Arthritis is prevalent in older dogs. Luckily, there are various treatments available. The onset of arthritis depends largely on how active your dog is. Couch potatoes are more likely to develop arthritis earlier than dogs that are physically active throughout their lives.

Some supplements, such as glucosamine and MSM (found in Cosequin, Glycoflex, or Synova-Cre), can help relieve arthritis. These supplements work well on some dogs and do nothing for others. Your dog usually has to take these supplements for more than six weeks before you can see any effect.

Your vet can help mitigate some of the effects of arthritis with anti-inflammatories, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Rimadyl, Metacam, Deramaxx, and Zubrin are some of the NSAIDS your veterinarian now has available. Aspirin is a common pain reliever; ask your vet for the proper dosage. The downside to NSAIDS is that some can adversely affect the kidneys and liver in some dogs. Dogs with sensitive stomachs can experience bleeding ulcers.

Steroids are another potential weapon against arthritis. These treatments can help bring relief and reduce inflammation, but they can have long-term drawbacks including immune-system suppression, increased appetite and weight, increased aggression, and increased water consumption and urination.