If your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis, you might be wondering what you can actually do day to day- beyond the vet visits and any prescribed treatment. The good news is that a lot of what keeps an arthritic dog comfortable happens at home, in the small, everyday choices.
Osteoarthritis is a common cause of chronic pain and reduced mobility in dogs – around one in five dogs is affected – and while it can’t be cured, it can very often be managed well. Vets describe good arthritis care as multimodal- lots of small things working together rather than one single fix. Here’s how to build that at home.
Start With Your Vet
Before changing anything, a quick word on where this begins: with your veterinarian. Everything below works best as part of a plan your vet has shaped around your individual dog- their stage of arthritis, weight, other health conditions, and how much discomfort they’re in.
If you’re not yet sure whether your dog’s slowing down is arthritis, our guide to signs your dog is in pain walks through the subtle changes worth watching for. A vet can confirm what’s going on and rule out anything else.
Keep Them at a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do for a dog with arthritis. Every extra kilo puts more load on already-sore joints – and it can become a cycle: more weight means more discomfort, which means less movement, which means more weight.
The encouraging part is that even modest weight loss can make a real difference to how comfortably a dog moves. Because you shouldn’t push an arthritic dog to over-exercise, most of this comes down to diet- portion control, fewer treats, and the right food. Your vet can help you set a target weight and a feeding plan to get there.
Encourage Gentle, Regular Movement
It might seem kinder to let an arthritic dog rest, but too much rest actually stiffens joints and weakens the muscles that support them. The goal is gentle and consistent rather than intense.
- Keep exercise low-impact – short, steady leash walks rather than running, jumping, or ball-chasing
- Little and often works better than one big weekend walk
- Swimming or hydrotherapy may be useful low-impact options for some dogs, where appropriate
- Watch how they pull up afterwards, and adjust – some days will be better than others
Consistency matters more than distance. A predictable daily rhythm helps keep muscles working without triggering flare-ups.
Make Your Home Joint-Friendly
Your home can quietly work for or against an arthritic dog. A few simple adjustments make everyday movement easier:
Cover slippery floors – non-slip rugs or runners can give tired legs better grip on tiles and floorboards.
Add ramps or steps – these can reduce the need to jump onto furniture or into the car.
Choose a supportive bed – a comfortable, supportive bed can make resting easier on sore joints.
Keep essentials easy to reach – minimise unnecessary stairs or difficult journeys to food, water and toileting areas.
Keep them comfortable – provide a warm, comfortable place to rest, particularly if your dog seems stiffer in colder weather.
None of this is expensive or complicated, but together it removes a lot of small daily strain.
Keep a Steady Routine
Arthritic dogs often benefit from a consistent routine. A predictable rhythm of gentle activity and rest can help avoid the cycle of doing too much on a good day and being particularly sore the next. Keeping a simple note of good and bad days can also give your vet useful information when reviewing your dog’s management plan.
When to See Your Vet
Arthritis can change over time, so it’s important to keep your vet updated if your dog’s mobility or comfort changes.
Speak with your veterinarian if your dog:
suddenly becomes much more painful or reluctant to move
stops putting weight on a leg
struggles to stand or walk
develops new weakness or unsteadiness
becomes unusually withdrawn or stops eating
no longer seems comfortable despite their current management plan.
Your vet can reassess what’s happening and adjust their management plan where needed.
Complementary and Vet-Guided Options
Beyond the basics, your vet may suggest additional support as part of the bigger picture- things like nutritional support such as omega-3 fatty acids where appropriate, physical therapies such as hydrotherapy or acupuncture, and prescription options where clinically appropriate.
For some dogs, a vet may also consider CBD as one part of a broader, prescription-guided comfort plan. It isn’t a first step or a substitute for veterinary care- but if you’re curious about where it may fit, our guide on how CBD may fit into an arthritis plan explains more, and our article on joint support for active and ageing dogs covers mobility in more detail. In Australia, CBD is a prescription-only medicine, so it’s only appropriate where a vet has assessed your dog.
Small Changes, Big Difference
Living with an arthritic dog isn’t about one dramatic intervention- it’s about lots of small, consistent choices that add up. Managing their weight, keeping them gently moving, adapting your home, and holding a steady routine can genuinely improve how comfortable and mobile your dog stays.
And you’re not doing it alone. Your vet can help you build and adjust the plan over time- and if you’d like to understand more about the options available, our guide to dog pain relief in Australia is a good place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dog’s arthritis be managed at home?
Often, yes- with veterinary guidance. Weight management, gentle regular movement, a joint-friendly home and a steady routine can all help a dog stay more comfortable, alongside any treatment your vet prescribes.
What’s the single most helpful thing I can do?
Vets most often point to weight. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight reduces the load on sore joints, and even small amounts of weight loss can noticeably improve comfort and mobility.
Should I still exercise a dog with arthritis?
Yes- gentle, low-impact movement helps keep joints mobile and muscles strong. The key is little and often, avoiding high-impact activity, and adjusting to how your dog is coping day to day. Your vet can help set the right level.
Speak With Your Vet
If your dog is living with arthritis, your vet is your best partner in keeping them comfortable.
If you’re a pet parent or veterinarian and would like more information about veterinary cannabinoid therapy, contact the CBD Vets Australia team here or on 02 8294 9303.
This article is intended as general information and isn’t a substitute for veterinary advice. If you’re concerned about your dog’s health, please consult a qualified veterinarian.
