As our canine companions age, many experience a decline in mobility due to conditions like osteoarthritis and muscle loss. These issues can significantly impact a senior dog’s quality of life, but with proper care and management, we can help our furry friends stay comfortable and active in their golden years.

The Impact of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common condition in older dogs, affecting an estimated 20% of adult dogs. This degenerative joint disease causes inflammation and breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Common signs of osteoarthritis in dogs include:

• Difficulty rising from a resting position
• Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or engage in previously enjoyed activities
• Limping or favoring certain limbs
• Swollen joints
• Changes in gait or posture

Muscle Loss in Senior Dogs

As dogs age, they naturally experience some degree of muscle loss, known as sarcopenia. This condition can be exacerbated by reduced activity levels, often due to pain from conditions like osteoarthritis. Muscle atrophy can further compromise a dog’s mobility and overall health.

Managing Mobility Issues

Fortunately, there are several strategies to help manage mobility issues in senior dogs:

1. Veterinary Care: Regular check-ups every 6 months and proper diagnosis are crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.
2. Pain Management: Your veterinarian may recommend NSAIDs, other medications, supplements, or modalities to help control pain and inflammation.
3. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on joints and can slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
4. Exercise: Low-impact activities like short walks, swimming, or gentle play can help maintain muscle mass and joint flexibility.
5. Physical Rehabilitation: Canine rehabilitation specialists can provide targeted exercises and therapies to improve mobility and reduce pain.
6. Nutrition: A balanced diet with appropriate protein levels and joint-supporting nutrients can help maintain muscle mass and joint health.
7. Home Modifications: Providing non-slip surfaces, ramps, and orthopedic bedding can make your home more comfortable for a senior dog with mobility issues.

Supplements & Alternative Therapies

Some dogs may benefit from supplements or alternative therapies, including:

• Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health (e.g., Wuffes)
• Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation (e.g., Nutramax Welactin Canine Soft Gels, Nordic Naturals Omega-3)
• Pet safe muscle loss prevention supplements (e.g., Myos)
• Acupuncture or massage therapy for pain relief
• Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for help reducing inflammation in joints and muscles (e.g., Respond Systems, Assisi Loop)
• Low Level Laser Therapy to increase blood flow to joints and muscles as well as reduce inflammation

Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new supplements or therapies.

The Importance of Tailored Care

Every senior dog is unique, and their care should be tailored to their specific needs. What works for one dog may not be suitable for another. Regular communication with your veterinarian and close observation of your dog’s comfort and activity levels are key to providing the best care possible.

By understanding the challenges of osteoarthritis and muscle loss in senior dogs, we can take proactive steps to support our aging companions. With proper care, many senior dogs can maintain a good quality of life and continue to enjoy their favorite activities, even if at a slower pace. Remember, our senior dogs have given us years of love and companionship – now it’s our turn to provide them with the care and comfort they deserve in their golden years.

Ready to Learn More?

Think your dog might be in pain or showing early signs of osteoarthritis? Know for sure by taking our online pain assessment here.

Read more on our blog to learn:

• Signs, Prevalence, & Risk of Arthritis in Dogs.
• How Arthritis is Diagnosed & Treated in Dogs.
• How Laser Therapy Works & Why It’s Our Most Popular Pain Relief
• How PEMF Works & Why Dr Doug Uses It For His Pets
• How Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy Regenerates Joint Tissue
• Home Exercises You Can Do to Help Your Dog’s Mobility
• Early Detection & Prevention of Arthritis & Muscle Loss in Dogs 
• Why Your Dog’s Weight is Essential to a Long, Pain-Free Life

To see all the products we recommend to help increase your senior dog’s mobility, ease their pain, prevent muscle loss, and delay progression of arthritis:

• Joint Products for Dogs
• Joint Products for Dogs & Cats
• Or, read our blog for details about which supplements will help at each stage of joint pain.

Author: Cheryl Miller, RVT, CVBL, FFCP (Veterinary), VCC

If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss muscle loss or osteoarthritis in your dog, please call or text us at (843) 966-3362. If you’re a current client, you can also schedule an appointment with Dr Doug Cifranick online, or you can schedule a virtual appointment directly with Cheryl here.

Our mission is to provide convenient, fear-free, personalized pet care and our blog allows us to share important educational content. To support our efforts, this page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after using them, we earn a small commission, which helps support this blog at no cost to you. Keep in mind, we only link to quality products we use ourselves and feel are beneficial for our clients and patients.

References: 

1. Abri, A. K., et al. (2017). Evaluation of Fortetropin in geriatric and senior dogs with reduced mobility. PLoS One, 12(10), e0184303. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9484193/
2. American Veterinary Medical Association. (2020). Getting ahead of osteoarthritis in pets. https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-01-01/getting-ahead-osteoarthritis-pets
3. Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. (n.d.). Arthritis Management and Prevention. https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/vth/services/orthopedic-medicine/arthritis-management-and-prevention/
4. Bauer, J. E. (2020). Nutritional interventions for osteoarthritis management. DVM360. https://www.dvm360.com/view/nutritional-interventions-osteoarthritis-management
5. The Veterinary Nurse. (2023). Osteoarthritis in canines part 2: physical rehabilitation. https://www.theveterinarynurse.com/content/clinical/osteoarthritis-in-canines-part-2-physical-rehabilitation/