Updated October 13, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: You can’t prevent every case of arthritis, but you can lower the risk and delay it. The most powerful step is keeping your dog lean for life. Other steps include feeding puppies correctly for their size, regular moderate exercise, choosing puppies from health-screened parents, and treating joint injuries promptly.
Keep your dog lean
- Lean dogs develop arthritis later and less severely.
- You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily with a light fat covering, and see a waist from above.
- Measure food and count treats.
Start right with puppies
- Feed a puppy food made for your dog’s expected adult size, especially for large breeds.
- Avoid overfeeding and extra calcium supplements.
- Limit repetitive jumping and high-impact activity while bones are growing.
- Choose a breeder who screens parents for hip and elbow dysplasia.
Exercise wisely
- Regular, moderate daily exercise keeps muscles strong.
- Avoid weekend-warrior bursts of intense exercise after inactive weeks.
- Warm up before vigorous play or sports.
Protect joints day to day
- Use rugs on slippery floors.
- Use ramps or steps for cars and furniture, especially for small or long-backed breeds.
Treat problems early
- See your vet for limping that lasts more than a day or two.
- Early treatment of a cruciate injury or kneecap problem can limit later arthritis.
Supplements
There isn’t strong evidence that supplements prevent arthritis in healthy dogs. Omega-3 fatty acids are helpful once arthritis is present.
Sources
- Kealy RD, et al. Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. JAVMA. 2002
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Developmental orthopedic diseases in dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Osteoarthritis in dogs
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.