Arthritis treatment for dogs often starts with managing pain and inflammation. This may include oral medications, lifestyle adjustments, weight management, and controlled exercise to support movement without overloading joints.

These approaches can be very effective, particularly in early or moderate stages. However, because arthritis progresses over time, many dogs require changes to their treatment plan as symptoms evolve. This is why treatment is best viewed as an ongoing strategy rather than a fixed prescription.

While pain relief is important, focusing only on symptoms can make it harder to address what’s happening inside the joint. Many owners begin to explore treatments that aim to support joint health more directly, especially when they want to reduce long term reliance on medication.

Advanced, personalised approaches, such as stem cell therapy, are increasingly used in dogs with arthritis. These treatments aim to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair, rather than simply masking discomfort. For the right dog, this can mean improved mobility and longer lasting benefits.

Importantly, outcomes tend to be strongest when options are considered early, before arthritis becomes severe.

Arthritis doesn’t develop overnight, and neither should treatment decisions. Taking a proactive approach means tracking changes in mobility, comfort, and response to treatments over time, and keeping future options open.

Banking stem cells while your dog is younger and healthier allows access to regenerative treatment later if arthritis progresses. It’s a way to plan ahead, rather than reacting once options become more limited.

You can learn more about stem cell banking and whether it’s right for your dog here..