Osteoarthritis or arthritis in dogs? Differences, symptoms and treatment explained simply. 

When every step is difficult …

Does your dog suddenly no longer jump into the car, walk slower on walks than before, or need a few steps in the morning before getting properly moving? Many dog owners initially attribute such changes to age. However, they can actually be early signs of joint disease.

Joint problems are among the most common chronic diseases in dogs. Osteoarthritis and arthritis, in particular, can significantly impair quality of life. Although both conditions can cause similar symptoms, they differ significantly in their cause and treatment.

The earlier joint problems are detected, the better pain can be relieved and mobility maintained in the long term. In this article, you will learn the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis, which symptoms are typical, and how you can best support your dog.

The most important things at a glance

• Osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive joint disease.
• Arthritis describes inflammation of one or more joints.
• Early signs are often stiffness after getting up, lameness, or reduced willingness to move.
• Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment options.
• Weight management, exercise, physiotherapy, and an individually tailored therapy form the basis of treatment.
• Selected dietary supplements can sensibly complement veterinary therapy, but do not replace it.

Osteoarthritis or arthritis – what is the difference?

The terms osteoarthritis and arthritis are often confused or equated. However, they are actually two different diseases.

Osteoarthritis – progressive joint wear and tear

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease of the entire joint. In the past, it was often referred to as a purely degenerative disease. Today, however, it is known that osteoarthritis is significantly more complex.
Not only does the joint cartilage change – the bone, joint capsule, ligaments, and joint synovium are also affected. In addition, inflammatory processes play an important role in the progression of the disease.
The protective joint cartilage gradually loses its elasticity. As a result, the joint surfaces increasingly rub against each other. This can cause pain and significantly restrict mobility.
Osteoarthritis usually develops slowly over months or years and is currently considered incurable. However, its progression can often be slowed with early treatment.

Arthritis – joint inflammation

Arthritis, on the other hand, describes inflammation of a joint.
Unlike osteoarthritis, the focus here is not on cartilage degeneration, but on an active inflammatory reaction. It can occur suddenly and cause severe pain.
Possible causes include:

• Injuries

• Immune system diseases

• Tick-borne or other infectious diseases

• Metabolic diseases
  

• bacterial infections

Arthritis should generally be examined by a veterinarian promptly. Depending on the cause, it can heal completely or – if left untreated – lead to permanent joint damage and osteoarthritis in the long term.

Causes of osteoarthritis in dogs

Osteoarthritis rarely occurs without a trigger. In many cases, it develops as a result of other orthopedic diseases or long-term misuse or overuse.

The most common causes include:

• Hip dysplasia (HD)

• Elbow dysplasia (ED)

• Cranial cruciate ligament ruptures

• Patellar luxation

• Joint injuries

• Bone fractures involving joints

• Limb deformities

• Overweight

• intensive sports strain

• age-related changes

How can I recognize osteoarthritis or arthritis?

Dogs often try to hide pain for a long time. Therefore, joint diseases often develop insidiously and are only detected when the symptoms are already clearly pronounced.

Typical signs of osteoarthritis are:

• Difficulty getting up

• Stiffness after periods of rest

• so-called difficulty getting started

• Lameness after longer walks

• Shortened walks

• Reduced willingness to play

• Difficulty climbing stairs

• Reluctance to jump into the car

• Muscle loss
  

Arthritis, on the other hand, often becomes noticeable much more quickly.

Possible symptoms are:

• Sudden lameness

• Severe pain

• Swelling of a joint

• Overheating

• Sensitivity to touch

• Guarded posture

• Fever or lethargy (depending on the cause)

Important: If your dog suddenly shows severe pain, pronounced lameness, or a swollen and overheated joint, he should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

How does the veterinarian make the diagnosis? 

First, a thorough orthopedic examination is performed. During this, the veterinarian assesses, among other things, the gait, the mobility of the joints, and possible pain reactions.

Depending on the suspicion, further examinations may be necessary, for example:

• X-ray

• Ultrasound

• Computed tomography (CT)
  

• Joint puncture

• Blood tests

Only by combining these examinations can it be reliably determined whether osteoarthritis, arthritis, or another disease of the musculoskeletal system is present.

Treatment options

The treatment is always tailored to the cause of the symptoms.
In the case of arthritis, the primary focus is on combating the inflammation. Depending on the trigger, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or other specific therapies may be necessary.

In the case of osteoarthritis, the treatment pursues other goals:

• Reduce pain

• Maintain mobility

• Prevent muscle loss

• Improve quality of life

• Slow down the progression of the disease as much as possible

A successful osteoarthritis treatment today almost always consists of several components.

Exercise instead of rest

Scientific studies show that adapted exercise is an important part of the treatment.
Regular walks, controlled muscle building, and physiotherapy exercises help stabilize the joints and strengthen the surrounding muscles. At the same time, overuse should be avoided.

Particularly suitable are:

• Regular walks

• Swimming

• Underwater treadmill

• Balance exercises

• Coordination training

• Targeted muscle building

Intensive ball games, frequent jumping, or abrupt changes in direction should, on the other hand, be reduced as much as possible.

Physiotherapy – an important part of the treatment

Dog physiotherapy plays a central role today in the treatment of many joint diseases.
Depending on the disease and individual findings, the following measures can be used, among others:

• Massage

• Manual therapy

• Laser therapy

• Underwater treadmill

• Mobilization

• Passive range-of-motion exercises

• Coordination and balance exercises

• Targeted muscle building

The goal is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and maintain muscle strength in the long term. This allows many dogs to manage their daily lives again much more actively and with more joy.

What role do dietary supplements play?

A balanced diet, a healthy body weight, and an individually tailored veterinary treatment form the basis of any osteoarthritis or arthritis therapy. Dietary supplements cannot replace these measures, but they can – depending on individual needs – sensibly complement them.

Omega 3 

Omega-3 fatty acids are among the best-researched dietary supplements for dogs with osteoarthritis. Particularly important are the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are found primarily in fish oil, such as salmon oil or Omega 3 capsules.
EPA and DHA are incorporated into the cell membranes and influence the formation of various inflammatory mediators. This allows them to support anti-inflammatory processes in the body through nutrition.
Several veterinary studies show that dogs with osteoarthritis on a diet with increased EPA and DHA content can show, among other things:

• improved mobility,

• easier getting up,

• becoming more active,

• requiring less pain medication in some cases.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

MSM is an organic sulfur compound that is an important component of various structures within the body, such as cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue.
MSM is therefore frequently used in joint preparations.

Devil's claw

African devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) has been used as a medicinal plant for many years.
Laboratory and human studies indicate anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Note: Dogs with stomach ulcers or certain pre-existing conditions should only receive devil's claw after consulting with the treating veterinarian.

Rosehip powder

Rosehips are rich in natural plant compounds.
The shell and seeds of the rosehip contain numerous high-quality ingredients. For example, they contain vitamins such as vitamins C, A, B1, B2, E, H, and K. Furthermore, rosehips also contain a high number of minerals and trace elements such as flavonoids and galactolipids. Among native fruits, the rosehip has the highest ascorbic acid content (vitamin C) with approx. 500mg/100mg.
Rosehip powder is therefore frequently used as a natural addition to a balanced diet and can be part of a holistic joint management plan.

Our recommendation for supporting joints

In addition to veterinary treatment, physiotherapy, and adapted exercise, selected dietary supplements can be a sensible addition.

In our range, you will find high-quality products to support your dog's joint health:

• Omega-3 fatty acids from high-quality salmon oil or concentrated Omega-3 capsules

• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

• Devil's claw

• Rosehip powder

Can osteoarthritis be prevented?

Not all osteoarthritis can be prevented. However, you can significantly reduce the risk.

The following measures help keep your dog's joints healthy in the long term:

• healthy body weight

• regular exercise

• targeted muscle building

• balanced diet

• early treatment of orthopedic diseases

• avoiding overuse during growth

• regular veterinary check-ups

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis and arthritis are among the most common musculoskeletal diseases in dogs. Although the symptoms can be similar, both diseases differ significantly in their cause.
While osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive joint disease, arthritis is inflammation of a joint, which often occurs suddenly and requires targeted veterinary treatment.
The earlier joint problems are detected, the better pain can be controlled and mobility maintained in the long term.
In addition to veterinary treatment, weight management, regular exercise, physiotherapy, and – depending on individual needs – selected dietary supplements play an important role in your dog's quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is osteoarthritis curable in dogs?

No. Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease of the joint. With early and individually tailored treatment, pain can often be reduced and mobility maintained for many years.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease with progressive cartilage degeneration and changes to the entire joint. Arthritis, on the other hand, describes inflammation of a joint, which often occurs suddenly and can have different causes.

How can I recognize osteoarthritis in my dog?

Typical signs are stiffness after getting up, lameness, reduced willingness to move, difficulty climbing stairs or getting into the car, as well as declining muscle development.

Does exercise help with osteoarthritis?

Yes. Adapted exercise is now considered one of the most important parts of treatment. It helps maintain muscle mass, stabilize joints, and promote mobility.

Can my dog exercise despite osteoarthritis?

In many cases, yes. The right level of exertion is crucial. Controlled walks, swimming, or muscle training supervised by a physiotherapist are suitable examples. Intensive exertion involving a lot of jumping or sudden changes in direction should be avoided.

When should I see a veterinarian?

If your dog suddenly shows severe pain, noticeable lameness, a swollen or overheated joint, or a striking change in its movement, it should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Author

This article was created by Isabella Gollner, BSc, based on veterinary medical literature, nutritional science findings, and the references listed below. The aim is to provide dog owners with sound, easy-to-understand, and practical information about gastrointestinal health in dogs and to clearly explain the connections between gut flora, digestion, metabolism, and overall well-being.

Veterinary medical sources, standard scientific works on animal nutrition, and current findings on dog health were taken into account for the content. Despite careful research, this article is not a substitute for a veterinary diagnosis or individual consultation.

Sources & References

• Anderson KL et al. (2020). Management of Osteoarthritis in Dogs. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports.

• Rychel JK. (2010). Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoarthritis. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice.

• American Animal Hospital Association. 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.

• World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Global Guidelines for Recognition, Assessment and Treatment of Pain.

• American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Canine Osteoarthritis – Clinical Resources.

• Roush JK et al. (2010). Multicenter Veterinary Trial of Therapeutic Diet Enriched with Fish Oil in Dogs with Osteoarthritis.

• Fritsch DA et al. (2010). Therapeutic Diet Improves Mobility in Dogs with Osteoarthritis.