Stiffness after rest | Joint inflammation | Slow, gentle movement after resting | Yes if recurring |
Avoiding play | Pain/discomfort | Reduce high-impact activities | Yes |
Whining when touched | Localised joint pain | Record symptoms | Yes |
Change in posture | Muscle guarding | Supportive bedding designed to ease pressure on joints | Yes |
If your dog hesitates at stairs, avoids walks, or licks at their joints, these might not be ‘just age’. They could be signs of arthritis, and you’re not alone in trying to manage it.
Knowing when and how to act can make all the difference. Studies confirm that pet owner observations are often key to early diagnosis of arthritis.
Dogs may also show behavioral changes, like withdrawal or increased irritability, when they’re in chronic pain. If your dog has become less social or unusually clingy, that’s worth noting too.
Vet-Backed Arthritis Treatments
There are lots of ways to treat arthritis, and the best approach is often a combination of gentle movement, targeted medication, and ongoing support through diet and supplements.
Diet and Nutrition
Specially formulated veterinary diets for dog mobility from brands like Hill's and Royal Canin offer daily nutritional support. These foods are designed to support joint health, manage weight, and maintain muscle mass in aging dogs.
Here are three vet-recommended options to consider:
- Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight + j/d Mobility Care Adult Dog Dry Food: Designed for dogs needing both weight control and joint support.
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Mobility C2P+ Adult Dry Dog Food: Features turmeric extract and hydrolysed collagen for joint support.
- Advance Mobility Chicken with Rice (Medium Breed): Australian-made formula targeting joint care with breed-specific balance.
Key dietary components to look for:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Helps reduce inflammation and help promote healthy skin and coat.
- Antioxidants: Helps support immune function and cellular health.
- Controlled calories and high-quality protein: Helps maintain a healthy weight and preserve muscle.
Feeding your dog a vet-recommended diet tailored for mobility can have a measurable impact on their comfort and activity levels. Always follow feeding guidelines and consider regular weigh-ins to avoid excess weight that can put strain on joints.

Browse our recommended vet mobility diets
Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight + j/d Mobility Care Adult Dog Dry Food


Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight + j/d Mobility is clinical nutrition proven to help dogs lose weight at home and support joint health.
- Dogs lost weight at home in 2 months
- Synergistic blend of ingredients and nutrients works naturally with your dog's unique metabolism
- Nutrition to help avoid weight regain after weight loss, plus includes powerful antioxidants
- High levels of omega-3 fatty acids support your dog’s ability to run, walk and jump Helps your dog feel full and satisfied between meals while supporting vitality and holistic health
- Transformative food that dogs absolutely love
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Mobility C2P+ Adult Dry Dog Food


Royal Canin® Mobility C2P+ is a veterinary exclusive dry dog food. The result of years of extensive research, this food was formulated as a nutritional solution to help support your dog’s mobility.
It contains selected nutrients, including hydrolysed collagen, to help support joint cartilage health. This formula has a moderate calorie content to help maintain an ideal body weight. Plus, it has a tailored blend of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, this specialised nutrition aids urinary health by creating an environment unfavourable to crystal formation in the bladder.
Mobility Support
Scientifically proven in a clinical study where 88% of dogs showed an improvement in mobility when fed Mobility C2P+.
Innovative C2P+ Joint Complex
Formulated with a synergistic combination of turmeric extract, hydrolysed collagen and green tea polyphenols, to help protect joint cartilage health.
Moderate Calorie
Joints are under stress when dogs are overweight. Moderate calorie content to support joint health by helping to maintain an ideal body weight.
This diet is formulated to promote a healthy urinary environment
Advance Mobility Chicken with Rice Large Breed Dog Dry Food


Advance™ products are scientifically formulated to help improve dog health. Made locally from our home in the Central Tablelands of NSW by leading dog nutritionists for over 20 years. A unique knowledge of the needs of Australian dogs sees us sourcing and blending high quality ingredients to create a range of specifically tailored foods.
- Freeze Dried Green Lipped Mussel Powder Source of Chondroitin and Glucosamine to help manage joint health
- L-Carnitine Helps burn fat to support a healthy metabolism
- Healthy Bone Support Vitamin D, Phosphorus and Calcium to help support healthy bones
- Joint Health Nutrients Manganese, Omega 3 and Calcium to maintain healthy joints
Joint Supplements
Joint and mobility supplements for dogs are a daily support option that can complement veterinary treatments or act as preventive care. Here are three top-rated, vet-recommended products to consider:
- 4CYTE Canine Joint Supplements for Dogs: A premium joint support granule with Epiitalis®, backed by research and recommended for active or recovering dogs.
- 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte Gel for Dogs: An easy-to-administer oral gel version of Epiitalis®, great for fussy eaters or dogs on complex regimens.
- Glyde Mobility Chews for Dogs: Soft, heart-shaped chews packed with green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, and chondroitin for comprehensive joint care.
Many pet parents are turning to joint supplements not just for relief, but as part of a proactive approach to long-term mobility support. One clinical study showed that 91% of dogs given green-lipped mussel supplements improved over 112 days.
Prevention also includes keeping your dog lean, avoiding slippery surfaces, and sticking to moderate, regular exercise. Think low-impact movement like leash walks and swimming, especially for dogs already diagnosed with OA.
Browse our vet recommended supplements for dogs
4CYTE Canine Joint Supplements for Dogs


4CYTE Granules for Dogs is an oral joint supplement that is backed by world-class research and development, including peer-reviewed papers, world conference proceedings and ongoing post-doctorate research. 4CYTE™ Granules brings confidence to a new class of natural veterinary products.
4CYTE Granules for Dogs contains Epiitalis®, a unique advancement in joint treatment containing a proprietary plant oil extract, patented for its ability to proliferate chondrocyte cells in the presence of inflammation. It can also be used in large breeds, working or athletic dogs to support the pathological pathway of joint health.
4CYTE Granules for Dogs is safe to take long-term and is used to:
- Help maintain suppleness to jump, run or play
- Provide nutritional support after joint injury or surgery
- Support healthy joints at any stage of life
- Boost the body’s ability to meet performance and recuperation demands in athletic and working dogs
4CYTE Epiitalis Forte Gel for Dogs


4CYTE™ for Dogs was created so your dogs can sprint, jump, dig, play, and work by your side without limitations or reservations.
Our treatments include Epiitalis®, a scientifically proven and vet endorsed ingredient that helps support, protect, maintain, and restore healthy joints so your loyal companions can move freely and enjoy life. We’ve spent years researching and developing this scientifically proven treatment and we’re proud to be the best-selling product that is trusted by experts in the field.
This treatment targets the underlying causes via the pathological pathways associated with acute joint injury or osteoarthritis, rather than just addressing the symptoms. 4CYTE™ has also been scientifically proven to be as effective as an NSAID at treating symptoms of osteoarthritis including pain and inflammation.
About 4CYTE™ Epiitalis® Forte for Dogs
- Surgeon and Veterinarian endorsed
- Backed by in-vitro, in-vivo and clinical studies
- Should produce clinical improvements in 7-14 days
- Simple, non-invasive application
- Small, cost effective, once-daily dosing
- Safe for long term use
Ideal Applications for 4CYTE™ Epiitalis® Forte for Dogs
- Forms part of treatment protocols in post orthopaedic surgeries
- Complements prescription joint pain treatments
Addresses initial signs of osteoarthritis, such as:
- Intermittent lameness
- Reluctance to rise or move
- Stiffness (especially after vigorous exercise or prolonged periods of rest)
- Swollen joints (may be warm or tender)
- Visible joint deformities
- Painful joints when touched, palpated or moved
Glyde Mobility Chews for Dogs


Maintain healthy joints and relieve joint pain in your dog with Glyde Mobility Chews. This is the only hip and joint supplement for dogs with scientifically proven levels of green lipped mussel, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Using all-natural ingredients, Glyde promotes joint health and normal cartilage development, helping dogs continue to do everything they love!
Glyde contains essential building blocks for cartilage and a wide range of anti-inflammatory ingredients that protect and repair joint tissue. Carefully formulated to deliver the most evidence-based ingredient combination, Glyde Mobility Chews are not only effective but also enjoyable for any dog as a tasty treat.
The soft, heart-shaped chews are gluten free, easy to break and come with a 100% palatability guarantee. Glyde products are made in Australia and contain no shark cartilage.
- Controls the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs and aids in the improvement of joint health and function.
Medication and modalities
There are a range of treatment options available for managing arthritis in dogs, and the right plan often depends on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and how advanced the condition is.
Some dogs may benefit from anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs, while others may be better suited to newer therapies like monoclonal antibodies or joint-protective injections.
Other supportive options might include physical therapy, acupuncture, weight management strategies, and targeted diets. Your vet will consider your dog’s full history, symptoms, and comfort level to tailor a plan that balances immediate relief with long-term joint support.
“Combining different types of treatments—like medications, lifestyle changes, and rehab—often works best to manage arthritis in dogs.” — Dr. Denis J. Marcellin-Little, DEDV, DACVS, DACVSMR
Home Modifications to Support Mobility
Raised dog food bowls, orthopaedic dog beds, and ramps can make a big difference for dogs with arthritis and mobility issues. Here's a full checklist of modifications to try:
- Orthopaedic bed in a warm, quiet space
- Anti-slip mats in hallways
- Portable pet stairs for couches and beds
- Elevated feeding stations
- Heated pads for cold-sensitive joints
- Baby gates to prevent stair use
- Rear-lift harness for dogs with hind-leg weakness
Also consider mental enrichment to keep your senior dog sharp and satisfied. Enrichment toys like puzzle feeders, scent work, and gentle training sessions can help maintain their spirit.

When to See a Vet (and What to Say)
If you're seeing recurring symptoms like limping, stiffness, or changes in posture, it's time to check in with your vet. Don’t wait for the signs to escalate. Early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes and more comfort for your dog.
Here’s what you can do to prepare:
- Document symptoms: Note when they occur (e.g., morning stiffness, post-walk limping).
- Record a video: Show your dog walking, sitting, or struggling with stairs.
- Use descriptive language: For example, "My dog avoids stairs, limps after naps, and whines when I touch her hips. It’s been happening for about two weeks."
This kind of detail helps your vet identify patterns and plan the best course of action.
FAQs About Dog Arthritis
Can arthritis in dogs be cured?
No, but it can be managed. With the right treatment plan, dogs with arthritis can enjoy a good quality of life for many years.
Are certain breeds more prone to arthritis?
Yes. Large breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are more at risk due to their size and joint stress.
What age do dogs typically show signs of arthritis?
Signs often begin in middle age (5–7 years), especially in predisposed breeds, but arthritis can occur earlier after injury or in active dogs.
Is exercise good or bad for arthritic dogs?
Gentle, consistent movement is beneficial. Avoid high-impact activities like fetch or jumping, and aim for controlled walks and rehab.
What’s the difference between supplements and medications?
Supplements support joint health and slow progression. Medications like NSAIDs relieve pain and inflammation more quickly.
Can weather affect arthritis symptoms?
Yes—cold or damp weather can make joints stiffer and more painful. Keep your dog warm and dry, and consider heated beds or jackets.
Is surgery ever necessary?
In severe cases, especially with concurrent injuries or dysplasia, surgery like joint replacement or arthroscopy may be considered. Your vet can advise on when this might be appropriate.
Conclusion
Supporting a dog with arthritis can feel overwhelming at times, but the steps you take day to day, like adjusting their routine, fine-tuning their diet, or simply making their space more comfortable, can go a long way.
A holistic approach doesn’t mean doing everything at once. Respond to what your dog needs, when they need it. Maybe it’s time for a new food, a joint supplement, or just a bit more rest: you’re in the best position to notice those shifts.
Your vet can help guide those decisions, offering options and reassurance along the way.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our full range of vet-recommended arthritis products and get guidance tailored to your dog's needs.