Arthritis in Horses and Dogs: A Guide to Awareness, Prevention, and Lifelong Comfort!

by Kamie Roth May 14, 2025

Arthritis doesn’t just affect humans, it’s a leading cause of chronic pain and reduced mobility in animals, especially our beloved dogs and horses! As our companions age, they can suffer from the same joint stiffness and inflammation that plague people. But unlike humans, our animals can’t tell us when they’re in pain. That’s why Arthritis Awareness Month is so important! By learning to recognize the signs of arthritis early and taking proactive steps to manage it, we can help ensure our pets live longer, healthier, and more comfortable lives!

What Is Arthritis in Animals?

Arthritis, most commonly osteoarthritis (OA), is a degenerative joint disease where the cushioning cartilage within a joint breaks down over time. This leads to bone-on-bone contact, causing pain, inflammation, and a progressive loss of mobility. In both dogs and horses, arthritis can be triggered by:

• Aging (natural wear and tear)
• Joint injuries or trauma
• Repetitive stress or high activity levels
• Genetic predisposition or conformational issues
• Obesity, which places added stress on joints

Although arthritis is more commonly diagnosed in senior animals, it can affect younger ones as well, especially those with joint abnormalities, such as hip or elbow dysplasia in dogs, or joint malformations in horses.

Understanding Arthritis in Dogs

Dogs are incredibly stoic creatures, and many will continue to play and engage with their families even as they experience discomfort. However, arthritis symptoms often begin subtly and worsen over time.

Signs of Canine Arthritis:

• Slowing down on walks
• Difficulty jumping onto furniture or into the car
• Trouble rising after lying down
• Favoring a limb or developing an abnormal gait
• Stiffness after rest that improves with movement
• Behavioral changes (e.g., irritability, withdrawal, or increased vocalization)
• Licking, biting, or chewing at painful joints

Commonly Affected Breeds:

• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• German Shepherds
• Rottweilers
• Dachshunds (due to back and spine issues)

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Veterinarians can diagnose arthritis through a physical exam and X-rays. Once diagnosed, a comprehensive, multimodal approach is often the most effective. Treatment may include:

• Weight management: Excess weight amplifies joint stress—every extra pound matters.
• Joint supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, green-lipped mussel, and turmeric may reduce inflammation and support cartilage.
• Pain relief: NSAIDs are commonly prescribed, but long-term use must be closely monitored.
• Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, cold laser therapy, and physical rehabilitation can improve mobility and quality of life.
• Environmental support: Use ramps, orthopedic dog beds, non-slip rugs, and raised food bowls to minimize joint strain.

Understanding Arthritis in Horses

In horses, arthritis can develop silently over months or years. Performance horses are particularly vulnerable due to repeated stress and strain on their joints. However, even pasture pets and trail companions can develop arthritis from aging or old injuries.

Signs of Equine Arthritis:

• Intermittent or consistent lameness
• Warm, swollen, or tender joints
• Hesitation to be saddled, mounted, or exercised
• Shortened stride or uneven gait
• Difficulty with turns, transitions, or carrying weight
• Stiffness when first starting to move, especially in cold weather

High-Risk Joints:

• Hocks
• Fetlocks
• Stifles
• Pasterns
• Coffin joints

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Equine arthritis is diagnosed through a lameness exam, flexion tests, and imaging (radiographs or ultrasound). Management is highly individualized and may include:

• Intra-articular injections: Steroids or hyaluronic acid can reduce inflammation and lubricate joints.
• Oral supplements: MSM, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and omega-3s are commonly used.
• Topical anti-inflammatories or poultices post-exercise.
• Physical therapy: Gentle exercise keeps joints lubricated—turnout and low-impact riding are encouraged.
• Therapeutic shoeing: Corrective trimming and specialized horseshoes can help redistribute pressure and reduce joint stress.
• Advanced therapies: IRAP, PRP, and stem cell treatments are being increasingly used in equine medicine to slow arthritis progression.

Prevention and Early Intervention: The Key to Long-Term Health

Arthritis cannot always be prevented, but its onset can be delayed and severity minimized with the right preventive care:

For Dogs:

• Keep your dog lean—obesity is one of the top risk factors.
• Encourage regular, low-impact activity like walking or swimming.
• Provide joint supplements before problems arise, especially in at-risk breeds.
• Schedule annual or semi-annual vet checkups, particularly as your dog ages.

For Horses:

• Warm up and cool down properly before and after exercise.
• Avoid overworking young horses or pushing for peak performance too soon.
• Allow adequate rest and recovery between workouts.
• Use protective boots and maintain proper farrier care.
• Monitor for stiffness, especially during weather changes or after work.

Quality of Life Matters Most

Managing arthritis is not just about medication—it's about improving overall well-being. That means adapting to your animal’s environment, modifying their routine, and staying in tune with their changing needs. With attentive care, many arthritic dogs and horses continue to enjoy full, active, and happy lives for years!

Take Action This Animal Arthritis Awareness Month

Let this month be a reminder to take a closer look at how your pets are moving and behaving. Subtle changes could be the first signs of joint issues. Whether you have a loyal Labrador or a cherished Thoroughbred, keeping them comfortable as they age is one of the most meaningful ways we can give back to our companions.

Don’t wait for pain to slow them down—get ahead of arthritis today!

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