Best Arthritis Prevention Habits for Dogs
We want our dogs playing and swimming well into their senior years. Here’s where to start.
Catch It Early
Have your veterinarian examine your puppy carefully for signs of pain — puppies shouldn’t hurt. A puppy with a quirky or unique way of sitting, standing, walking, or running may be compensating for hip or elbow dysplasia, the root cause of most canine osteoarthritis. Caught early, several interventions can help a young dog develop with less pain down the road.
Grow Puppies Slowly
Rapid growth is a major driver of later-life osteoarthritis. Dogs expected to weigh over 44 pounds as adults should stay on large-breed puppy food — never switched early to adult food, which is proportionally higher in carbohydrates relative to protein. Watch out for “grain-free” labeling too: novel carbs like potatoes, chickpeas, quinoa, and peas still fuel rapid growth and should stay a minor part of a puppy’s diet.
Move — But Not Too Much or Too Little
Dogs who get 60+ minutes of daily exercise have significantly less osteoarthritis than dogs getting 20 minutes or less. Two relaxed 30-minute walks a day is a great target. If your dog already has arthritis, ask your veterinary team about a referral to a veterinarian certified in Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation — these specialists use tools like cavalettis, underwater treadmills, massage therapy, and at-home stretch routines to keep dogs moving comfortably.
Keep Them Lean
Dogs with portion-controlled meals and healthy body condition have less arthritis than dogs who cycle through weight gain and loss — cartilage damage from the “fat years” doesn’t fully reverse. Ask your veterinarian to help you dial in the right portions for your dog’s life stage.
How Ancient Law Pet Wellness Can Help
Diagnosis, imaging, and prescription pain management should go through your dog’s veterinarian. Once you have a diagnosis, our Canine Rehabilitation program and Tui-na Massage sessions are built to support arthritic and post-orthopedic dogs — targeted mobility exercises, hands-on bodywork, and a home exercise plan you can keep up between visits. For dogs managing chronic pain long-term, our Palliative Care Consulting can help coordinate comfort-focused support alongside your vet’s treatment plan. Reach out at JLaw@VetVmd.com or call/text (813) 816-1759.
