Sadly, many dogs deal with symptoms of arthritis as they age. It can cause significant pain when your dog tries to walk, sit down, or jump up onto your couch - they won’t be able to move or play like they used to.
But how long can a dog live with arthritis, exactly? We’ll explain more in this article, but it really comes down to how well you’re able to manage your dog’s symptoms. By reducing your dog’s pain with the right treatments, you can ensure they live a long, comfortable, happy life by your side.
Here at Mighty Munch, we have an incredible selection of dog arthritis supplements, designed to improve your dog’s quality of life, reduce the effects of arthritis, and protect your dog’s joints from degradation. You can extend your dog’s best years with premium arthritis supplements from Mighty Munch!
Overview of Canine Arthritis
How long can a dog live with spinal arthritis? Before we talk about dog arthritis life expectancy, let’s talk about senior dog arthritis in general. Here’s a snapshot of the signs and symptoms of arthritis, and the devastating effects it can have on your dog’s health and well-being.
Signs and Symptoms
One of the most important elements of dog joint care is learning to recognise the signs and symptoms of arthritis. Keep your eye out for:
- Limping or stiffness, especially in dog hock joint
- Difficulty with everyday activities like jumping onto furniture or climbing stairs
- Decreased activity levels and a reluctance to play
- Changes in posture
- Irritability or behavioural changes
- Licking or biting at joints
- Dogs joints clicking
Recognising these early signs allows you to seek vet care sooner and discover how to help a dog with arthritis at home by using various treatments for dog joint pain relief.
The Toll It Takes on Your Dog’s Life
Arthritis causes the dog joint pain symptoms we’ve mentioned above, but it also has a more profound effect on your dog’s life. The pain and stiffness can limit mobility, making it hard for your dog to enjoy their favourite activities. Over time, this reduced activity can lead to muscle atrophy, weight gain, and even depression.
Dogs with arthritis often face challenges in performing basic tasks, such as standing up, walking, or climbing stairs, which causes your dog to become frustrated and agitated. Arthritis can lead to chronic pain, which, if not managed, can cause emotional distress and behavioural changes.
Despite these difficulties, with proper management and care, many dogs can continue to lead comfortable, fulfilling lives even with arthritis. So, how long can a dog live with spinal arthritis, and what can you do to keep them comfortable? Let’s explore that next.
Factors Influencing the Dog Arthritis Life Expectancy
How long can a dog live with arthritis? While arthritis itself isn’t life-threatening, it can affect your dog’s longevity and overall quality of life. Several factors influence how long a dog can live comfortably with arthritis - let’s take a look.
Severity of Arthritis
In its early stages, arthritis may only cause mild discomfort and stiffness, which can be managed effectively with proper treatment. However, as the disease progresses, the joint damage becomes more severe, leading to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and other complications.
Dogs with advanced arthritis may experience more limitations in daily activities, which can reduce their quality of life and longevity. Early intervention and management are key to slowing the disease’s progression and extending your dog arthritis life expectancy.
Age and Overall Health of the Dog
Your dog’s age and health status also affect the dog arthritis life expectancy. Older dogs are more prone to developing arthritis, and the disease can progress more rapidly in ageing animals due to the natural wear and tear on their joints.
If your dog has other health conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, or kidney issues, managing arthritis can become more challenging, potentially affecting longevity. Younger, healthier dogs with early-stage arthritis are often able to live longer, more comfortable lives when the condition is properly managed.
Breed-Specific Life Expectancy
Certain dog breeds are more predisposed to arthritis due to their size, body structure, or genetics. Large and giant breeds like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Great Danes are more likely to develop arthritis earlier in life due to the stress their weight puts on their joints.
On the other hand, smaller breeds like Dachshunds and Poodles may experience arthritis later in life and have longer life expectancies, allowing for more years of careful treatment, especially if you understand how to help dogs joints manage arthritis.
Quality of Care and Treatment
The dog arthritis life expectancy also depends on the quality of care and treatment your dog receives once they’re diagnosed. Vet care that includes joint supplements, physical therapy, and alternative treatments like acupuncture or hydrotherapy can greatly reduce pain and improve mobility.
Regular check-ups, adjustments to treatment plans, and proper management of symptoms can slow the progression of the disease and improve your dog’s quality of life. Dogs who receive proper care are likely to live longer, more comfortable lives than those whose arthritis is left untreated or poorly managed.
Weight and Diet
The life expectancy of dog with arthritis also depends on their weight and diet. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important factors in managing arthritis in dogs. Excess weight puts additional strain on a dog’s joints, worsening arthritis symptoms and accelerating the disease’s progression.
A well-balanced diet, including the best joint supplement for dogs, can also help manage your dog’s weight and reduce the burden on their joints. Talk to your vet to learn what's good for dogs joints in terms of supplements, as well as foods to avoid.
How Long Can a Dog Live With Arthritis on Average?
So, how long can a dog live with arthritis in back legs? The life expectancy of dog with arthritis depends on the severity of the disease, the dog's age and overall health, their breed, and how effectively the arthritis is treated.
Arthritis itself isn’t a fatal condition, and with proper management, many dogs can live comfortable, happy lives for years. However, the chronic pain and mobility issues that come with arthritis can impact a dog’s quality of life, which is why treatment and care are so important.
How long can a dog live with arthritis in back legs, though? Smaller breeds, which tend to live longer in general, may live up to 14–16 years, while larger breeds with shorter natural lifespans may live up to 8–12 years.
With the right care, including supplements for older dogs, weight control, and physical therapy, most dogs with arthritis can continue to enjoy a good quality of life for several years after their arthritis diagnosis.
Ways to Increase the Life Expectancy of Dog With Arthritis and Make Them More Comfortable in the Meantime
While arthritis can impact your dog’s quality of life, there are several ways to manage the condition and help your pet live longer and more comfortably. Let’s take a look at some tips for managing your dog’s arthritis and extending both their comfort and their lifespan.
Diet and Weight Management
As we mentioned, extra weight puts a lot of strain on your dog’s joints, worsening their pain and mobility issues. Feeding your dog a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that supports joint health can prevent unnecessary weight gain and reduce inflammation.
What can I give my dog for joint pain at home? Most vets recommend a weight management or joint support diet, focused on the best dog food for arthritis Australia. The right diet can improve your dog’s mobility, reduce joint strain, and extend their longevity.
Joint Care Supplements
As well as managing their diet and keeping your pup in a healthy weight range, the right dog supplements in Australia can make a huge difference when it comes to managing your dog’s arthritis and extending their lifespan.
Here at Mighty Munch, we have the best dog supplements Australia, formulated by vets to ensure your dog gets everything they need to reduce joint pain, improve mobility, and prevent further joint degradation.
You could try making homemade toppers for dog food to treat arthritis, but why not simply opt for our hip and joint meal toppers for dogs? We use natural, key ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM for dogs, and manufacture all our supplements here in Australia.
As well as our hip and joint meal topper, we have everything else your dog needs to stay happy and healthy, including:
And, if you want to learn more about dog supplements and arthritis, check out our other guides:
- Which is better for arthritis collagen or glucosamine
- What is the best glucosamine for dogs
- How to tell if your dog has hip dysplasia
- Dog hip dysplasia home treatment
- Best probiotics for dogs Australia
How long can a dog live with arthritis in back legs? Your dog can live a longer, more comfortable life when you’re supplementing their diet with premium dog joint supplements from Mighty Munch.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises are excellent ways to improve joint mobility and strengthen the muscles surrounding your dog’s joints. Hydrotherapy, laser therapy, and gentle range-of-motion exercises can help relieve stiffness, build muscle strength, and increase flexibility.
Pain Management and Medications
Effective pain management is essential for dogs with arthritis to lead comfortable lives. Vets may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, or even stronger pain medications or corticosteroid injections if needed.
Providing a Comfortable Living Environment
Orthopaedic dog beds, especially memory foam ones, help cushion your dog’s joints and reduce pressure on painful areas. You can also place non-slip mats around the house to help your dog move without the risk of slipping and injuring themselves, and use ramps to help your dog access furniture and avoid stairs.
Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and laser therapy, can be useful in managing arthritis symptoms. Acupuncture helps stimulate nerves, improve blood circulation, and release pain-relieving chemicals, while massage therapy can reduce muscle tension and discomfort around the joints.
Regular Veterinary Care and Monitoring
Regular vet check-ups are essential for managing arthritis and adjusting treatments as needed. Your vet will monitor your dog’s condition, track the progression of arthritis, and make necessary adjustments to their pain management plan, diet, and supplements.
When is Euthanasia the Most Ethical Choice?
Deciding when to euthanise a beloved dog with arthritis is one of the most heart-wrenching decisions you can face as a pet owner. While arthritis alone is not life-threatening, in its advanced stages, the pain and mobility issues may lead to a severely diminished quality of life.
Signs the End is Near
When your dog can no longer get up to eat, drink, or go to the bathroom without significant pain or assistance, it suggests that their quality of life is severely compromised. If your dog is in constant pain, they are suffering, and euthanasia might be the most humane option.
Preparing for and Coping with the Decision
Deciding to euthanise your dog is never easy, but preparing for the decision and understanding that it is an act of kindness can help. Talk to your vet throughout the process, as they can provide guidance on whether your dog is suffering and whether euthanasia may be the best option.
It’s natural to feel guilt, sadness, and doubt, but it’s helpful to remember that ending a pet’s suffering is an act of love. Creating a peaceful, comforting environment for your dog’s final moments can help both you and your pet cope.
Bringing Our Dog Arthritis Life Expectancy Guide to a Close
So, how long can a dog live with spinal arthritis? Ultimately, it depends on when they’re diagnosed, how severe the arthritis is, how old your dog is, their current state of health, and the steps you take to manage your dog’s symptoms.
There’s a lot you can do to extend both your dog’s lifespan and their comfort levels after an arthritis diagnosis. One of the most effective ways is to use arthritis joint supplements, which improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and protect joints from degradation.
At Mighty Munch, we have premium joint supplements with key ingredients to treat your dog’s arthritis symptoms. Keep your dog mobile, comfortable, and by your side for as long as possible with the best joint supplements from Mighty Munch.
