World Arthritis Day: Fit for Fall

Sixty years ago, October 12 was established as World Arthritis Day to raise global awareness of the condition. Unfortunately for our canine buddies, arthritis is not limited to humans and is the number one cause of chronic pain in dogs, affecting at least 20 percent of adult dogs.

What is Arthritis?

When we talk about arthritis in dogs, we’re usually talking about osteoarthritis (OA), a chronic, degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that cushions joints such as the knees, shoulders, hips, or elbows breaks down, resulting in bone rubbing against bone, pain, inflammation, stiffness and swelling. While OA can be present in young dogs due to genetics or injury, it occurs more commonly and increasingly in dogs as they age.

There is no cure for OA, but there are steps you can take to reduce its impact and improve your dog’s quality of life.

Signs of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

As dogs age, we expect them to slow down and be more reluctant to play or run like they used to, but these subtle changes can be due to pain caused by arthritis. Other indications could be excessive licking or biting at a limb, new issues with handling, or being less tolerant of other pets in the household. More obvious signs can include limping, reluctance to get up, and difficulty going up or down stairs.

How to Help Your Dog

If you are seeing possible arthritic changes, talk to your vet about adding pain management, supplements and physical therapy to your dog’s care plan. There are a lot of options to help you keep your companion feeling good for as long as possible.

Stay Fit for Fall with Underwater Treadmill

Fall’s colder weather triggers joint stiffness in senior and arthritic dogs. With fewer daylight hours and iffy conditions outside, indoor exercise options are a convenient way to maintain your dog’s fitness routine, or get them back into shape if they were less active during the summer heat.

That’s why we love our underwater treadmill (UWTM)! Here’s how your dog can benefit from consistent sessions once or twice per week:

• UWTM helps restore freedom of movement and improve mobility

• UWTM preserves and helps increase muscle resulting from lack of activity

• Water’s buoyancy reduces impact to help protect joints

• Working against water's resistance builds muscle faster

• Warm water helps increase circulation which leads to increased muscle movement

• Water pressure helps reduce swelling

• Provides a cardiovascular workout

• Controlled, gentle exercise is a great option to help prevent further damage

• Outdoor stressors on the body, such as uncomfortably cold temps and slipping on snow or ice, are avoided

UWTM appointments at 4 Paws Adrift typically last 20-25 minutes. New clients start with an evaluation that includes reviewing the dog’s history, discussing the client’s goals, taking measurements, and finally an introduction to the treadmill. Package discounts are available, with additional discounts for senior dogs eight years old and older.

For More Information

A Pilot Study on the Effects of a 10-Session Underwater Treadmill Programme on Canine Joint Range of Motion
November 1, 2025
Animals (Basel)

Aquatic Therapy in Companion Animal Rehabilitation
November 2025
Advances in Small Animal Care

Current evidence for non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical treatments of canine osteoarthritis
September 29, 2023
Journal of Small Animal Practice

Effects of hydrotherapy and low-level laser therapy in canine hip dysplasia: A randomized, prospective, blinded clinical study
December 2021
Revue Vétérinaire Clinique