Does Walking Help Dogs With Arthritis? Yes, But With Some Important Tweaks!

If your furry friend has been diagnosed with arthritis, you’re probably worried about how to keep them comfortable while maintaining their quality of life. One of the most common questions pet parents ask is whether they should continue walking their arthritic dog or if that might make things worse. The good news? Walking is actually beneficial for dogs with arthritis – but you need to do it right!

As a dog owner myself, I’ve dealt with this exact situation with my senior Lab, Buddy. At first, I was scared to walk him at all, thinking I might hurt him more. But after researching and talking with our vet, I discovered that the right kind of walking routine can actually improve his condition significantly.

The Truth About Exercise and Canine Arthritis

Historically, many vets recommended “exercise restriction” for dogs with arthritis. But guess what? That advice was actually incorrect! Limiting activity too much can cause:

• Weight gain (which puts MORE pressure on painful joints)
• Increased joint stiffness
• Muscle loss
• Decline in functional abilities

Studies now show that regular, appropriate exercise is crucial for arthritic dogs. In fact, one study found that dogs with hip arthritis who exercised for more than 60 minutes daily had lower lameness scores than dogs exercising less than 20 minutes daily. That’s pretty compelling evidence!

How Walking Benefits Arthritic Dogs

Walking your arthritic dog provides multiple benefits that help manage their condition:

1. Maintains Joint Health

Walking helps lubricate the joints and keeps them mobile This reduces stiffness and improves range of motion, The gentle movement encourages production of synovial fluid – the natural lubricant that cushions joints and reduces friction

2. Strengthens Supporting Muscles

Regular walking builds muscle strength around affected joints These stronger muscles provide better support and stability, which reduces stress on the painful joints themselves Think of strong muscles as natural shock absorbers!

3. Weight Management

Let’s be honest – obesity makes arthritis WAY worse. Each extra pound puts about four pounds of additional pressure on weight-bearing joints! Walking helps burn calories and maintain a healthy weight, which can dramatically improve your dog’s comfort and mobility.

4. Mental Stimulation

Dogs need mental stimulation as much as physical exercise. Walking provides new smells, sights, and potential social interactions that keep your dog’s mind engaged. This helps combat the depression and boredom that often accompany chronic pain.

The Right Way to Walk an Arthritic Dog

Now, this is where many pet parents go wrong. You can’t just walk an arthritic dog the same way you’d walk a healthy, young pup. Here’s how to modify your walking routine:

Short and Frequent is Better Than Long and Infrequent

Instead of one long walk, aim for multiple shorter walks throughout the day. This approach helps:

• Keep joints lubricated
• Prevent stiffness
• Avoid overexertion

Try 2-3 walks of 10-15 minutes each, rather than one 30-45 minute walk. My Buddy does so much better with this approach – he’s actually more energetic now than when we used to do one longer walk!

Let Your Dog Set the Pace

This isn’t the time for power walking! Allow your dog to move at a comfortable pace. A gentle stroll is much more beneficial than trying to maintain a brisk pace. Watch your dog closely – they’ll tell you what speed works for them.

Choose the Right Walking Surface

The walking surface makes a HUGE difference for arthritic dogs. Opt for:

• Soft surfaces like grass or dirt trails (GOOD)
• Flat, even terrain (GOOD)
• Avoid concrete and asphalt when possible (BAD)
• Avoid hills and very uneven surfaces (BAD)

I’ve noticed Buddy does much better on our walks through the local park’s grassy areas compared to neighborhood sidewalks. The impact reduction makes a real difference!

Use Proper Walking Gear

The right equipment can make walks more comfortable:

• Harness instead of collar: Distributes pressure more evenly and reduces strain on the neck
• Short, standard leash: Avoid retractable leashes that encourage pulling
• Supportive booties: Can provide traction and cushioning on hard surfaces

Consider the Formula: Force = Mass × Acceleration

Sorry for the physics lesson, but this is super important! To reduce force on arthritic joints:

1. Reduce Mass: Keep your dog at a healthy weight or try water-based exercise (swimming or underwater treadmill)
2. Decrease Acceleration: Avoid activities with high impact like running, jumping, or rough play

Signs You’re Walking Your Arthritic Dog Too Much

It’s crucial to monitor your dog during and after walks. Signs that you might be overdoing it include:

• Limping or increased lameness
• Stiffness that lasts more than a few minutes after walking
• Reluctance to move or get up after resting
• Excessive panting
• Lagging behind during walks
• Irritability or behavior changes
• Licking or chewing at affected joints

If you notice these signs, reduce the duration or intensity of your walks and consult your vet.

A Complete Arthritis Management Plan

While walking is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive approach to managing canine arthritis includes:

Medication and Supplements

Work with your vet to find the right pain management protocol. This might include:

• NSAIDs for pain and inflammation
• Joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin
• Omega-3 fatty acids for their anti-inflammatory properties

Weight Management

I cannot stress this enough – maintaining ideal body weight is CRITICAL for arthritic dogs. Even a small amount of weight loss can make a significant difference in comfort level.

Alternative Therapies

Consider adding these to your dog’s treatment plan:

• Hydrotherapy (swimming or underwater treadmill)
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Laser therapy

Activities to Avoid for Dogs With Arthritis

Some activities put too much stress on arthritic joints and should be avoided:

• Jogging/running with your dog
• Flyball
• Agility courses
• Frisbee or jumping to catch balls
• Any sport involving jumping, running, or explosive movements

Good Activities for Arthritic Dogs

Instead, focus on these joint-friendly activities:

• Leash walks on varied terrain like trails
• Swimming (be careful about entry/exit points)
• Underwater treadmill therapy
• Nosework/scent detection games
• Outings to pet-friendly stores or cafes
• Canine freestyle (dancing with your dog – it’s a real thing, look it up!)

My Personal Experience

When Buddy was first diagnosed with arthritis in his hips and elbows, I panicked and almost stopped walking him completely. Big mistake! Within weeks, he gained weight and seemed more stiff and uncomfortable than ever.

Our vet recommended we try 3 shorter walks daily instead, and WOW what a difference! Now we do a 10-minute morning walk, a 15-minute afternoon stroll, and another 10 minutes before bed. He’s moving better, maintaining a healthier weight, and seems happier overall.

We’ve also incorporated a routine where I gently massage his joints before each walk as a “warm up” and let him rest comfortably afterward. This has made a huge difference in his mobility.

Final Thoughts

So, does walking help dogs with arthritis? Absolutely YES – when done properly! The key points to remember:

• Regular, controlled exercise is beneficial for arthritic dogs
• Short, frequent walks are better than long, infrequent ones
• Choose appropriate surfaces and walking gear
• Monitor your dog closely for signs of discomfort
• Combine walking with other aspects of arthritis management

Don’t let arthritis stop you and your furry friend from enjoying walks together. With some thoughtful modifications, you can keep your dog moving comfortably well into their senior years.

Remember, every dog is different, so work closely with your veterinarian to create the walking routine that’s best for YOUR dog’s specific needs. And don’t forget – those daily walks benefit your health too! It’s a win-win for both ends of the leash.

Have you found a particular walking routine that works well for your arthritic dog? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!