Before trying any treatment options, you should get an accurate diagnosis of your dog's health which is usually done by a physical exam combined with x-rays performed at your veterinarian's office. Get an accurate diagnosis before you determine the treatment. Treatment and prevention are personal choices but involve several options when considering the dog's health.

Medical therapy is the most widely used treatment option. There are 4 components of medical therapy: weight loss, regular exercise, good nutrition, and drug therapy. Controlling body weight is a very important though often overlooked part of treating dogs with osteoarthritis. Many of the breeds prone to hip dysplasia are also prone to obesity. The excess weight applies additional forces to the joints and surrounding soft tissues. Overweight dogs with osteo-arthritis should be placed on a supervised weight loss program. There are several prescription diets available from veterinarians that are ideal for achieving this goal.

Regular low impact exercise is important for dogs with osteo-arthritis to keep muscle groups working Often the pain associated with the condition can make walking difficult. This in turn can weaken the muscles that work the joint, adding to the problem. Swimming is the ideal exercise routine as it allows muscle exercise without weight bearing on the joints.

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