Osteoarthritis in Dogs

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease or DJD, is a painful and progressive condition affecting one or more joints.

Healthy cartilage covers and protects the ends of the bones within a joint, allowing them to move smoothly. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage and other tissues within the joint become damaged and gradually deteriorate. This can lead to inflammation, pain, stiffness and reduced movement.

Although osteoarthritis is more common in older dogs, it is not simply a normal part of ageing. Younger dogs can also develop the condition, particularly if they have an inherited joint problem, abnormal joint development or a previous injury.

Symptoms

The signs of osteoarthritis can develop gradually and may initially be mistaken for a dog simply “slowing down.” Possible symptoms include:

• Stiffness, particularly after resting
• Difficulty getting up or lying down
• Lameness or an altered gait
• Reluctance to walk, run or play
• Difficulty climbing stairs or getting into a car
• Reluctance to jump onto furniture
• Reduced activity or sleeping more
• Licking or chewing around a painful joint
• Loss of muscle around an affected limb
• Irritability or changes in behaviour
• Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position

Symptoms may appear worse after strenuous exercise, following a long period of rest or during cold and damp weather.

What causes osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis can develop because of abnormal wear or damage within a joint. In many dogs, it develops as a consequence of another joint condition.

Possible causes and contributing factors include:

• Hip or elbow dysplasia
• Patellar luxation
• Osteochondritis dissecans
• Previous fractures or joint injuries
• Cruciate ligament damage
• Abnormal joint development or conformation
• Joint instability
• Repeated strain or excessive impact
• Increasing age
• Excess body weight

Obesity does not necessarily cause the original joint abnormality, but additional body weight increases the strain placed on painful or damaged joints. Fat tissue can also contribute to inflammation within the body.

Diagnosis

Your veterinary surgeon will ask about your dog’s symptoms, activity and medical history. They may watch the dog walking or trotting and examine the joints for pain, swelling, instability and reduced movement.

X-rays are often used to look for changes associated with osteoarthritis and to identify possible underlying joint problems. Sedation or a general anaesthetic may be required to position the dog correctly.

Other tests may occasionally be recommended to exclude conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Treatment and management

There is no single treatment suitable for every dog. Osteoarthritis is usually managed using several approaches together, with the aim of reducing pain, maintaining mobility and preserving quality of life.

Weight management

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important parts of managing osteoarthritis. Even modest weight loss can reduce the load placed on painful joints.

Your veterinary practice can help assess your dog’s body condition and recommend a suitable diet and safe rate of weight loss if necessary.

Exercise

Regular, controlled exercise helps maintain muscle strength, joint movement and general fitness. Several shorter walks may suit an arthritic dog better than one long or strenuous walk.

The amount of exercise should be adjusted to the individual dog. Repeated jumping, sudden twisting, ball chasing and uncontrolled high-impact exercise may worsen pain.

Exercise should not be stopped completely unless advised by a veterinary surgeon, as prolonged inactivity can lead to muscle loss, weight gain and increased stiffness.

Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy

Veterinary physiotherapy may help improve strength, balance and joint movement. Hydrotherapy can provide supported exercise with reduced pressure on the joints.

These treatments should be provided by appropriately qualified professionals following veterinary advice.

Changes within the home

Simple adjustments can make everyday life easier for an arthritic dog:

• Place rugs or non-slip mats on slippery floors
• Provide a supportive and easily accessible bed
• Use ramps where appropriate
• Raise food and water bowls if advised
• Keep nails and excess hair between the pads trimmed
• Avoid unnecessary use of steep stairs
• Help the dog into vehicles instead of expecting it to jump

Pain-relieving medication

Veterinary-prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly known as NSAIDs, are frequently used to reduce pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

Not every medicine is suitable for every dog. Your veterinary surgeon will consider the dog’s age, general health, other medication and any existing kidney, liver or digestive problems.

Blood tests and regular monitoring may be recommended for dogs receiving long-term medication.

Librela

Librela is the brand name for bedinvetmab, a veterinary medicine authorised in the UK for the alleviation of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.

It is a canine monoclonal antibody that targets nerve growth factor, known as NGF, which is involved in osteoarthritis pain. Librela is given by a veterinary professional as an injection, usually once a month.

Librela works differently from NSAIDs and is processed by the body in a similar way to naturally occurring proteins, with minimal involvement of the liver and kidneys.

Some dogs experience a noticeable improvement in comfort and movement, while others may show less benefit. Pain relief can result in a dog becoming more active, so exercise should still be increased gradually and sensibly.

Possible adverse effects

As with any medicine, adverse effects can occur. The current UK product information lists possible reactions including:

• Injection-site reactions
• Increased thirst or urination
• Urinary incontinence
• Diarrhoea or vomiting
• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy
• Unsteadiness or poor coordination
• Seizures in very rare cases

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate continually monitors suspected adverse events. In February 2026, it published an assessment which found that a small subset of dogs aged six years and over had reportedly deteriorated rapidly within 14 days of receiving Librela, although no clear pattern or cause was identified.

Supplements and complementary treatments

Joint supplements containing ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussel or undenatured type II collagen are sometimes used alongside other treatment.

The amount and quality of evidence differ between products, and supplements should not be regarded as replacements for effective pain relief. Ask your veterinary surgeon whether a particular product may be suitable for your dog.

Other complementary treatments, including acupuncture, massage, laser treatment and therapeutic ultrasound, may be offered as part of an individual pain-management plan. Evidence and results vary, and treatment should be provided by an appropriately qualified professional.

Surgery

Surgery may be appropriate when osteoarthritis has developed because of an underlying problem that can be corrected or when pain cannot be managed adequately by other methods.

The options will depend on the joint involved, the dog’s age, the severity of the damage and its general health. Procedures may include stabilising an unstable joint, removing damaged tissue, correcting abnormal joint alignment or replacing a severely damaged joint.

Monitoring quality of life

Osteoarthritis often changes gradually, so it can be helpful to keep a simple record of your dog’s mobility and comfort. Note whether the dog can:

• Get up without assistance
• Walk comfortably
• Use the stairs where necessary
• Get into the garden to toilet
• Sleep comfortably
• Take part in activities it enjoys

Regular veterinary reviews allow treatment to be adjusted as the dog’s needs change.

Outlook

Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition, but many dogs can continue to enjoy a good quality of life with appropriate pain relief, controlled exercise, weight management and practical support within the home.