Preventing arthritis in dogs: age, tips and routines to adopt

Arthritis affects up to 70% of dogs over 8 years old (Johnston, 1997). Yet this chronic joint condition takes hold much earlier in a dog's life.

In many cases, the first signs (synovial membrane inflammation, cartilage microlesions) appear in adulthood, before the dog shows any pain.

That is why vets today stress the importance of early, personalised prevention, starting in the first months of life.

So, at what age should you act? What habits should you adopt to support healthy joint development in your dog? And how do you build these routines into everyday life? That's what we'll explore in this article.

Arthritis: a condition that starts early

Clinical studies show that the first signs of arthritis (chronic inflammation, cartilage damage) can appear before a dog is even 2 years old, especially in large breeds with rapid growth (CAM, 2022).

In other words, when a dog starts to limp at 7 or 8 years old, joint wear has often been progressing for several years already.

At-risk profiles

• Large and giant breeds (rapid growth)
• Predisposed bloodlines (hip/elbow dysplasia)
• Overweight or very active dogs (jumping, sharp turns)
• History of trauma or postural problems

Early signs (often intermittent)

• Stiffness on waking, slow to get going
• Hesitation to jump/climb (car, sofa)
• Less enthusiasm for play, tires more quickly
• Slight change in mood, restless sleep

1. Regular veterinary check-ups from a young age

• At the first vaccinations, ask your vet for a full orthopaedic assessment.
• Have your dog's weight and body condition checked regularly by the veterinary team.
• If your dog takes part in sport (agility, canicross, flyball…), consider regular follow-up with a veterinary physiotherapist from adulthood to prevent any musculoskeletal imbalance.

2. Weight management

This is the most important lever for limiting joint problems.

Unfortunately, being overweight can reduce life expectancy by 2 years. In Labradors, osteoarthritis appears up to 6 years earlier when they are overweight (Kealy et al., 2002).

63% of dogs are overweight and 90% of their owners don't realise it.

Canine Arthritis Management

• Learn to assess your dog's body condition score (target: 4.5 to 5/9)
• Maintain a healthy diet with controlled portions
• Limit high-calorie treats

3. Adapting the environment

Your dog's environment directly affects joint health. Slippery floors, unsuitable bedding, or repeated stair use can accelerate joint wear without you realising it. Fortunately, a few simple adjustments are enough to make everyday life safer and more comfortable.

Floors & movement: reducing hidden strain:

• Non-slip mats
• Use a ramp for the car or high steps
• Avoid stairs during growth or in dogs already prone to joint issues: if needed, go slowly, using a support harness.

Bedding: the joint 'recovery zone'

• Orthopaedic mattress
• Rest area away from draughts
• In winter, add a warm blanket or fleece throw; in summer, choose a cool spot.

Feeding area and complementary habits

• Slightly raise food bowls to limit neck and shoulder flexion.
• Trim nails regularly and care for paw pads: good grip helps prevent slips.
• Dry the coat thoroughly after rain to avoid stiffness in damp weather.

4. Managing physical activity

Movement keeps joints lubricated, but it must be suited to the dog:

• Avoid strenuous effort, sharp changes of direction, and jumping.
• Vary surfaces (grass, sand, gravel) to develop proprioception, essential for joint stability.
• Be careful with repetitive ball-chasing games: they cause micro-trauma at any age.

5. Targeted nutritional support for joints

Joints need specific nutrients to preserve their structure and modulate inflammation:

• Marine omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are the best documented for their beneficial effect on joint health.
• Studies have shown that EPA+DHA supplementation improves mobility, reduces inflammation, and eases joint stiffness.

Targeted nutritional support for the joints, introduced before symptoms appear, is most beneficial.

6. Choosing the right time for spaying/neutering

Research suggests that early spaying/neutering increases the risk of joint problems in certain breeds, especially large breeds and females. This is not about avoiding spaying/neutering altogether, but choosing the right timing in consultation with your vet.

Conclusion

Preventing arthritis means stacking small daily wins: controlled weight, a home designed for comfort and recovery, a routine of appropriate exercise, and targeted nutritional support (EPA/DHA). Put in place early and adjusted through the seasons, these habits slow deterioration and extend years of happy mobility.

As support, PERNIXOL®, a liquid supplement rich in New Zealand green-lipped mussel oil and algae oil (natural sources of EPA+DHA), mixes easily into food and supports at-risk dogs as well as active seniors.

Scientific references

• Canine Arthritis Management
• Kealy RD, Olsson SE, Monti KL, Lawler DF, Biery DN, Helms RW, Lust G, Smith GK. Effects of limited food consumption on the incidence of hip dysplasia in growing dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1992 Sep 15;201(6):857-63. PMID: 1399793.
• Roush JK, Cross AR, Renberg WC, Dodd CE, Sixby KA, Fritsch DA, Allen TA, Jewell DE, Richardson DC, Leventhal PS, Hahn KA. Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2010 Jan 1;236(1):67-73. doi: 10.2460/javma.236.1.67. PMID: 20043801.

This article was written by the R&D team at Laboratoire Sensilia, experts in animal nutrition.