What is the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis?

Arthritis is joint inflammation (acute or chronic, many causes). Osteoarthritis is the progressive degeneration of joint cartilage — the most common form in dogs, especially in older ones. Clinically the terms are often used interchangeably.

How do I know if my dog has arthritis?

Key signs: stiffness on rising (eases with gentle movement), lameness that worsens in cold or damp weather, reluctance to climb stairs or jump, personality changes (irritable, less playful), more sleeping, frequent licking of joints.

What pain relief is safe for dogs with arthritis?

Veterinary NSAIDs (meloxicam, carprofen, robenacoxib, grapiprant) are the first line. Never give ibuprofen, paracetamol or aspirin without veterinary prescription — they are toxic to dogs.

What can I do at home to help my arthritic dog?

Weight control, orthopaedic memory foam bed, ramps for sofa and car, short frequent walks on non-slip surfaces (rugs/carpets), raised bowls if the neck or shoulders are affected.

Dog Arthritis and Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Treatment and Quality of Life

What Is Canine Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease. The cartilage breaks down, the underlying bone thickens and bony spurs (osteophytes) form, causing pain and inflammation. It is estimated to affect 1 in 5 adult dogs and over 80 % of dogs over 8 years old — yet most owners attribute the signs to "just getting old." They are signs of pain that can be treated.

Symptoms: Signs That Aren't Just Ageing

Stiffness on rising that eases after a few minutes of gentle movement.
Lameness of variable severity, worse in cold or wet weather.
Reluctance to climb stairs, jump, or get into the car.
Personality change: more irritable, less interested in play.
More time sleeping or lying down.
Frequent licking of painful joints.

Multimodal Treatment

Weight control: the single most impactful step. Adipose tissue produces pro-inflammatory cytokines that accelerate joint degeneration.
Veterinary NSAIDs: meloxicam, carprofen, robenacoxib, grapiprant — under vet supervision with regular blood monitoring. Never use human ibuprofen, paracetamol or aspirin.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation: hydrotherapy (pool or underwater treadmill), laser therapy, electrostimulation, massage. Builds muscle support and maintains joint mobility.
Chondroprotectants: glucosamine + chondroitin sulphate, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA). Moderate evidence, excellent safety.
Environmental adaptations: orthopaedic memory foam bed, ramps, non-slip rugs, raised food bowls if the neck or shoulders are affected.
Regular, moderate exercise: short, frequent walks rather than one long session per week. Consistency matters more than intensity.

New Therapies

Anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies (bedinvetmab/Librela, approved in Europe; frunevetmab/Solensia for cats) are monthly injections with excellent efficacy for OA pain. Ask your vet if your dog is a candidate, especially if NSAIDs are not well tolerated.