If your dog is experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis or if your vet has diagnosed osteoarthritis, you are not alone. According to Canine Arthritis Management1, this orthopaedic condition “affects 80% of dogs over the age of 8 years old, and potentially up to 35% of dogs of all ages”. Not only can osteoarthritis affect dogs of all ages, it can also affect any breed, however, some breeds are more predisposed than others e.g. Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Great Danes, to name just a few.
As a pet parent myself with a dog diagnosed with osteoarthritis, I know how worrying it can be but it is not all bad news as the condition can be very well managed, meaning that our dogs can still lead happy and fulfilled lives.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that can affect any joint in the body, with the most commonly affected joints in dogs being the shoulders, elbows, hips, stifle (knee) and the spine. Joints comprise of two or more connected bones which are capped with cartilage, providing lubrication and a smooth surface to allow for frictionless motion, preventing the bones of the joint from making contact with each other.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the joint cartilage is gradually worn away and is not replaced which leads to the reduction of the joints shock absorption. Over time, the bones will come into contact with each other, causing inflammation and the production of osteophytes (bony projections) around the joint margins, remodelling the bone into a rough and misshapen structure that hampers the natural range of movement in the joint.
If you think this sounds painful, you are not wrong! Chronic pain is one of the main symptoms of osteoarthritis. Whilst the condition cannot be cured, the associated pain can be managed to improve the dog’s quality of life.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Symptoms will vary between individuals and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Lameness
- Stiffness – particularly after exercise or periods of rest
- Changes in posture
- Difficulty getting up from laying down
- Reluctance to exercise or slowing down on walks
- Reluctance of difficulty jumping in/out or the car, on/off the sofa, navigating stairs
- Restlessness
- Panting
- Difficulty getting comfortable
- Swollen joints
- Creaking in the joint
- Changes in behaviour/mood
- Licking of the joints
- Unwilling to be groomed/stroked
- Loss of appetite
If you have noticed any of these symptoms in your dog, it is time to pay a visit to your vet for further investigation.
Managing Osteoarthritis with Clinical Canine Massage
You may be wondering how Clinical Canine Massage can help a condition that affects the bones of joints. Let me explain….
Movement of the body is generated by contractions of the muscles that sling over joints, which cause the tendons to pull on the bones, resulting in movement. When there are degenerative changes in the joint, the muscles that cross the joint start to work harder as they attempt to protect the joint from further injury. This phenomenon is termed splinting and causes muscles to become stiff, short and tight, which then contributes to further wear and tear of the joint.
So not only is the dog experiencing pain from the joint itself but now the tight, stiff muscles are contributing to the pain too.
It is not only the muscles and soft tissue that are associated with the arthritic joint that will be affected. As the dog changes their gait and posture as a result of pain, other areas of the body will come under strain due to overcompensation. In dogs that I treat, I often find that other, seemingly, unrelated areas of the body will have changes that appear to be more painful than the affected joint itself. For example, dogs with osteoarthritis in their elbow will often have changes in the muscles of their hindlimbs and lumbar spine such as increased tone, tightening and trigger points. This occurs as the dog begins to bear more weight on their hindlimbs during static and dynamic posture in order to relieve the pressure from their affected elbows.
Clinical Canine Massage is a clinically proven2 modality to help manage chronic pain in dogs, and for arthritic dogs this is achieved by addressing muscle splinting, reducing tension and relieving tightness in the muscles, addressing associated dysfunction in the fascia (connective tissue); and through the release of endorphins – the body’s natural pain relievers.
For me, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing my patients with osteoarthritis being able to return to daily activities, that they were struggling to cope with, prior to receiving massage, and living a much more comfortable life.
- https://caninearthritis.co.uk/what-is-arthritis/arthritis-in-dogs-the-basics/
- Riley, L., Satchell, L., Stilwell, L. and Lenton, N. (2021). Effect of Massage Therapy on Pain and Quality of Life in dogs: a Cross Sectional Study. Veterinary Record, [online] 189(11). Available at: https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/vetr.586.
Being a clinical canine massage therapist, this is a question I often get asked! Firstly, I would like to tell you a little bit about what canine massage is and isn’t. When thinking about massage, what is the first image that pops into your head? Does it involve a pamper session with soft music playing in the background whilst you are surrounded with candles and being massaged with aromatherapy oils? If so, you are not alone! This scenario is great for us humans, however, this is exactly what Clinical Canine Massage ISN’T. So……
What is Clinical Canine Massage?
Clinical canine massage therapy is an effective, non-invasive and drug free therapy that rehabilitates soft tissue injuries, such as strains, and helps to support orthopaedic conditions, such as arthritis and hip/elbow dysplasia. It is suitable for all breeds of dog at any age, from puppies through to seniors.
Each treatment is tailored to your dog and utilises 4 disciplines of massage, encompassing over 50 techniques:
- Swedish massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Remedial sport massage
- Myofascial release
I am also trained in the Lenton MethodTM, which is exclusively taught at the Canine Massage Therapy Centre, and is a 3-tiered approach for the in-depth assessment and treatment of dogs with muscular and myofascial issues, and for chronic pain management.
Canine Massage is a results driven therapy and improvements in your dog will usually be seen within 1-3 treatments.
I am a mobile therapist, so all treatments take place within the comfort of your own home, where your dog will feel most comfortable.
Every dog is different and will have different needs in terms of their medical conditions and how they respond to massage, therefore, each and every treatment that I provide is tailored to your dog in terms of the techniques that I use and their individual needs during the treatment – if they need breaks during the treatment, this is absolutely fine! Your dog’s wellbeing and comfort is always my top priority.
A dogs body weight is 45% muscle (up to 55% in the Greyhound), and their anatomy comprises around 700 muscles which pull on approximately 320 bones (depending on tail length), in order to generate movement. When considering their anatomy and the lives that our dogs lead, it is no wonder that they respond so well to canine massage therapy!
The Benefits of Clinical Canine Massage for Your Dog
There are many, many benefits of canine massage, including anatomical, physiological and psychological benefits. Just some of the results that you can expect to see in your dog include:
- Pain management for orthopaedic conditions e.g. arthritis, hip/elbow dysplasia
- Reduced or resolved lameness
- Reduced or resolved stiffness
- Improved gait and posture
- Improved temperament
- Enjoying walks again
- Ability to go on longer walks
- Return to normal daily activities e.g. jumping on/off the sofa and going up/down stairs
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved performance in sporting dogs
And much more……..
Clinical Canine Massage is backed by Science!
The first ever large-scale study of the effectiveness of clinical canine massage therapy, specifically the Lenton MethodTM, for the treatment of pain was published in the Vet Record in 2021. This study involved 527 dogs of differing breeds and ages, many of which had chronic or degenerative orthopaedic conditions. The results revealed that a whopping 95% of these dogs responded positively to canine massage, so you don’t need to just take my word for it – canine massage has been scientifically proven to improve the quality of life for dogs!
This blog is dedicated to my late greyhound Rio, who at the age of 8 years was diagnosed with arthritis but was still able to live his life to the fullest, thanks to clinical canine massage therapy. He is also the reason why I trained to become a canine massage therapist, so I could help other dogs live happy, pain free lives.
Thank you Rio, you were the best boy and I miss you everyday.
For many dog owners, ensuring their furry companion’s health and comfort is a top priority. While regular walks, a healthy diet, and routine vet visits are essential, there's one holistic treatment that's gaining popularity for good reason — canine massage therapy.
Whether your dog is recovering from an injury or simply ageing gracefully, massage therapy offers both physical and emotional benefits. Here are five reasons why it might be the perfect addition to your dog’s wellness routine.
1. Reduces Muscle Tension and Stiffness
Massage helps to loosen tight muscles and improve flexibility, especially in active dogs or those prone to musculoskeletal conditions. Regular sessions can aid mobility and support recovery after surgery or injury.
2. Promotes Circulation and Lymphatic Flow
Gentle, targeted strokes stimulate blood flow and support the body’s natural healing processes. Improved circulation also boosts the lymphatic system, helping to remove toxins and reduce inflammation.
3. Eases Anxiety and Improves Behaviour
Massage has a calming effect on dogs, much like it does on humans. It helps reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and promotes relaxation, which can be particularly beneficial for dogs with separation anxiety or noise sensitivities.
4. Supports Senior Dogs and Arthritic Conditions
Older dogs often experience stiffness, joint pain, and reduced mobility. Canine massage helps manage these symptoms by increasing joint flexibility and reducing discomfort — without the use of medication.
5. Strengthens the Human–Canine Bond
Massage sessions provide quality one-on-one time that strengthens trust and connection between dogs and their caregivers. It’s a deeply rewarding experience for both sides.
Is Canine Massage Right for Your Dog?
If your dog is showing signs of discomfort, stiffness, anxiety, or age-related changes, massage therapy could be a gentle, natural solution. Always consult with a qualified canine massage therapist to tailor the treatment to your dog’s needs.
