Best Treatment for Arthritis in Dogs

Natural remedies for reducing your dog’s joint pain

Arthritis in dogs can sneak up slowly over many years and is hard to spot until it’s too late for early intervention. Maybe your dog is going a bit slower on walks, struggling to get up from a nap, or just not their usual playful self. These can all be signs of joint pain or inflammation.

If your dog is showing signs of joint pain, you’re not alone. In fact, canine arthritis affects 1 in 5 dogs in Australia and it's one of the most common chronic conditions seen by vets. The good news is we’ve sniffed out a variety of natural ways to manage both the symptoms and causes of arthritis in dogs.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

The most common causes of arthritis in dogs
Signs to look out for
Natural remedies and treatment options
Why gut health is essential for joint health

Let’s get into it!

What Causes Arthritis in Dogs?

Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is the result of inflammation in one or more joints. It’s often caused by the breakdown of cartilage, the cushioning tissue between bones, which then leads to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility of the joints. Ouch!

The most common causes include:

Ageing - As our dogs grow older, the wear and tear on their joints takes its toll and their ability to repair declines.
Breed predisposition - Unfortunately, many breeds are naturally more inclined to develop arthritis due to their genetics, particularly larger breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds and Boxers.
Previous injuries or surgery - Joint trauma, extreme overuse or genetic conditions like hip dysplasia can increase the risk as they age.
Obesity - Carrying extra weight puts added pressure on joints and speeds up degeneration. This can both speed up the process and lead to more severe symptoms.
Poor gut health - A diet lacking in essential fatty acids, antioxidants or joint-supporting nutrients can be a major contributor to joint inflammation, particularly coupled with any of the causes above.

Oftentimes it is a combination of any number of these causes but starting to understand the “why” behind your dog’s joint pain is the first step in finding the best treatment.

Common Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs

Early signs can be subtle and easy to overlook, especially since dogs aren’t ones to complain (unless you’re late with their dinner), but it’s important to try and pick up on your dog’s body language where you can. Watch for:

Limping or favouring one leg
Slower to get up on all fours, especially after resting
Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
Swelling or sensitivity in the joints
Decreased interest in play or exercise
Behaviour changes like irritability or restlessness

No one knows your dog like you do and the biggest giveaway is often just a slight change in their usual behaviour. If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to address them early and check in with your vet for a proper diagnosis.

The Best Treatment for Arthritis in Dogs

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, especially when the cause can be hard to identify but the most effective arthritis care involves a combination of remedies. Unfortunately, arthritis cannot be fully cured but there are plenty of effective treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility and slow progression of the disease. With the right plan, your dog can bounce back and continue to enjoy a fun-filled life.

1. Weight Management

Even a little extra weight can significantly increase joint stress, particularly if they have developed arthritis. In fact, just a 10% weight loss can make a big difference in mobility and comfort. Stick to portion-controlled meals and healthy, low-calorie treats. Your vet or pet nutritionist can help calculate an ideal weight for your dog.

2. Targeted Exercise

Gentle, low-impact activities like walking or swimming help maintain muscle tone without putting too much strain on the joints. Avoid intense fetching, jumping or twisting movements which can aggravate pain. Give them a boost on and off the bed if you still want your cuddles.

3. Joint-Friendly Diet

Gut health is one of the most overlooked but important factors in supporting your dog’s joint strength, flexibility and overall comfort. That’s because a healthy gut helps regulate inflammation throughout the body, including in the joints. Look for more:

Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil or flaxseed)
Antioxidants like Vitamin E and C
Whole-food ingredients that are rich in natural anti-inflammatories such turmeric, green-lipped mussels and MSM)

A balanced, whole-food diet supports joint health and a healthy gut microbiome, which are both crucial for keeping inflammation in check.

Natural Remedies for Arthritis in Dogs

While every dog is different, many respond much better to natural ingredients that reduce inflammation, support cartilage and nourish the body from within rather than just pain relief medication that doesn’t address the root cause of the problem.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

A powerful anti-inflammatory with pain-relieving properties. Turmeric has been shown to reduce stiffness and improve function in arthritic dogs. When combined with a very small amount of black pepper, the body can absorb turmeric significantly more effectively, making the anti-inflammatory benefits even more powerful.

Green-Lipped Mussel

Native to New Zealand, this shellfish is packed with omega-3s, glucosamine and chondroitin, all potent nutrients that support cartilage repair and reduce inflammation. Plus, dog’s love it!

CBD Oil

Emerging research suggests that CBD oil may help relieve pain and improve mobility in dogs with arthritis. However, depending on your state’s laws, it can be tricky to find a high-quality and vet-approved product.

Bone Broth

Rich in collagen, amino acids and nutritional minerals, bone broth can soothe sore joints and support gut health.

The Gut–Joint Connection: Why Gut Health Matters

Now let’s put on our lab coats and get a bit more scientific. Recent studies have shown that gut health is deeply connected to joint health. Inflammation in the gut can contribute to systemic inflammation, including in the joints.

This is especially important for dogs with arthritis, where reducing inflammation is key. By supporting the gut with a diverse, nutrient-rich diet, you help:

Balance your dog’s immune system
Reduce inflammatory markers
Improve absorption of joint-supporting nutrients
Promote better energy and overall wellbeing

That’s why at Updog, we believe the best treatment for arthritis in dogs starts from the gut.

Updog’s Hip & Joint Hero: Natural Support from the Inside Out

If you're looking for a natural arthritis and joint health supplement that ticks all the right boxes, Hip & Joint Hero was designed to do just that. To help reduce the trouble of sourcing a variety of quality nutrients to help with joint health, we’ve created a supplement that makes it simple.

Key Benefits:

Packed with green-lipped mussel, turmeric and MSM
No ‘filler’ ingredients for a more potent, effective serving
Pet Nutritionists and Vet approved
Delicious and easy (even picky pups approve)
100% Aussie made and owned

We created this formula not just to treat symptoms and reduce pain but to heal from the inside out. Because long-term joint health starts from the gut.

Whether your dog is a senior slowing down or a young pup with a genetic predisposition, Hip & Joint Hero helps support healthy mobility, play and adventure at every stage of life.

Learn more about our Hip & Joint dog supplement (your dog will thank you).

Giving Your Dog a Comfier, Happier Life

Watching your dog struggle with arthritis is hard but with the right care, there’s a lot you can do to put a spring back in their step. Whether it’s through improved nutrition, supplements or just better managing their physical output, the best treatment for arthritis in dogs is the one that supports their whole body, not just their joints.

Focus on gut health. Choose nourishing foods. And if you're looking for a supplement that gives you more, Updog Hip & Joint Hero has your pup’s back (and hips, and knees).

Here’s to more playing and less limping. Tell your dog we said hi!