Can muscle strengthening help dogs with arthritis?
When you find out your dog has a joint condition, it’s devastating. And when you’re told that arthritis is likely to follow, it feels even worse.
But there are things you can do to help support your dog, slow functional decline, and keep them strong and comfortable for longer.
For years, many owners were told to “rest” arthritic dogs. We now know that appropriate, controlled exercise is a key part of arthritis management, alongside weight control and pain relief when needed.
It might seem counterintuitive. Exercise… when the joints are sore?
But the important word here is appropriate.
Why Strengthening Matters When Joints Are Sore
Arthritis affects a joint’s ability to glide smoothly and absorb load. When a joint is uncomfortable, dogs naturally shift their weight and begin compensating with other body parts that aren’t designed to take on that extra demand. At first, these compensations are often subtle. Over time, however, they can lead to:
Muscle loss (especially around the hips and hind end)
Reduced joint stability
Increased strain on already-challenged joints
A cycle of less movement → weaker muscles → more discomfort → even less movement
A structured strengthening plan aims to interrupt that cycle. By maintaining and improving muscle support around the joint, we can enhance stability, distribute load more effectively, and support day-to-day function.
This principle underpins many veterinary physiotherapy approaches to canine osteoarthritis: support the joint by supporting the muscles.
But Won’t Exercise Wear the Joint Out Faster?
High-impact, repetitive activities absolutely can aggravate arthritic joints. Think:
Repeated ball chasing
Skidding stops
Sharp turns at speed
Jumping and explosive play
But low-impact, controlled strengthening is very different. Strengthening focuses on steady muscle engagement and good body positioning. You may also have heard the phrase “motion is lotion.” Gentle, appropriate movement helps stimulate joint fluid circulation, which supports cartilage health and joint nutrition.
What “Active Movement” Really Means
In my work, strengthening doesn’t mean manipulating or forcing your dog’s legs into position. It means teaching your dog to actively place and support their own body well, within their comfort levels.
This builds:
Body awareness (proprioception)
Better weight distribution
Stability through the correct muscle groups
Confidence in movement
And that strength transfers into real life: getting up from rest, climbing stairs, walking, turning, getting in and out of the car.
It sounds complex, but is actually very simple. By using tools like a front-foot target, dogs to learn controlled posture and balanced weight-bearing without adding instability too soon. It’s structured, progressive and, importantly, most dogs really enjoy it.
What Types of Exercise Are Usually Most Helpful?
Every dog is different, but arthritis-friendly programmes often begin with:
Isometric holds (gentle, controlled holds in good posture that build stability without excessive joint movement)
Slow, controlled transitions (for example, carefully coached sit-to-stand when appropriate)
Low-impact walking, sometimes incorporating varied terrain or carefully introduced cavaletti work at a pace that doesn’t trigger flare-ups
Realistic home plans that are sustainable and repeatable
The real key is consistency.
How to Know If You’re Doing Too Much
A helpful rule is that your dog should be the same or better the next day.
Pause and reassess if you notice:
Increased stiffness the following morning
Limping, toe-dragging or a shortened stride
Reluctance to perform exercises they previously did happily
Behaviour changes (irritability, avoidance, restlessness at night)
If that happens, it doesn’t mean exercise is harmful. It usually means the dosage or progression needs adjusting, or your dog may be experiencing a flare that requires veterinary input.
What to Avoid (For Many Arthritic Dogs)
Most osteoarthritis guidance recommends adapting their environment and limiting high-impact activities, particularly those involving repetitive launching, jumping or sharp turns.
Common examples include:
Repetitive ball throwing with skidding stops
Jumping up for toys
High-speed rough play
Racing up and down stairs
Slippery flooring without adequate grip (small environmental changes can make a huge difference!)
A Final Word
Arthritis doesn’t mean stopping movement. For many dogs with joint conditions or early arthritis, structured strengthening and controlled exercise are part of a sensible, long-term management plan so your dog can stay active and comfortable for as long as possible.
As a canine mobility and behaviour specialist based in Plymouth, I work with dogs diagnosed with joint conditions or early arthritis to create safe, structured strengthening plans. If you’re local and would like support, you can learn more about my service here: Dog Joint & Mobility Support
Please note: This article is for education and does not replace veterinary advice. If your dog has suddenly deteriorated, is acutely lame, or you are concerned about pain control, please speak to your vet.