Arthritis is often the result of joint wear and tear over time. It’s most common in senior dogs but can happen in younger dogs as a secondary issue to development disorders, like hip dysplasia. Arthritis can also be caused by repetitive stress, injury or genetic predisposition.

Here are some ways you can help manage your dog’s arthritis, so they can continue to lead a full and active life:

Diet and nutrition: Dogs with arthritis need to maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the joints and slow disease progression. Studies have shown that losing 6% of excess body weight will significantly reduce lameness in an arthritic dog. Portion-controlled, real food can nourish your pup without them piling on the pounds.

The best dog food for arthritis contains omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), found in fish oil and sardines that can promote joint health and reduce painful inflammation. Lyka's meals contain Omega-3s and Omega-6s at an optimal ratio of between 2:1 and 3.6:1, determined by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.

Superfoods like turmeric, spirulina, shiitake mushrooms and fennel seeds, have strong antioxidant properties to minimise damage to cells.

Look for dietary supplements, like Lyka Joint Supplements, containing collagen-rich egg-shell membrane, anti-inflammatory rosehip extract, and green-lipped mussels packed with omega-3 and anti-inflammatory agents. Lyka’s Lamb Straws are single-protein treats high in glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint cartilage.

Exercise: Low-impact exercises like walking and swimming can support their movement without putting too much strain on their joints. Avoid steps and stairs and try to help them when getting in and out of the car.

Comfort: Minimise pressure on your pup’s joints by giving them a comfortable bed away from cold draughts. Orthopaedic dog beds can provide the right balance of support and comfort.

Veterinary advice: Always seek support from your vet, who can suggest appropriate treatment for your dog’s arthritis, including a change of medication, physiotherapy, regenerative medicine, acupuncture or herbal therapy for a more natural dog pain-relief option.

Dogs with arthritis often experience painful inflammation in their joints. Avoid inflammatory processed food containing a high proportion of omega-6 like wheat and corn. If your arthritic dog is overweight, consider omitting meats high in saturated fats too.

The best anti-inflammatory dog food nourishes your dog, promotes a healthy weight and has a low omega 6:3 ratio to minimise inflammation. Choose a diet that contains high-quality protein, omega-3-rich fatty fish, and bioactive ingredients from fresh fruits and vegetables.

Arthritis is usually associated with old age. Although you can’t stop ageing, you can keep your dog's health in good condition through diet and exercise.

A real food diet provides your pup with all their macro and micronutrient needs for optimal health and well-being. By feeding your pup nourishing meals, you can help to reduce their risk of developing arthritis by maintaining good joint health.

Be mindful of the exercise types your pup does to reduce the wear and tear on their joints. If your dog enjoys sports like frisbee and flyball, that’s great! Consider working with a physical therapist to ensure they’re using their body in a balanced way.

Lyka meals and supplements are a great option for pups with a history of joint concerns, including hip dysplasia.

Some breeds can be genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia, but it can also be caused by rapid growth triggered by a high-calorie, high-calcium diet. Lyka calculates your dog’s meal plan based on their needs to ensure they get the right calories and calcium to maintain a healthy weight.

Preventing the onset of developmental diseases like hip dysplasia and osteochondrosis dissecans during puppyhood can minimise the chance of developing secondary arthritis in later years.