Watching a much-loved dog slow down can be difficult, particularly when they once seemed to have boundless energy. Perhaps walks have become shorter, getting up after a sleep takes a little longer, or your dog is no longer quite so keen to chase a ball or join in a game.
For dogs with arthritis, movement can become more challenging. It is natural to wonder whether exercise is still a good idea, or whether it is kinder to let them rest.
The important thing to understand is that arthritis does not necessarily mean your dog should stop exercising. In fact, appropriate regular movement is an important part of maintaining muscle strength, mobility and general wellbeing.
The key is finding the right balance: keeping your dog active without placing unnecessary strain on uncomfortable joints.
Why exercise matters for dogs with arthritis
Osteoarthritis affects the joints and the tissues around them. As the condition progresses, movement can become uncomfortable and dogs may naturally become less active.
However, reduced activity can create its own problems. Muscles may weaken, fitness can decline and excess weight can place additional stress on already compromised joints. This can make everyday activities increasingly difficult.
Appropriate exercise helps to maintain muscle strength, support joint function and preserve general fitness. It can also provide valuable mental stimulation and enjoyment.
Veterinary guidance generally favours regular, controlled, low-impact activity rather than either strenuous exercise or complete inactivity. The right programme will depend on your dog's individual condition, fitness and comfort levels.
Start with your veterinarian
Before changing your dog's exercise routine, it is important to have their mobility assessed by a veterinarian, particularly if they have not already been diagnosed with arthritis.
Stiffness, limping and reluctance to exercise are not necessarily caused by arthritis. Other conditions, including injuries and neurological problems, can produce similar signs.
Your veterinarian can assess your dog's joints, identify any other contributing problems and discuss appropriate pain management. They can also help determine what type and level of exercise is suitable.
For some dogs, referral to a veterinary rehabilitation professional or canine physiotherapist may be particularly helpful. A tailored programme can include exercises designed to maintain strength, balance, flexibility and movement.
Choose regular, low-impact exercise
For many dogs with arthritis, gentle and controlled exercise is preferable to occasional bursts of strenuous activity.
Rather than one long walk that leaves your dog exhausted, consider several shorter walks spread throughout the day. This can help maintain a consistent level of activity without overdoing it in one session.
Walking on a lead gives you greater control over pace and distance. Allow your dog to walk comfortably, take their time and enjoy their surroundings.
A few useful principles include:
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Keep it consistent. Regular, manageable activity is generally preferable to a very long walk followed by several inactive days.
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Start gradually. If your dog has become inactive, build up slowly rather than expecting them to return immediately to their previous routine.
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Let comfort guide the pace. Your dog should not be encouraged to keep going if they are struggling or becoming uncomfortable.
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Choose suitable surfaces. Avoid slippery, uneven or particularly challenging terrain if it affects your dog's confidence or stability.
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Allow time to rest. Exercise should be balanced with comfortable recovery periods.
There is no single walking distance or duration that suits every dog. Age, size, fitness, the joints affected and the severity of the condition all make a difference.
Activities that may be suitable
The best activities are those that allow your dog to move comfortably, at a controlled pace, without sudden or excessive impact.
Lead walking
Gentle lead walking is often a good starting point. It allows you to manage speed, distance and direction while giving your dog an opportunity to explore and enjoy being outdoors.
As your dog's comfort and fitness allow, you may be able to introduce slightly different routes and surfaces. Avoid steep hills or difficult terrain if these make movement uncomfortable.
Swimming and hydrotherapy
Water-based exercise can be useful for some dogs because buoyancy reduces the amount of body weight they need to support while moving.
Swimming and underwater treadmill sessions may help maintain muscle strength and fitness, but they are not suitable for every dog. Some dogs are anxious around water, while others may struggle with getting in and out safely. Some dogs may overdo the exercise in water as they feel less restricted.
Where appropriate, professionally supervised hydrotherapy can provide a controlled environment and an exercise programme suited to your dog's needs.
Gentle rehabilitation exercises
Specific exercises may help maintain muscle strength, balance and flexibility. These might include carefully selected weight-shifting, controlled movement or strengthening exercises.
However, exercises should be selected for the individual dog. Some movements that look simple can place considerable strain on particular joints if performed incorrectly. Ask your veterinarian or canine rehabilitation professional to demonstrate suitable exercises before trying them at home.
Scent work and gentle enrichment
Not every activity needs to be physically demanding. Scent games, searching for treats, food puzzles and gentle exploration can provide mental stimulation without requiring vigorous movement.
These activities can be particularly valuable on days when your dog is less comfortable or needs a lighter exercise routine.
Activities to approach with caution
Dogs often become excited when they see a favourite toy or meet another dog. Unfortunately, enthusiasm does not always mean their joints are ready for the activity!
Some activities involve sudden acceleration, twisting, jumping or hard landings. These can place additional stress on affected joints.
Depending on your dog's condition, it may be sensible to avoid or modify:
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Repeatedly chasing and suddenly stopping to retrieve balls.
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Jumping up to catch toys or frisbees.
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Running alongside a bicycle or jogger.
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Rough play with other dogs.
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Repeated jumping into or out of vehicles.
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Activities involving sharp turns, sudden changes of direction or high-impact landings.
This does not mean your dog has to miss out on all the fun. Try replacing high-impact games with activities that are easier to control, such as scent games, gentle exploration and relaxed walks.
Learn to recognise when your dog has had enough
One of the most important things you can do is become familiar with your dog's individual comfort levels.
Dogs do not always show discomfort in obvious ways. Some will simply slow down, fall behind or become less enthusiastic. Others may appear quite happy during an activity but be noticeably stiffer afterwards.
Watch for signs such as:
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Slowing down or lagging behind on a walk.
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Limping or changing their normal walking pattern.
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Stopping, sitting or lying down when they would usually keep going.
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Reluctance to continue an activity they previously enjoyed.
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Increased stiffness after exercise or the following morning.
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Difficulty getting up or moving comfortably after resting.
If you notice these changes, reduce or stop the activity and allow your dog to rest. If symptoms persist, worsen or repeatedly follow exercise, speak with your veterinarian. Sudden or severe lameness, significant pain or an inability to bear weight warrants prompt veterinary attention.
A simple exercise diary can be surprisingly useful. Record the type and duration of activity, how your dog managed during it, and how they seemed later that day and the following morning. Patterns can help you and your veterinarian work out what is and is not suiting your dog.
Don't overlook the importance of healthy body weight
Exercise is only one part of supporting a dog with arthritis. Maintaining a healthy body weight is also important.
Excess weight places additional mechanical stress on joints, which can make movement more difficult. Body fat also produces substances involved in inflammation, so excess body condition may contribute to the overall burden on an arthritic dog.
If your dog is carrying extra weight, ask your veterinarian to help establish a suitable weight-management plan. Dietary adjustments and appropriate exercise can work together, but weight loss should be gradual and properly managed.
Making exercise enjoyable again
It can be tempting to measure a walk by how far you have travelled or how much exercise your dog has completed. But for a dog with arthritis, success may look quite different.
A comfortable wander, a little time sniffing interesting smells, a gentle swim or simply enjoying the outdoors with you can all contribute to quality of life.
Some days will be better than others. Your dog's needs may also change over time, and be influenced by the weather; so be prepared to adjust their routine rather than trying to maintain the same level of activity repeatedly or indefinitely.
With veterinary guidance, sensible exercise choices and attention to your dog's comfort, many dogs with arthritis can continue to enjoy an active and rewarding life.
The aim is not to push them to do more. It is to help them keep doing the things they enjoy, as comfortably as possible.
Want to learn more about supporting your dog's mobility?
Exercise is one important part of caring for a dog with changing mobility. Understanding the signs of joint problems, maintaining a healthy body condition and making sensible adjustments to everyday life can all play a role.
We've created our free guide, Arthritis Assassin for Dogs, to help dog owners better understand canine mobility and explore practical ways to support their dogs.
