They say a dog’s only flaw is they don’t live long enough. It’s difficult enough to deal with putting a pet down at the end of a long, happy life. But maybe you’re dealing with end-stage arthritis in dogs and making the impossible decision to euthanise your pet earlier than you ever imagined.
Can a dog die from arthritis? Yes, but not in the way you might think. It’s not the joint immobility and pain that kills them. It’s the lack of movement and sedentary lifestyle that slowly eats away at their will to live.
The inflammation from arthritis could eventually travel to other organs like the kidneys or liver. We’ve also seen cases where damaged joints are more susceptible to infection which can be life-threatening.
Most of the time, though, euthanising an arthritic dog is the most selfless thing you can do. They’re not living the life they once did, and letting them pass on peacefully, freeing them from the pain and sadness, is only right.
That doesn’t make it any easier, though. We’ll discuss when to euthanise a dog with arthritis below to show you the signs it’s time to have that unfortunate conversation with your vet.
The Basics of Canine Arthritis
Hearing that your dog has arthritis can be overwhelming. You may have first noticed the dog arthritis signs such as slower movement, struggling to get up after resting, or hesitation before jumping onto their favourite spot on the couch.
This is a grave conversation, but we want to make it clear that an arthritis diagnosis isn’t the end of your dog’s quality of life. Dogs can continue living comfortably for many years with the right care. You do need to understand what’s going on in your dog’s joints, though.
This progressive condition causes debilitating pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, most commonly in older dogs. However, no dogs are safe from arthritis. Certain breeds are more predisposed, but it can strike any pet.
Basically, what’s happening is the protective cartilage in their joints has worn down, and now movement is causing bone-on-bone grinding. But the good news is arthritis can be managed if you catch it early enough. That being said, can a dog die from arthritis?
Can a Dog Die From Arthritis?
Be clear - arthritis itself is not a fatal diagnosis. Dog’s technically do not die from arthritis. However, the condition can severely impact a dog’s quality of life and eventually, the only humane thing to do is euthanise them.
That’s something we, unfortunately, will need to discuss later on. But first we want to highlight how chronic pain, joint deterioration, and reduced mobility can lead to secondary health issues that may shorten a dog’s lifespan.
The biggest concern tends to be immobility. Your dog might have trouble standing, walking, or even adjusting themselves while sitting as arthritis progresses. This leads to atrophy (muscle loss), pressure sores, and a decline in overall health.
Your pet may eventually be unable to get to their food and water without your help, so malnutrition and dehydration are issues to be aware of.
Yet, weight gain becomes an issue of its own as dogs become sedentary, placing more stress on already strained joints and creating a compounding effect. Obesity in arthritic dogs increases the risk of other serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems.
So, how long can a dog live with arthritis? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. You’ll need to think about when to euthanise a dog with arthritis on a case-by-case basis and watch out for certain signs.
We’ll get to that in a moment, but let’s focus on what you can do in the meantime to improve the quality of life and prolong your pup’s time on this planet.
Ways to Manage Arthritis and Prolong Your Pet’s Life
Arthritis is a lifelong condition for which there is no cure. A combination of diet, exercise, joint support, and veterinary care can slow the disease and keep your pet comfortable for as long as possible, though.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
We mentioned earlier how excess wait puts unnecessary stress on already inflamed joints, and can create a vicious cycle that compounds the condition’s effects.
So, keeping your dog on a diet to maintain an ideal weight goes a long way in minimising symptom burden. The focus will be on portion control since exercise needs to remain gentle.
That being said, motion is lotion - so you should do your best to push your dog to move as much as they can without causing more harm than good. Short, gentle walks on soft surfaces, swimming, and slow, controlled play are all essential.
Make Home Adjustments for Mobility
Simple changes at home go a long way in reducing your dog’s joint strain. Try to use ramps where you can to prevent your pet from having to climb anything. Help them up onto the bed or couch rather than encouraging them to jump.
You should also place rugs or non-slip mats on slippery floors to prevent falls. Elevate their food and water bowls to prevent them from having to strain their neck and shoulders.
A calming dog bed is also a great investment for supporting stiff joints. We have a great design here at Mighty Munch if you don’t already have an orthopaedic dog bed.
Pain Management and Veterinary Treatments
Dogs with moderate to severe arthritis might need even more pain relief, which can come from a veterinary prescription. NSAIDs are a basic option for managing inflammation, but eventually, you might need to look into more intensive therapies.
For instance, laser treatments or acupuncture are excellent alternative therapies for keeping pain at bay. Cartilage-protecting injections can also slow joint degeneration.
Bringing your dog in for regular checkups ensures you’re doing all the right things, but it’ll also help you get a better sense of when to euthanise a dog with arthritis - which is unfortunately inevitable.
Provide Joint-Supporting Supplements
Certain supplements can help slow cartilage degeneration and improve joint function. These include glucoasimine, chondroitin, omega-3s, collagen, and MSM. However, these work better as preventative measures than treatments.
This is why it’s so important that you take steps to improve your dog’s hip and joint health as early as possible. So, when should you start giving your dog hip and joint supplements? If your dog’s arthritis hasn’t advanced yet, there is still time.
The best natural joint supplement for dogs is just a few clicks away at Mighty Munch. Our vet-recommended dog supplements for arthritis can help minimise the effects this horrible condition has on canine joints, improving their quality of life and prolonging their time on earth.
We have collagen for dogs and plenty of other proven dog supplements in Australia if you want to give your dog every advantage possible or care for other pets if it’s too late for your arthritic dog at this point.
We have a separate resource talking about how to help a dog with arthritis naturally if you’d like to learn more. But even with the best supplements, at-home care, and professional treatment, arthritis eventually takes a toll that makes euthanisation the only viable next step.
When to Euthanise a Dog With Arthritis
One of the hardest decisions a pet owner will ever face is knowing when to let go. There’s never a good time to say goodbye to a part of your family. But when pain becomes constant and unmanageable, this is the most compassionate choice you can make as a pawrent.
Ask yourself - are they still enjoying their daily routine, or has arthritis taken away the simple joys they once loved? This will tell you everything you need to know. It’s not easy to answer this honestly, but always trust your gut. Here are some signs it may be time.
Unmanageable Pain
Once pain medications and treatments no longer seem to help and your dog struggles to move or rest comfortably, their suffering may outweigh their good days. Watch out for heavy panting, whining, pacing, and difficulty finding a comfortable position.
Complete Loss of Mobility
Your dog might not be able to reposition themselves anymore, let alone stand or walk. If you have to assist them in everything they do, like getting their food/water or going outside to relieve themselves, their quality of life is at rock bottom.
Loss of Appetite and Interest in Life
Emotional decline is another sign of when to euthanise a dog with arthritis. Once they lose their interest in eating, going on walks, or interacting with you and your family, they’re obviously in a heightened state of distress. It’s not like dogs to isolate themselves and avoid affection.
Frequent Accidents and Hygiene Issues
When dogs revert to their puppy stage and can’t help but soil their bedding or other areas of the house, it’s a sign they don’t have much time left. Continuing to force them to live through this discomfort is inhumane.
You can also pay attention to their grooming habits. Whey they stop cleaning themselves and you start to notice skin problems and irrtitaiton, it’s probably time.
More Bad Days Than Good
At the end of the day, you need to do what’s best for your dog - even if it’s not what’s best for you and your family. When they have more days filled with pain, discomfort, and struggle than days of ease and enjoyment, you need to have a conversation with your vet.
Preparing for End of Life
Deciding to say goodbye is never easy, but it’s an act of love and mercy when a dog’s life becomes filled with more suffering than joy. Now, it’s time to send them off the way they deserve.
Make their final days as comfortable and loving as possible. This might mean giving them their favourite treats and meals or taking them on car rides if that’s something they love. Just stay close to them and continue to comfort them, as they’re probably scared.
Some pet owners prefer an at-home euthanasia service so their dogs can pass in a familiar, loving environment. If you do choose to go to the vet for euthanasia, make sure you’re in the room and holding them as they take their last breath.
We talk to a lot of vets here at Mighty Munch, and they say the most difficult part of their job is putting down a dog without the owner present. They can see the confusion and sadness in the dog’s eyes.
On the other hand, they notice that dogs tend to be calmer and may even smile when they get to look into their owners’ eyes one last time before they pass. It’s hard, we know, because we’ve had to be there in that room ourselves. But you’ve been their entire life. It’s the least you can do.
It’s perfectly normal to grieve the loss of your pet in the coming days, weeks, and months. They’ve been an irreplaceable part of your family. Give yourself time to cope. Find ways to honour their memory, like creating a scrapbook, planting a tree, or donating to an animal charity in their name.
Closing Thoughts on End Stage Arthritis in Dogs
This has been as difficult a conversation for us as it has been for you, but we want to try to end it on a positive note. Find solace knowing your love and care have given your dog a life filled with warmth, companionship, and joy.
No matter how hard this moment feels, your pet has always felt safe in your presence, and that is the greatest gift you could ever give them. Take comfort in the happy memories, the unconditional love you shared, and knowing you did everything you could to keep them happy.
Saying goodbye is painful, but your bond will never fade. They’ll always be in your heart.
