Introduction

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint and doesn’t just affect the joint cartilage, it affects the bone, the fluid, the capsule and the surrounding ligaments and muscles.

Joint swelling and pain will deactivate nearby muscles which means they “switch off”, they get weak and we see our dogs struggling to do basic things like standing from lying. This is why strengthening exercises are so important.

Also, arthritis causes pain from joint stiffness. Range of motion exercises and stretches help to lubricate the joints and stretch tight muscles, thereby reducing pain.