Addressing Arthritis Pain in Dogs: A Multimodal Approach

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs, and it can affect their ability to enjoy everyday activities like playing, running, or even just getting up from their bed. The good news is that advances in veterinary medicine now provide a wide range of options to help ease pain and keep dogs moving comfortably, and most of these approaches work even better when used together in combination or in series.

A Multimodal Approach to Comfort and Mobility

Arthritis pain isn’t one-dimensional, so addressing it shouldn’t be either. Veterinarians often recommend a multimodal approach, which means combining several therapies or approaches to target pain, protect the joints, and improve quality of life. 

Here are some of the most common and effective options:

Traditional Pain Management Tools

  • Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other prescription pain relievers can reduce inflammation and make dogs more comfortable. These are often used as a first-line approach.

  • Supplements: Nutraceuticals such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids can support cartilage and joint health over time.

  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Keeping dogs at a healthy weight, modifying exercise routines, and adding supportive bedding, ramps, non-slip flooring, or support harnesses can significantly improve quality of life.

Physical and Alternative Therapies

  • Hydrotherapy: Low impact exercise, like swimming or walking on an underwater treadmill provides exercise without putting stress on sore joints.

  • Acupuncture: Some studies have shown that acupuncture can help reduce OA pain and improve mobility. Always consult a certified veterinary acupuncturist to determine if your dog can tolerate this treatment.

  • Massage: Arthritis doesn’t just affect the joints; it can also lead to sore muscles and even muscle loss. Ask your veterinarian to teach you gentle and safe massage techniques you can do at home to help relieve muscle discomfort. You can also work with a certified rehab vet who specializes in these kinds of treatments to give your pet some extra support. 

  • Chiropractic adjustments: Arthritis is a whole body disease, and chiropractic adjustments from a Certified Veterinary Chiropractor can help with realignment of the musculoskeletal system. 

  • Laser Therapy: Light therapy can reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing.

Regenerative Medicine: Supporting the Joint Itself

Beyond managing symptoms, regenerative therapies offer tools that directly support joint health:

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP delivers natural healing proteins that help calm inflammation inside the joint and promote healthier tissue over time. This can help reduce pain and extend mobility in dogs with arthritis.

  • Spryng® with OsteoCushion® Technology: Spryng is an intra-articular veterinary medical device, derived from collagen and elastin, that provides a shock-absorbing matrix that improves joint biomechanics, supports healthy synovium and joint fluid, and may promote constructive remodeling of joint tissue. Unlike treatments that simply mask pain, Spryng is designed to support the joint environment.  

  • Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell therapy uses a dog’s own cells to encourage repair and regeneration of joint tissues. While still an evolving area of veterinary medicine, it shows promise for reducing inflammation and supporting joint healing.

“Regenerative medicine allows us to go beyond simply managing pain. It enables us to actively support joint health and function. By addressing the environment inside the joint, therapies like Spryng and PRP can play a vital role in a multimodal approach to osteoarthritis management.” – Dr. Juli D. Goldstein, DVM, CHPV, PetVivo Animal Health Technical Services Veterinarian

The Bottom Line

Not sure where to start? Check out our Early Signs of Osteoarthritis in Dogs Checklist to learn what to watch for at home. Every dog experiences arthritis differently, which is why veterinarians often recommend a combination of therapies tailored to each pet’s needs.

Recognizing these changes early and acting promptly, whether through medications, lifestyle adjustments, regenerative therapies, or a combination of therapies, can make all the difference in helping your dog stay active, comfortable, and happy.

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