Top 10 Natural Remedies for Arthritis in Dogs 2025

Your dog will struggle to have a great day if they suffer from arthritis. In addition to having difficulty getting around, their overall quality of life will also be significantly affected when they suffer from this debilitating disease.

You'll be happy to know that there are actually natural remedies for arthritis in dogs that you can try. And the good news is, chances are you already have these natural remedies stocked in your kitchen or pantry.

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As you read this blog post, my team and I at HomeoAnimo will walk you through the factors that cause arthritis in dogs, and we'll also give you a breakdown of the symptoms to look out for.

What is arthritis in dogs?

Arthritis in dogs is a condition in which the joints become intensely inflamed. Although arthritis in dogs can affect any joint in your faithful companion's body, it most commonly affects the knees, back, elbows, and hips. It is also called "osteoarthritis."

Depending on its type and severity, which is measured in "stages," this condition can cause pain anywhere, ranging from stiffness to attacks of acute and prolonged pain during movement or even complete lack of mobility.

These stages are described as follows:

• The first stage is when arthritis in dogs is still very minor and there is only a minimal amount of discomfort when moving.
• The second stage is when arthritis in dogs already causes slight stiffness when the joints are mobilized after being stationary for a long time.
• The third stage refers to the phase where there is already significant damage to the cartilage and moderate pain is felt when walking or running.
• Stage four involves severe cartilage damage and will cause a lot of pain with the slightest movement.

Now, let's talk about the common causes of arthritis in dogs.

What causes arthritis in dogs?

There are five (5) common causes of arthritis in dogs, which we will briefly review below:

Obesity

If your dog is overweight, the pressure on their joints will increase significantly over time. This puts additional wear and tear on the joints and causes inflammation, which can eventually lead to arthritis in dogs.

Aging

As a dog ages, its body's ability to repair joint wear and tear decreases significantly. Under constant daily stress, these joints will eventually become seriously damaged and prone to inflammation.

The onset of age-related arthritis in dogs can vary. In large breeds, it typically occurs between six (6) and eight (8) years of age. In medium and small breeds, arthritis can appear when they reach nine (9) years of age and older.

Congenital or developmental factors

Arthritis in dogs can be caused by congenital or developmental factors. This means that a dog may have inherited the condition or that an abnormality in the development of its joints occurred during its growth. This makes it more susceptible to arthritis in dogs in its older years.

Additionally, arthritis in dogs related to congenital or developmental factors is commonly seen in certain specific breeds such as Golden Retrievers and Labradors.

Infection in the joints

A dog's joints can become inflamed when suffering from a viral, fungal, or bacterial infection. The joints most commonly affected in this case are those in the back, knees, and elbows, which are common sites for cuts, bites, and scratches.

Joint damage due to trauma

When a dog suffers a traumatic injury that affects its limbs, it is likely that they will not heal properly. This will eventually cause instability in the joints, which can lead to arthritis in dogs.

Now let's find out the symptoms of arthritis in dogs.

How to detect if a dog has arthritis?

Here are symptoms that might indicate if your dog has arthritis:

• Excessive licking or biting of a specific area of ​​one's body
• Stiffness or instability in movement
• Reluctance to move or play
• Lethargy and weakness
• Sudden mood changes
• Crying or moaning when touched, especially on the affected areas

Now, let's talk about the different types of arthritis in dogs.

What are the types of arthritis in dogs?

Although arthritis in dogs is a general term that refers to joints becoming intensely inflamed, there are actually different types of this health problem. Here's a quick overview:

Immune-mediated polyarthritis

Immune-mediated polyarthritis is a form of arthritis in which a dog's immune system abnormally attacks its own joints and the tissues surrounding them. This is usually caused by a viral, fungal, or bacterial infection.

Canine rheumatoid arthritis

Canine rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis where the immune system mistakes the body's own proteins for foreign invaders—such as pathogens and parasites—and attacks them.

Although canine rheumatoid arthritis is somewhat similar to immune-mediated polyarthritis, what distinguishes one from the other is that the former specifically causes damage to cartilage and eventually affects the joints.

Canine septic arthritis

Canine septic arthritis is characterized by the infiltration of bacteria into a joint after a traumatic injury. This bacterial infiltration can also occur after surgery involving the joints or can spread from another infected area of ​​the body through licking and chewing.

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a very rare form of arthritis that is similar to immune-mediated polyarthritis where the dog's immune system abnormally attacks its own joints and tissues, mistaking them for foreign invaders.

However, what is very alarming about systemic lupus erythematosus is that it can also cause damage to vital organs such as the spleen, liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, brain, blood vessels, and heart.

So, what natural remedies can you adopt for arthritis in dogs? Let's find out...

Natural Remedies for Arthritis in Dogs

Here are the best natural home remedies for symptoms of severe joint inflammation that you can probably find in your kitchen or pantry:

Alfalfa

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reports that alfalfa is rich in cinnamic acid, an organic compound known to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that cinnamic acid may even help keep the onset of inflammatory disorders at bay.

To use alfalfa as a natural remedy for arthritis in dogs, you simply need to mix a few pinches of dried alfalfa into your dog's food.

Blueberries

According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), blueberries contain a lot of anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that can help prevent health problems like diabetic retinopathy, arthritis, and connective tissue degeneration.

To use blueberries as a natural remedy for arthritis in dogs, add a few to your faithful companion's meal. Make sure you don't give your dog more than a handful of blueberries per day.

Celery

As revealed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), celery is a rich source of luteolin, a compound known to have the ability to restrain inflammation-causing enzymes like COX-2.

To use celery as a natural remedy for arthritis in dogs, cut a stalk into small pieces. You can give them directly to your dog as a juicy, mild-flavored snack or incorporate a few pinches into their regular meals.

Comfrey

Frontiers in Pharmacology shares that comfrey contains phenolic compounds that are capable of weakening and inhibiting pro-inflammatory markers such as COX-2, ICAM1, VCAM1, as well as E-selectin.

To use comfrey as a natural remedy for arthritis in dogs, you can make a poultice and apply it directly to the affected joints. You can also add it to a warm compress.

Oily Fish

According to Arthritis Care & Research, fish oil, particularly that from oily fish such as salmon, herring, anchovies, mackerel, and trout, is believed to have properties that can help inhibit joint inflammation, specifically in rheumatoid arthritis.

To use fish oil as a natural remedy for arthritis in dogs, you simply need to include oily fish in your dog's regular diet. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that the fish should only be cooked without any added seasoning or flavoring.

Boswellia or Frankincense

Nature Chemical Biology reports that the herb Boswellia or frankincense contains a unique acid called boswellic acid that not only weakens the functions of enzymes that trigger inflammation, but also helps convert them into anti-inflammatory enzymes.

To use Boswellia or frankincense as a natural remedy for arthritis in dogs, add a pinch of this herb directly to your dog's meals. Remember to mix well before serving as this herb can have a slightly bitter taste if consumed directly.

Papaya

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) shares that papaya is very rich in antioxidants that can help reduce the buildup of inflammatory markers in the body.

To use papaya as a natural remedy for arthritis in dogs, you can either give this fruit directly to your canine family member as a healthy treat or add it to their meals. Be sure to remove all the seeds before serving.

Turmeric

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), turmeric is rich in a polyphenol called curcumin, which is known to help manage inflammatory and oxidative problems in the body such as hyperlipidemia and arthritis.

To use this aromatic spice as a natural remedy for arthritis in dogs, you can add a pinch of finely chopped turmeric directly to your dog's meals. You can also grind it and apply the juice as a topical ointment to the affected areas.

Virgin Coconut Oil

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reveals that virgin coconut oil not only has moderate analgesic properties but also helps inhibit the effects of inflammation in the body by blocking the activity of serum alkaline phosphatase.

To use virgin coconut oil as a natural remedy for arthritis in dogs, you can either mix it directly into your furry friend's meals or gently massage it into the affected areas as a topical ointment.

Yucca Root

According to a study published in the BMC , yucca contains abundant amounts of anti-inflammatory stilbenes, resveratrol and other polyphenols, which block the formation of nitric oxide in the body.

To use yucca as a natural remedy for arthritis in dogs, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground yucca root to your dog's meals daily. You can also adjust the amount to 1/2 teaspoon for medium to large dogs.

Although yucca is completely safe for your dog, it is not recommended if your pet is pregnant, nursing, or suffering from kidney problems.

Now that we've shared our best natural remedies for arthritis in dogs, here's a holistic product you're sure to enjoy.

A completely natural and high-quality product to discover

To use HomeoAnimo's ArticulAnimo #2 product as a natural remedy for arthritis in dogs, simply give a single squirt directly into your canine family member's mouth or water every day until symptoms disappear.

ArticulAnimo #2 , an all-natural blend of homeopathic ingredients, supports the health of the body's cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. It also promotes good joint health for a better quality of life.

This fast-acting product contains all-natural ingredients that provide beneficial effects to ligaments and joints.

Watch our video:

FAQs about canine arthritis

Does arthritis shorten a dog's lifespan?

The short answer is no. Canine arthritis has no direct link to a dog's lifespan. In fact, dogs diagnosed with this condition can go on to live happy lives if they receive the immediate and appropriate care and attention they need.

What is end-stage arthritis in dogs?

The term "end-stage" is used to describe canine arthritis that has become so severe that the cartilage is already very thin or virtually gone. It is also called "stage four arthritis" in dogs.

Should you walk a dog with arthritis?

Although it may seem surprising, it is crucial that you continue to walk your dog regularly even if they have arthritis. However, these walks should be generally relaxing and not encourage high-impact movements, such as jumping and sprinting.

It's crucial to keep in mind that lack of exercise—or stopping it suddenly—will cause muscle degeneration and can worsen the discomfort a dog experiences with arthritis by impeding blood flow to the joints.

Are there any foods a dog with arthritis should avoid?

There are certain foods that can easily aggravate arthritis in dogs, such as vegetable oils, bad fats found in processed foods, and starchy foods like rice and potatoes.

These foods not only cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, which can trigger inflammation, but they also increase your dog's chances of gaining weight if they eat too much of them. The extra weight will eventually put additional stress on joints, cartilage, and ligaments.

Conclusion

So that concludes our quick but comprehensive guide to the best natural remedies for arthritis in dogs.

If you'd like to learn more about this health issue, be sure to sign up for our Free Pet Health Referral to receive advice and recommendations from our natural health advisors.

They can also guide you through the products and treatment options that best suit your pet's health needs.