Arthritis in Dogs:
How to Keep Your Dog Moving Well into Their Senior Years
What is osteoarthritis?
Is it just old age, or something more?
As dogs move into their senior years, it’s normal for their energy levels to change. But if you’ve noticed a gradual slowing down, stiffness after rest, or a reluctance to walk, run or play, it could be more than just “getting old.” Osteoarthritis is very common in older dogs, but it’s not something they have to simply live with.
Just like humans, when dogs start to feel achy or uncomfortable, they often move less. And unfortunately, less movement = more stiffness, more weakness, and more discomfort.
What are the symptoms?
Your dog cannot tell you they’re in pain, but watch for the subtle changes in their activity, or body language such as:
- Stiffness, or limping (more so after resting)
- Reluctance to go for a walk, go up the stairs, get on and off the sofa
- Difficulty getting up from laying down
- Losing muscle and strength
- Loss of interest to play or interact with other dogs
- Behavioural changes such as being withdrawn or irritable.
If you feel that your dog has any of these signs, it is important to discuss this with your vet.
How physiotherapy helps dogs with arthritis
At Apollo, we take a proactive, tailored approach to canine arthritis. That means:
- A thorough assessment of how your dog moves
- Identifying specific areas of pain, tension or weakness
- Designing a structured, progressive exercise programme
- Teaching you how to support your dog at home
We’ll never take a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Your dog’s treatment plan will be completely individual to their needs, personality and lifestyle.
What treatment are the treatment aims?
Physiotherapy aims to improve your dog’s mobility and quality of life. Addressing pain, stiffness and muscle weakness which are all common problems with arthritis dogs.
Pain relief can be achieved via.
- Laser therapy
- Massage and manual techniques including stretching and passive range of motion
- Heat / cold packs (thermotherapy)
- Pulse magnetic wave therapy
- Ultrasound therapy
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Mobility and flexibility of joints can be achieved via.
- Stretching and range of motion
- Exercises aiming to mobilise joints
Muscle strengthening can be achieved via.
- Tailored strength-building exercises
- Advice on how to exercise your dog at home
- Hydrotherapy
- Electrical muscle stimulation
Helping your dog at home
Managing osteoarthritis requires a multimodal approach, you can support your dog by:
- Pain relief prescribed by your veterinarian
- Joint supplements to help maintain joint nutrition
- Weight management diet to reduce strain of too much weight on the joints
Home management (cover slippy floors with rugs, keep nails trimmed, use ramps or steps onto furniture or in and out car, provide orthopaedic, supportive bedding).
Your dog can move better - even with arthritis
It’s never too early (or too late) to support your dog’s mobility. Whether they’re just starting to slow down, or you’re already managing an arthritis diagnosis, we’re here to help.If you’re unsure where to start, or you want to find out more about cost and availability, we’re happy to guide you through your options.
Some Stories from Some of our Pups:
“Both my dogs have been to Apollo to have physiotherapy . They are old and have arthritis which can make them sore and stiff . They had red light laser treatment and heat pads. Enjoyed some doggy yoga to show me exercises to do at home . Both benefitted greatly from the treatment and Ellie was lovely. Very easy to chat to and obviously very good at her job . They have enjoyed their sessions at Apollo and I now feel more knowledgeable about the best way forward to help keep as many aches and pains away so they can enjoy their old age in comfort . Would highly recommend.” – Tia + Buddy’s Mum
“Laura is exceptional. Not only does she have an instinctive way with animals, her knowledge is vast. Sadie has had arthritis for most of her life and recently tore her cruciate ligament, so surgery loomed. Four sessions in and she’s a different dog! She’s not keen on water so the fact that Laura can get her to walk on a treadmill in a water tank is a small miracle in itself. Once she’s also been lasered and massaged after her hydrotherapy, she has a real spring in her step. Lots of people have commented on the difference in Sadie – she seems much happier, in less pain and more mobile. Big licks from Sadie and thanks from us! Highly recommended (but not so much that we can’t get an appointment, obvs). – Sadie’s Mum
“I have been taking Alan our 12 year old Airedale Terrier to Apollo Animal Physio for about 3 months. Working with Ellie he has progressed from just heat & laser treatments on his hip joints to work in the hydrotherapy pool. Alan avoids water, be it puddles or the sea but with some treats he is happy to use the walker in the water. Full marks to Ellie and the team.” – Alan’s Dad
“Ellie thoroughly assessed Blaez and talked me through the issues she found. She gave Blaez a personalised plan for treatment and advised me on exercises for me to carry out at home. Ellie uses “force free”, kind methods for encouraging Blaez to engage with her sessions. Her reassurance while in the hydrotherapy tank has really helped Blaez to accept her hydrotherapy quickly. Blaez’s mobility and comfort level has definitely improved with the treatment she is receiving. I receive a summary of each appointment to my account and a reminder for each date, which I find very useful. I recommend Apollo Animal Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy clinic.” – Blaez’s Mum
Contact Us
- 07300 020 514
- bookings@apolloanimalphysio.com
- apolloanimalphysio@gmail.com
- Apollo Animal Physiotherapy, Old Haine Road, Ramsgate, CT12 5AG
