Like us humans, most dogs will experience some wear and tear of the joints throughout their lives. However, in dogs with osteoarthritis, the joints progressively and painfully deteriorate. Treatment for dog osteoarthritis usually involves a combination of approaches, including tailored nutrition. Read on to learn how the right food can help to keep your dog’s joints healthy.
Dog osteoarthritis affects a dog’s joints – the areas where two or more bones meet. Healthy joints are protected by cartilage, a tissue that acts as a cushion to absorb shock and reduce friction between the bones. However, in a dog with arthritis, that cartilage deteriorates, causing pain, inflammation, loss of movement in the joint, and bone spurs (bony growths).
Osteoarthritis can affect any dog, but it’s more common in senior dogs and larger breeds. Other risk factors include:
Dog osteoarthritis is unfortunately progressive with no cure. It can’t always be prevented, but you can give your dog the best chance of avoiding arthritis by focusing on risk factors you can control, such as nutrition, weight, and regular veterinary care.
A complete and balanced food contains all the nutrients your dog needs for good health, in the right amounts and ratios. When choosing the best dog food for joint health, look for a food that also contains high-quality proteins and joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and that contains a balanced omega 6 to omega-3 fatty acids ratio. You can also ask your vet about giving these nutrients to your dog in the form of supplements.
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for avoiding excessive stress on the joints. A complete and balanced food will help with this, as will regular exercise. However, be sure to tailor your dog’s physical activity to their age and size. For example, repetitive or high-impact exercises like running may not be suitable for older dogs or larger breeds, who are more prone to osteoarthritis.
Many dogs with arthritis won’t show obvious signs of being in pain until the damage to their joints is already severe. For that reason, it’s important to be vigilant for subtle signs of pain or inflammation, especially in higher-risk dogs. Dog arthritis symptoms might include:
If your dog is showing signs of osteoarthritis, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. The vet will perform a physical examination and may take x-rays of your dog’s joints. This can help to rule out other possible causes and assess the severity of joint damage.
When choosing any dog food, the most important thing to look for is a complete and balanced food. For a dog with arthritis, you’ll also want to look for a food like Virbac’s VETERINARY HPM Dog Food,which contains ingredients that protect their joint and muscle health. These include:
Because obesity puts significant strain on the joints,Virbac’s VETERINARY HPM Dog Food is formulated with healthy weight maintenance in mind. The high-protein/low-carbohydrate/moderate fat / fiber enriched formula is designed to meet the energy needs of dogs with arthritis, whose activity levels often decline as their condition progresses. It’s also free from unnecessary fillers or additives, which can aggravate inflammation and make joint discomfort worse.
Dog osteoarthritis can’t be cured, so treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disease, keeping the joints functional, and reducing inflammation and pain. Your vet will help you to create a care plan that achieves these goals with quality nutrition and a number of other possible treatment options, such as:
Nobody likes to see their dog suffering with osteoarthritis and pain. While you can’t cure this condition, you can work closely with your vet to develop a personalised treatment plan. High-quality nutrition and careful weight management are at the heart of good osteoarthritis care, so ask your vet today about the best physical activities and dog food for joint health.
Dogs can start developing osteoarthritis as early as middle age, depending on their breed, size, and lifestyle. Larger breeds and dogs with underlying joint issues (like hip or elbow dysplasia) may show symptoms as early as 5 years old. However, dog osteoarthritis care should begin with proactive prevention, including joint-friendly nutrition and weight management, even before signs appear.
Yes, physiotherapy is an effective part of osteoarthritis treatment for dogs. It helps improve joint mobility, maintain muscle strength, and reduce pain. Techniques may include range-of-motion exercises, hydrotherapy, massage, and laser therapy. A certified canine physiotherapist can tailor a plan to suit your dog's condition and comfort level.
The best foods for dogs with arthritis support joint health and help manage weight. Look for diets rich in:
These elements are essential in nutrition for dogs with arthritis, and brands like Virbac's VETERINARY HPM Dog Food include many of these beneficial ingredients.
Unfortunately, osteoarthritis in dogs cannot be cured, as it is a degenerative joint disease. However, it can be effectively managed with a combination of treatments, including medication, nutrition for dogs with arthritis, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes. The goal is to slow the disease's progression and reduce discomfort.
Watch for these signs indicating that your dog's arthritis may be worsening:
If these symptoms appear or intensify, consult your vet immediately to adjust your dog's osteoarthritis treatment plan.
While you can't always prevent it entirely, you can reduce the risk by focusing on:
Early preventive steps are a key part of a long-term dog osteoarthritis care plan.
Dogs with dog osteoarthritis can live many years after diagnosis, especially with early intervention and the right care. While the condition is progressive and cannot be cured, proper nutrition, medication, weight management, and gentle physical activity can greatly improve quality of life. Many dogs continue to enjoy happy, fulfilling lives with appropriate treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
End-stage dog osteoarthritis is when the joint degeneration has advanced to a point where there's little to no cartilage left between bones. At this stage, dogs may experience severe pain, limited mobility, and difficulty with basic activities like standing, walking, or relieving themselves. Treatment focuses on palliative care—reducing pain and improving comfort—through pain medications, supplements, physiotherapy, and home modifications. In extreme cases, surgical intervention may be discussed.
Yes, diet can help osteoarthritis by supporting joint health, managing inflammation, and maintaining a healthy weight. The right food can reduce strain on joints and deliver nutrients essential for cartilage repair and pain management. Key dietary components include:
Choosing a veterinary-recommended formula like Virbacs VETERINARY HPM Dog Food, formulated specifically for dogs with joint issues, can make a meaningful difference in managing dog osteoarthritis.