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· What Is Canine Arthritis? · Early Signs to Watch For · How Physical Therapy Helps · Our Rehabilitation Treatments · Our Approach · FAQ · Book a Consultation
What Is Canine Arthritis and Osteoarthritis?
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting dogs, and it touches nearly every breed and size — from active working dogs to beloved senior companions. Canine osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease in which the cartilage that cushions the joints gradually breaks down over time. As that protective layer wears away, the result is inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion that can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from rest feel difficult.
It is estimated that one in five adult dogs is affected by arthritis, and the number climbs significantly in dogs over seven years of age. While arthritis is not reversible, it is highly manageable — and when caught early and supported with the right care, most dogs can continue to live active, comfortable lives.
Early Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs
Dogs are naturally inclined to hide discomfort, which means arthritis often progresses quietly before pet parents notice something is wrong. Knowing what to look for can help you get your dog the support they need sooner rather than later.
Watch for these early signs:
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Stiffness when getting up after rest, especially in the morning
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Slowing down on walks or reluctance to go as far as they used to
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Lagging behind on hikes or trips to the park
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Difficulty climbing stairs, jumping into the car, or getting on furniture they used to manage easily
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Shifting weight to avoid bearing pressure on a specific limb
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Licking or chewing at a particular joint
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Changes in temperament - becoming more withdrawn, irritable, or less playful
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Noticeable muscle loss, particularly in the hindquarters
If you are noticing any of these signs, the first step is a conversation with your veterinarian. They can confirm a diagnosis, recommend pain management options, and refer you to rehabilitation when the time is right.
How Physical Therapy Supports Arthritis Management
Physical therapy does not replace your veterinarian's treatment plan — it works alongside it. Most dogs with arthritis benefit from a multimodal approach that may include pain medication, joint supplements, weight management, and rehabilitation. Our role is to address the physical components of that plan: restoring movement, building the muscle support around affected joints, reducing pain through hands-on and therapeutic modalities, and helping your dog maintain function for as long as possible.
Research consistently shows that therapeutic exercise and targeted physical rehabilitation can improve joint mobility, reduce lameness, support healthy weight, and enhance overall quality of life in dogs with osteoarthritis. Our licensed therapists use a combination of evidence-based treatments tailored specifically to your dog's condition, age, and lifestyle.
Our Rehabilitation Treatments for Arthritic Dogs
Every dog who comes through our doors receives an individualized plan. No two arthritis cases look the same, and we take the time to understand your dog's history, current limitations, and goals before recommending a course of treatment.
Cold Laser Therapy (Low-Level Laser Therapy / LLLT)
Cold laser therapy uses focused light energy to penetrate deep into tissue, stimulating cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and decreasing pain — all without heat or discomfort. It is one of the most well-supported non-pharmaceutical tools available for managing chronic joint pain in dogs. Most dogs find laser sessions relaxing, and many show noticeable improvement in comfort and mobility with regular treatment.
PEMF Therapy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy)
PEMF therapy delivers gentle electromagnetic pulses that stimulate the body's natural healing processes at the cellular level. It has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, support tissue repair, and improve circulation in arthritic joints. PEMF is non-invasive and well-tolerated, making it an excellent option for senior dogs or those who are more sensitive to hands-on treatment.
Therapeutic Stretching and Range of Motion
Arthritic joints become stiff and restricted over time.
Gentle, guided stretching and passive range of motion
exercises help maintain flexibility, improve circulation to
the joint, and reduce the discomfort that comes with
stiffness. Our therapists use manual techniques to work
through each affected joint in a controlled, comfortable way.
Strengthening and Therapeutic Exercise
Strong muscles are the best natural support a joint can have. We use progressive strengthening exercises — including cavaletti poles, balance boards, sit-to-stand progressions, and controlled leash walking — to build the muscle groups that stabilize arthritic joints. These exercises are adapted for your dog's current level of function and gradually advanced as they build strength and confidence.
Manual Therapy and Massage
Hands-on soft tissue work helps relieve muscle tension that commonly develops when a dog compensates for joint pain by shifting weight or altering their gait. Our therapists use targeted massage and manual therapy techniques to address these secondary areas of discomfort and improve overall body comfort.
Our Approach to Canine Arthritis Care
At Macke Institute of Canine Therapy, our team is led by a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy with advanced certification in canine rehabilitation. We bring a clinical, evidence-based approach to every patient we see, combined with the kind of individualized attention that only comes from a practice focused exclusively on canine therapy.
We believe the best outcomes happen when physical therapy is part of a coordinated care team. We communicate openly with your veterinarian, share progress notes, and adjust our plan based on how your dog responds over time. Our goal is never to replace your vet's guidance — it is to give your dog every physical advantage as they navigate a condition that will be part of their life for the long term.
We serve families in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, and surrounding communities. Whether your dog was recently diagnosed or has been managing arthritis for years, we would love to talk with you about what rehabilitation might look like for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog is a good candidate for physical therapy?
Most dogs with arthritis are good candidates for some form of rehabilitation. The best starting point is a conversation with your veterinarian — they can confirm the diagnosis and let you know if there are any considerations that would affect the type of therapy recommended. From there, we are happy to schedule a free phone consultation to learn more about your dog's specific situation.
How soon will I see results?
Every dog responds differently depending on the severity of their arthritis, their age, overall health, and how consistently they attend sessions and follow home care recommendations. Many pet parents notice improved comfort and willingness to move within the first several weeks of treatment. Arthritis is a progressive condition, so the goal is not a cure — it is maintaining the best possible function and quality of life over time.
How often does my dog need to come in?
Treatment frequency varies by patient. Dogs earlier in their arthritis journey or coming off a flare-up may benefit from more frequent sessions initially. Long-term maintenance patients often transition to bi-weekly or monthly visits once they have reached a stable baseline. We work with your schedule and your dog's needs to find a rhythm that makes sense.
Does my dog need a referral for physical therapy?
Yes, we ask for a veterinary referral before beginning treatment. This allows us to coordinate with your veterinary team and ensures we have the clinical information we need to build a safe, appropriate program for your dog's specific situation. We believe in the continuum of care model, where the surgeon, primary vet, and rehabilitation therapist function as a coordinated team around your dog's recovery.
Can physical therapy help even if my dog is already on pain medication?
Absolutely. In fact, most dogs with arthritis do best when physical therapy is combined with appropriate pain management rather than used as a replacement for it. Medication helps manage pain so that your dog can participate more fully in rehabilitation, and rehabilitation builds the strength and mobility that supports long-term joint health. The two work together very well.
Is physical therapy painful for my dog?
Our goal with every session is to keep your dog comfortable. We work within their pain tolerance and adjust our approach based on how they respond. Many dogs actually enjoy their sessions, particularly laser and hands-on work — and it is not uncommon for dogs to walk in hesitantly the first visit and walk out happy to be there.
Get Your Free Arthritis & Pain Management Guide
If your dog is navigating an arthritis diagnosis and you want to understand your options for long-term mobility, we’ve created a clinical guide to help you know what to expect from professional rehabilitation.
Ready to Support Your Dog's Joint Health?
If your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis or osteoarthritis, or if your veterinarian has recommended rehabilitation as part of their care plan, we are here to help. A free phone consultation gives us the chance to learn about your dog and talk through how physical therapy may be able to support their comfort and mobility.