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Pawsitive Mobility: Helping Dogs Live Comfortably with OA
May 4, 2025
Comprehensive Owner's Guide to Managing Canine Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, progressive joint disease that affects approximately 20% of dogs over the age of one. It results from wear and tear on the joints, leading to pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility. Much like in humans, dogs with OA experience joint pain that can significantly impact their quality of life.
Key Facts About Canine OA
Over 80% of dogs over 8 years old suffer from OA, and it is a leading cause of joint discomfort in older pets. OA can affect various joints, including the hips, knees, elbows, shoulders, and spine. The disease is often caused by a combination of factors such as age, obesity, previous injury, joint abnormalities, or genetic predisposition.
Common Symptoms of OA in Dogs
As OA progresses, dogs may exhibit several signs that indicate discomfort and mobility issues:
Limping or lameness.
Reluctance to play.
Reduced activity levels.
Stiffness - Especially after rest, in the mornings or during colder weather.
Difficulty standing or lying down - Your dog may struggle to get up after lying down or show difficulty in certain positions.
Changed in behaviour - OA pain can make dogs more irritable, anxious, or withdrawn. Your dog might become less social, more sensitive to touch, or avoid being petted in certain areas due to joint discomfort.
What You Can Look for as an Owner
As an owner, it's important to stay vigilant and watch for signs of OA. If your dog is showing any of the symptoms mentioned above—especially limping, stiffness, or reluctance to play—it’s worth scheduling a visit to your vet for an assessment. Early detection and intervention can greatly improve your dog’s quality of life.
Video by Our Pets Health
How Physiotherapy Can Help Manage Canine OA
A structured physiotherapy plan can significantly improve your dog's comfort and mobility. By combining multiple approaches, physiotherapy can help control pain, improve mobility, and slow the progression of OA. Below is a helpful framework known as the Physiotherapy Pyramid, which builds care from the ground up:
Level 1: Home & Environment Adjustments
Safe and more comfortable home environment - Non-slip mats can prevent slipping on smooth surfaces, while ramps instead of stairs will reduce strain on joints.
Raising your dog’s food and water bowls can help reduce strain, and orthopedic bedding offers better joint support.
Level 2: Daily Low-Impact Exercise & Weight Management
Regular, control, short walks on soft surfaces are low-impact activities help keep your dog’s joints moving without overloading them. Avoid high-impact activities like jumping, running, or chasing balls, as these can worsen joint pain and accelerate OA progression.
Weight management places additional strain on already compromised joints, making the symptoms of OA worse. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help minimize stress on the joints and prevent further degeneration.
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those derived from fish oil, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce chronic inflammation in the joints, which is a key contributor to the pain and stiffness associated with OA.
Level 3: Home-Based Exercises (Guided by a Physiotherapist)
Physiotherapists can provide tailored home exercises such as balance work to improve muscles support and stretching or passive range of motion exercises to maintain flexibility.
Manual therapy can also help reduce muscle tension and promote circulation.
Hydrotherapy is another excellent option for dogs with OA, as water reduces joint pressure.
Level 4: Professional Physiotherapy & Advanced Treatments
For advanced care, physiotherapists may use specialized treatments such as laser therapy, Manual Therapy, and TENS/NMES (electrical stimulation) to address pain and promote healing. Reassessment of your dog’s condition will be necessary to adjust the treatment plan as OA progresses.
Medical treatments prescribed by your vet often include anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) to control pain and reduce swelling in the affected joints. These medications can provide significant relief. However, it’s important to be aware that long-term use of these medications can have side effects. Your vet will monitor your dog’s health closely to minimize these risks and adjust the dosage as needed.
Alternative pain management options may be used when NSAIDs are not appropriate, or their side effects are of concern. Medications such as gabapentin, opioids, and tramadol can be prescribed to help manage chronic pain. These drugs help by either blocking pain signals or reducing nerve-related discomfort. While effective, they can also have side effects so it’s essential to follow your vet’s instructions carefully.
What You Can Do Today
If you suspect your dog is suffering from OA, the first step is to speak with your vet or a physiotherapist about a tailored treatment plan. Combining both medical and conservative approaches will help manage the disease and provide the best results.
You can also begin by making simple home adjustments to enhance your dog’s comfort, such as non-slip mats, ramps, and orthopedic beds. Daily controlled, short walks should be part of your routine, along with maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on your dog’s joints.
Consider enrolling your dog in a physiotherapy program. These programs often provide valuable insight into the latest methods for managing OA and improving your dog’s quality of life.
Video by Our Pets Health
Final Thoughts
Canine OA is a progressive disease that will continue to worsen over time if not addressed. As the condition advances, it can severely affect your dog's mobility and overall quality of life. In the worst cases, untreated OA can lead to the complete loss of mobility and, ultimately, may shorten your dog’s lifespan. That’s why early detection, intervention, and consistent management are so important.
With the right combination of lifestyle changes, regular monitoring, physiotherapy, and medical treatment, your dog can live a happy, active life despite the challenges of osteoarthritis.
Your involvement as an owner is crucial. By observing your dog closely, supporting them with proper care, and acting early, you can significantly improve their well-being.