Caring for Arthritic Dogs: A Loving Guide from Your Brisbane Mobile Vet
Healthy Paws Mobile Vet - House Call Vet Care for Cats & Dogs | Brisbane & Moreton Bay
As dogs get older, it’s normal for them to slow down, but when the slowing turns into limping, stiffness, or reluctance to move, it could be more than just age. Arthritis in dogs is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort, often creeping in gradually.
At Healthy Paws Mobile Vet, we provide gentle, expert veterinary care in the comfort of your home. Whether you're in Brisbane or Moreton Bay, our experienced mobile vet can assess, treat, and support dogs living with arthritis.
Understanding Arthritis in Dogs
Just like humans, dogs can develop osteoarthritis as they age. It’s a degenerative joint disease that leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Some dogs may be more prone to it, especially larger breeds, overweight dogs, or those with a history of joint injuries, but all dogs can suffer from arthritis and the pain associated with it.
Common Signs of Canine Arthritis
Dogs can be very stoic when something isn’t quite right. Look out for:
Limping or favouring one leg
Stiffness when getting up or lying down
Slower movements on walks
Reluctance to jump into the car or onto the couch
Decreased interest in play
Whining, panting, or restlessness (especially at night)
Licking or chewing at joints
Muscle loss in the hind legs
If you notice any of these changes, our mobile vets can conduct a home-based mobility assessment and create a customised plan for managing your dog’s arthritis.
How We Can Help: Arthritis Management for Dogs
With the right treatment and lifestyle support, many arthritic dogs can continue living full and happy lives. At Healthy Paws Mobile Vet, we take a holistic, in-home approach, making care less stressful for your dog and more convenient for you.
🐾 Medications for Canine Arthritis
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories): Such as Meloxicam (Metacam), Carprofen, or Previcox to reduce pain and inflammation.
Gabapentin / Pregabalin: Often used for nerve-related pain.
Paracetamol: Under Veterinary guidance and for dogs only (specific dog dose rates and can have side effects)
Pentosan Polysulfate (Cartrophen): Weekly injections that help protect cartilage and improve joint function.
CBD oil (veterinary approved): May support pain relief and inflammation reduction.
Beransa- speak to your vet to see if this is suitable for your dog
Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and green-lipped mussel (e.g., Antinol) can support joint health over time.
We can safely administer and monitor these treatments at home, ensuring your dog’s comfort every step of the way.
🐾 Home Adjustments & Supportive Care
Lifestyle changes can significantly improve your dog’s comfort. During our home visits, we can help you make small but impactful changes, such as:
Using non-slip mats or rugs on slippery floors
Adding ramps or steps to help your dog access beds, couches, or the car
Encouraging gentle, low-impact movement (e.g., short walks, hydrotherapy)
Providing orthopaedic bedding for better joint support
Using raised food and water bowls
Keeping them warm, cold weather can worsen joint stiffness
Adjusting their routine & training, ie; don’t make them sit for dinner or treats if they have painful hips or knees.
Use a pram or trolley if suitable so they can still explore the outside world with you for enrichment even if they can no longer walk as far as they used to.
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
While some stiffness may come and go, it’s important to reach out if your dog shows:
Mobility decline
Ongoing signs of pain (whining, pacing, panting)
Changes in appetite or weight loss
Difficulty toileting or accidents inside
Personality changes like aggression, withdrawal, lethargy or clingy behaviour
Any changes that you are concerned about
Our mobile vet team can assess your dog’s condition and help you explore treatment options, always with their comfort and wellbeing at the centre.
Compassionate End-of-Life Support (When Needed)
For some dogs with advanced arthritis or multiple health conditions, there may come a time when comfort is harder to maintain.
If that time arrives, we’re here to walk with you gently through the process. We offer:
In-home quality of life assessments
Gentle home euthanasia when the time comes
Grief support and guidance to help you make informed, loving decisions
We're here to support both you and your dog with dignity, compassion, and honesty.
Healthy Paws, Happy Dogs, At Home
You don’t have to manage your dog’s arthritis alone. With Healthy Paws Mobile Vet, your senior dog can receive caring, professional support without ever leaving their favourite spot at home.
We proudly service parts of Brisbane and Moreton Bay, bringing arthritis care, pain management, and veterinary advice, right to your door.
📍 Mobile Vet Services for Brisbane & Moreton Bay
Arthritis management for dogs & cats
Pain relief and mobility support
Quality of life consultations
Gentle in-home euthanasia
Pet health assessments in the comfort of home
Ready to Support Your Dog?
If your dog is slowing down or showing signs of discomfort, we’re here to help. Contact us to arrange a home visit or ask about our arthritis care options for dogs.
If you would like more resources on Pet Quality of Life or Home Pet Euthanasia, visit Love & Toe Beans here
For more pet health tips, visit our blog here.
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With care and comfort,
The Healthy Paws Mobile Vet Team