Quick Answer: Dogs with arthritis need regular, gentle exercise to maintain muscle strength and joint mobility. The key is consistency (daily short sessions), low impact (walking, swimming), and listening to your dog. Avoid high-impact activities, weekend warrior syndrome, and pushing through pain. Combined with weight management and joint support, appropriate exercise significantly improves quality of life.
Your dog has arthritis.
The vet has confirmed it. Now what?
Your instinct might be to rest them completely. Protect those sore joints. Keep them comfortable on the sofa.
That's actually the worst thing you can do.
Why Arthritic Dogs Need Exercise
The paradox of arthritis:
Movement hurts. But lack of movement makes everything worse.
What happens without exercise:
- Muscles weaken (less support for joints)
- Joints stiffen (reduced range of motion)
- Weight increases (more stress on joints)
- Circulation decreases (less nutrients reaching joints)
- Mood declines (dogs need mental stimulation)
What appropriate exercise provides:
- Maintains muscle mass (muscles support joints)
- Keeps joints mobile (prevents stiffening)
- Manages weight (reduces joint load)
- Improves circulation (nutrients reach joint tissues)
- Maintains quality of life (mental wellbeing matters)
The Golden Rules of Arthritic Dog Exercise
1. Consistency over intensity
Short daily walks are far better than long weekend hikes.
- Aim for the same amount of activity each day
- Avoid big variations (rest all week, then long walk)
- Build routine your dog can rely on
2. Low impact always
Gentle, sustained activity rather than explosive movements.
- Walking on soft surfaces
- Swimming
- Slow, controlled movements
3. Listen to your dog
They'll tell you what's too much.
- Watch for limping or slowing down
- Note stiffness the day after activity
- Adjust based on what you observe
4. Warm up and cool down
Arthritic joints need gradual transitions.
- Start walks slowly, allowing joints to loosen
- End walks gently, don't go from exercise straight to rest
- Consider a gentle massage after activity
Exercise Dos
DO: Walk daily
The foundation of arthritic dog exercise.
- Multiple short walks beat one long walk
- 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily often works well
- Adjust based on your dog's condition
- Soft surfaces (grass, earth) are easier on joints than pavement
DO: Try swimming
Often called the perfect exercise for arthritic dogs.
- Zero impact on joints
- Water supports body weight
- Builds muscle without stressing joints
- Provides resistance for strengthening
Options: hydrotherapy centres, dog-friendly pools, calm lakes or beaches (if your dog swims well)
DO: Maintain routine
Arthritic dogs do best with predictable activity levels.
- Same walk times each day
- Similar distances and duration
- Consistent intensity
DO: Use controlled exercises
Specific exercises can strengthen supporting muscles.
- Sit-to-stand repetitions (builds rear leg strength)
- Gentle stretching (maintains flexibility)
- Balance exercises (standing on cushions)
- Walking over low poles (improves range of motion)
Consider working with a canine physiotherapist for a tailored programme.
DO: Monitor and adjust
What works today might not work next month.
- Keep a simple log of activity and how your dog seems
- Note good days and bad days
- Adjust activity based on patterns you observe
Exercise Don'ts
DON'T: Allow high-impact activities
These stress arthritic joints.
- Ball chasing (sudden stops and direction changes)
- Frisbee catching (jumping and twisting)
- Rough play with other dogs
- Jumping on and off furniture
- Running up and down stairs
DON'T: Do "weekend warrior" exercise
The pattern of minimal activity during the week then long walks at weekends is harmful.
- Joints stiffen during rest periods
- Sudden exertion after rest causes inflammation
- Much better to do moderate daily activity
DON'T: Push through pain
If your dog is limping, reluctant, or struggling, stop.
- Pain is a signal, not an obstacle to overcome
- Pushing through pain causes more damage
- Better to do less today and more tomorrow
DON'T: Exercise on cold, stiff mornings
Arthritic joints are often worst first thing.
- Wait until your dog has loosened up
- Or do a very gentle warm-up walk first
- Save longer activities for later in the day
DON'T: Let weight increase
Reduced activity can lead to weight gain, which worsens arthritis.
- Adjust food intake to match activity level
- Monitor weight regularly
- Every extra kilogram increases joint stress
Sample Exercise Routines
Mild arthritis (early stage, minimal symptoms):
- Morning: 15-20 minute walk on soft ground
- Midday: Garden time, gentle play
- Evening: 15-20 minute walk
- Total: 40-50 minutes daily
Moderate arthritis (noticeable stiffness, some reluctance):
- Morning: 10-15 minute gentle walk (after warming up)
- Midday: Rest, or hydrotherapy session if available
- Evening: 10-15 minute walk
- Total: 20-30 minutes walking plus any hydrotherapy
Severe arthritis (significant mobility issues):
- Short toilet walks only (5 minutes, as needed)
- Focus on controlled indoor exercises
- Hydrotherapy if possible (with professional guidance)
- Quality of life over quantity of exercise
Supporting Exercise with Supplements
Exercise and joint supplementation work together.
Mobility & Joints provides:
- Hydrolysed collagen peptides (supports cartilage and connective tissue)
- Glucosamine (supports cartilage health)
- Hyaluronic acid (supports joint lubrication)
- Vitamins C and E (antioxidant support)
This combination supports the joints you're asking to work during exercise. Follow serving guide on pouch based on your dog's weight.
Timing tip: Some owners give supplements 30-60 minutes before exercise. While collagen works through long-term support rather than immediate effect, maintaining consistent daily supplementation ensures ongoing joint support.
Environmental Modifications
Make exercise easier and safer:
At home:
- Rugs on slippery floors (prevent slipping during movement)
- Ramps for car and furniture access
- Orthopaedic bed (recovery between activities)
- Raised food and water bowls
On walks:
- Supportive harness (not collar, reduces neck strain)
- Non-slip boots if needed (for slippery surfaces)
- Choose routes with soft surfaces
- Avoid steep hills if possible
Weather Considerations
Cold weather:
Arthritis often worsens in cold.
- Keep walks shorter in cold weather
- Warm up indoors before going out
- Consider a coat for thin-coated dogs
- Dry thoroughly after wet walks
Hot weather:
- Exercise in cooler parts of the day
- Avoid hot pavement (burns paws, radiates heat into joints)
- Keep well hydrated
- Swimming is ideal in warm weather
Frequently Asked Questions
My arthritic dog still wants to chase balls. Should I let them?
No, or only very limited gentle retrieves. The desire doesn't mean it's good for them. Replace ball chasing with sniff games, gentle tug, or other low-impact activities.
How do I know if I'm exercising my arthritic dog too much?
Watch for: increased limping, stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes after rest, reluctance to go out, signs of pain. If the day after exercise is worse than the day before, you did too much.
Is it okay to skip walks on bad days?
Yes. Some days, a gentle potter in the garden is enough. Don't force exercise when your dog is clearly struggling. But try to maintain some activity most days.
Will exercise cure my dog's arthritis?
No. Arthritis isn't curable. But appropriate exercise, combined with weight management and joint support, can significantly improve quality of life and slow progression.
Which Product for Arthritic Dogs?
- Dogs with arthritis: Mobility & Joints
- Alongside Mobility & Joints for extra collagen: Pure Collagen
- Dogs who've lost appetite: Beef Bone Broth
Follow serving guide on your chosen product's pouch based on your dog's weight.
Sources
- Canine Arthritis Management UK
- Millis DL, Levine D. Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. Elsevier, 2014
- British Small Animal Veterinary Association physiotherapy guidelines
- Aragon CL, et al. Systematic review of clinical trials of treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs. JAVMA, 2007
Important: This information is for educational purposes and doesn't replace veterinary advice. If your dog has arthritis, work with your vet to develop an appropriate exercise plan for their specific condition.
Last Updated: March 2026
