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🐾 Health Matters: Arthritis in Dogs

Stiff joints, slowing down, or seeming sore after walks? Your dog may be developing arthritis.

Sophie avatar
Written by Sophie
Updated over a week ago

Stiff joints, slowing down, or seeming sore after walks? Your dog may be developing arthritis. It’s common, especially in older dogs, but with the right care and diet, they can stay active, comfortable and pain-free for years to come.

Contents

  1. What is arthritis?

  2. What causes it?

  3. How to manage it

  4. The role of raw feeding

  5. Where to get help

  6. Top 5 Takeouts

1. What is arthritis?

Arthritis (also called osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease) is inflammation in one or more joints. It’s usually a long-term condition that slowly worsens over time.

It often affects:

  • Hips

  • Elbows

  • Knees

  • Lower back

Common signs include stiffness after rest, reluctance to go for walks, limping, licking joints or struggling with stairs.

2. What causes it?

Many factors can lead to arthritis:

  • Joint conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia

  • Old injuries, such as torn ligaments or fractures

  • Excess weight, which puts strain on the joints

  • Ageing, as natural wear and tear builds up

  • Too much or too little exercise during development

  • Neutering, especially when done before full growth, may increase risk

There’s also a genetic link — some breeds are more prone than others.

3. How to manage it

Arthritis can’t be cured, but it can be well managed — and the earlier you start, the better the outcome. Here are the most helpful steps:

  • Supplements: Daily glucosamine, fish oil, green-lipped mussel or chondroitin

  • Weight control: Keeping your dog lean reduces pain and slows joint damage

  • Gentle movement: Swimming, slow walks and controlled activity keep muscles strong

  • Avoid impact: No stick throwing or sharp turns — they can make symptoms worse

  • Manual therapies: Physiotherapy, osteopathy or massage ease tension and support mobility

  • Pain relief: When needed, your vet can prescribe anti-inflammatories or other medication

  • Acupuncture and homeopathy: Both may help reduce inflammation and discomfort

💡 Poppy’s Tip: Try hydrotherapy or find a vet-trained physiotherapist to show you gentle, strengthening exercises for home.

There’s no single treatment that works for every dog and the best results come from combining natural support with medication if needed.

4. The role of raw feeding

Feeding your dog a natural, species-appropriate diet supports joint health in several important ways:

  • Raw meaty bones contain natural glucosamine and collagen

  • The diet is high in moisture and free from inflammatory fillers

  • Omega-3s from oily fish can reduce inflammation

  • Lean raw meals help keep your dog at a healthy weight

  • You can fine-tune portions and ingredients to match your dog’s needs

A raw diet is also ideal for weight loss, which is often essential in dogs with arthritis.

5. Where to get help

At Poppy’s Picnic, we’ve helped many dogs with arthritis live their best lives. Whether your dog is newly diagnosed or further along, we’ll help you pick the right raw meals for joint support. You’re not on your own and every little change adds up.

Top 5 Takeouts

  1. Arthritis is common in dogs, especially as they age, but it can be well managed with the right support.

  2. Keeping your dog lean is essential, as extra weight makes joint pain worse.

  3. Raw feeding provides joint-supporting nutrients, helps reduce inflammation and supports a healthy weight.

  4. Hands-on therapies like physiotherapy and osteopathy help relieve tension and improve mobility.

  5. Pain relief should never be withheld, but it can often be reduced or delayed with supplements and lifestyle changes.

Let us know if your dog is showing signs of arthritis. We’ll help you build a plan that works - one that supports their joints, boosts comfort and keeps them wagging.

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