Treating arthritis in dogs – ways to reduce pain and increase joy in life

As a caring dog owner, you want to protect your four-legged friend from pain and enable them to live a happy, active life. Treating arthritis in dogs primarily means relieving joint pain and maintaining mobility. In this blog post, you'll learn what arthritis means for your dog, what treatment options are available, and how an innovative BIOS Dog Blanket can help your dog by reducing inflammation, promoting regeneration, and relieving pain. Stay tuned—your dog will thank you!

What is osteoarthritis in dogs?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the protective cartilage in the joints gradually wears away. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones in the joint rub directly against each other, leading to chronic pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis develops gradually and often occurs in older or larger dogs, but can affect any dog. Joints subject to particular stress, such as the hip, knee, elbow, or spine, are often affected. The disease cannot be cured, but with the right treatment, its progression and symptoms can be significantly improved.

What causes osteoarthritis? Common causes include aging, excessive strain (e.g., in very active dogs), previous joint injuries, or anatomical misalignments. Severe joint problems can lead to so-called "activated osteoarthritis"—the joint becomes inflamed in phases, becomes warm, swollen, and acutely painful. It's important to recognize the first signs early and take countermeasures to prevent your dog from unnecessary suffering.

 

 

Symptoms: How do you recognize osteoarthritis in dogs?

The signs of osteoarthritis often develop slowly. At first, your dog may simply appear a little stiff upon getting up or have difficulty getting started after a long period of rest. Typically, the dog will "break in" – after a few minutes of exercise, their gait will initially improve. As the osteoarthritis progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced and persistent. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs include:

• Stiffness and lameness: especially after rest or in the morning, sometimes a limp which initially improves.
• Lack of exercise: Your dog no longer enjoys long walks and often stops or turns back. He avoids activities that cause him pain.
• Difficulty getting up or jumping: for example, refusing to climb stairs or jump into the car.
• Relieving postures and muscle loss: To avoid pain, the dog places less strain on certain limbs. This causes muscles in the affected legs to atrophy, making the joints even more unstable.
• Expressions of pain: Some dogs lick or nibble more frequently on painful joints, avoid touching them and show changed behavior (withdrawal, restlessness, irritated reactions).

Advanced osteoarthritis is often also noticeable through external changes: The affected joints may appear coarsened or thickened due to bone growth, and they may feel warm to the touch. If your dog is visibly limping or showing signs of pain, you should consult a veterinarian. The earlier osteoarthritis is diagnosed and treated, the better you can help your pet.

Conventional treatment options at the veterinarian

Unfortunately, osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but much can be done to improve your dog's quality of life. The primary goal is to relieve pain and slow the progression of joint damage. Conventional medical treatment typically focuses on the following measures:

Anti-inflammatory painkillers: Your veterinarian will often prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other analgesics to reduce pain and inflammation in the joint. These medications often provide rapid relief. However, if used continuously, regular veterinary monitoring is important, as side effects (e.g., gastrointestinal problems) may occur.

Weight loss: Excess weight puts additional strain on the joints. If your dog is overweight, losing weight can help reduce joint pressure. A customized diet and specialty food (in consultation with your veterinarian) can help with this.

Joint protection supplements: Veterinarians sometimes use nutritional supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussel, or omega-3 fatty acids to promote cartilage metabolism. The effectiveness of such supplements has not been conclusively proven in every case, but they can have a supportive effect.

Advanced therapies: Depending on the severity of the arthritis, further treatment options may be considered. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary—such as joint lavage, joint fusion, or even artificial joint replacement. Newer methods such as shock wave therapy, laser therapy, or joint injections are also being tested. The veterinarian will decide on an individual basis what is appropriate for your dog.

It's important to continually adjust the treatment. Your veterinarian will monitor your dog's response throughout the course of treatment and adjust the medication or treatment accordingly. Close cooperation between you, the owner, and the veterinarian is essential.

 

 

Physiotherapy and exercise: Stay active despite osteoarthritis

In addition to medication, physiotherapy plays a major role in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Targeted exercise helps maintain joint mobility, counteract muscle loss, and reduce pain. A good physiotherapist can provide relief for your dog with massage, stretching exercises, and joint mobilization. Water therapy (swimming or an underwater treadmill) is also very effective: Warm water relieves pressure on the joints and gently trains the muscles.

Regular, but gentle, daily exercise is equally important. Instead of a single long walk, several short walks are better for a dog suffering from arthritis. This way, the dog gets exercise without overtaxing the joints. Avoid abrupt play, jerky movements, and jumping. Warmth before exercise—for example, with a warming blanket or a short warm-up—can relieve tension, allowing your dog to move more smoothly. After a walk, or in cases of acute pain, ice packs or cooling mats can help reduce inflammation.

There are also a few things you can do at home: Non-slip surfaces (carpets instead of smooth floors) make it easier for your dog to stand up and walk. Avoid climbing stairs if possible – consider ramps or aids so your dog can get into the car or onto the sofa without jumping. All of these measures show your dog that you're paying attention and taking his complaints seriously. As the "protector" of his well-being, you'll give him more security and trust.

Promote well-being: warmth, rest and the right place to sleep

A comfortable, warm place to sleep is invaluable for dogs with arthritis. Since arthritic joints tend to stiffen during rest periods, a soft yet supportive surface helps relieve pressure on the joints. Orthopedic dog beds or special mattresses optimally distribute weight and conform to the body, thus relieving pressure on sore joints. Make sure the sleeping area is draft-free and warm. Many dogs with arthritis instinctively seek out warm places to lie down because warmth relieves muscle tension and promotes circulation. A hot water bottle or a warm pillow (not too hot) before bed can work wonders.

Make sure your dog can rest undisturbed. Adequate recovery periods are important for the joints to recover from stress. At the same time, your dog shouldn't stay in one position for hours – gently encourage him to get up regularly and move around a bit so he doesn't become completely rusty. This requires sensitivity: As a protector, you know your dog's needs best, but you also sense when he needs rest. With a lovingly designed resting place, you show your dog: Here you are safe, here you can relax.

Alternative therapies: Magnetic field and co. as support

In addition to traditional treatments, many dog ​​owners are looking for gentle, side-effect-free methods to relieve the symptoms of arthritis. One such option is magnetic field therapy. This involves exposing the dog to a weak, pulsating magnetic field, which can have positive effects on the body. Electromagnetic impulses are said to stimulate cells, accelerating healing processes and reducing inflammation and pain. Some veterinarians and therapists are already using magnetic field therapy as an adjunct to osteoarthritis—particularly in older animals with chronic joint pain, it has proven to be a valuable complement to traditional pain management. It's important to note: Magnetic field therapy is not a substitute for veterinary treatment, but it can be supportive, and when used correctly, there are no known side effects.

How does this work? Typically, the dog relaxes, feeling at most a slight sensation of warmth and enjoying the peace and quiet. Many animals even fall asleep during the treatment, which shows how beneficial this therapy can be. Magnetic field mats or blankets for use at home now make it possible to perform such treatments yourself without much effort. This is where our insider tip comes in: an innovation developed specifically for dogs that makes magnetic field therapy easy to use.

 

 

Innovative help: The BIOS Dog Blanket against arthrosis pain

Imagine your dog enjoying a soothing treatment every day – comfortably in your home on their favorite blanket. The BIOS Dog Blanket makes just that possible. This innovative magnetic field blanket uses neurostimulation to bring balance to your dog's body. Using gentle electromagnetic impulses, it promotes health on multiple levels: It improves circulation, activates self-healing processes, relieves pain, supports regeneration, and relaxes your dog. Especially for dogs with arthritis, this means less inflammatory pain and improved mobility thanks to improved supply to the joint tissue.

How exactly does the BIOS Blanket work? A control unit is integrated into the blanket system that generates extremely low frequencies (ELF waves in the range of 3–30 Hz). These impulses travel through the skin to the spinal cord and then to the brain, which then sends the body the appropriate signals, such as: "Now relax." Simply put, the blanket helps your dog's body find the right rhythm of tension and relaxation. Stress reactions and pain perception are reduced, and relaxation and healing are promoted instead. The great advantage: All of this happens with absolutely no side effects. Your dog only feels well-being – no medication, no sedative effects.

It's incredibly simple to use. Place the BIOS Blanket on the floor or in the dog bed, let your dog get comfortable on it, and select the appropriate program on the handy control unit. Depending on your needs, there are programs for pain relief, regeneration, or deep relaxation, for example. A session lasts 30 minutes, and the device switches off automatically. You can perform the treatment daily or as needed—there's no habituation effect, so the effect lasts long. Many dogs visibly enjoy this time: They relax, doze off, and often get up much more agile afterwards.

For you as a dog owner, the BIOS Dog Blanket is a valuable support, as it gently complements arthritis therapy. Especially if your dog suffers from chronic pain but shouldn't be given high doses of medication on a long-term basis, the magnetic field blanket can help reduce the amount of medication (always in consultation with your veterinarian, of course). Even after more active periods—such as a longer walk—the blanket promotes recovery and prevents further pain.

Last but not least, the blanket is portable and easy to handle: You can fold it up and take it anywhere, whether traveling or simply to the local café. The cover is washable, so keeping it clean is no problem. The versatile uses make it easy for you to consistently do something for your pet's joint health.

 

 

Product recommendation: Learn more about the BIOS Dog Blanket

The BIOS Dog Blanket combines modern technology with your dog's need for comfort and pain relief. Many dog ​​owners have already enthusiastically reported how this blanket helps their pets become more active and full of life. Would you also like to provide your dog with this innovative support? Contact us – we'll be happy to provide you with a free consultation and show you how the BIOS Dog Blanket can be used specifically for arthritis. Protect your dog's health by relying on gentle applications and maximum comfort.

Conclusion: Give your dog a pain-free life

Treating arthritis in dogs requires a holistic approach – as a loving protector, it's best to combine conventional medicine with supportive measures. Through medication, tailored training, weight control, and physiotherapy, you can alleviate the symptoms and maintain joint function. At the same time, warmth, rest, and an ergonomic sleeping area increase your dog's well-being every day. New approaches such as magnetic field therapy offer additional opportunities to reduce pain and promote health. The BIOS Dog Blanket provides you with a particularly comfortable tool to inhibit inflammation, stimulate regeneration, and provide your pet with noticeable relief.

Your dog trusts you completely – and there's a lot you can do to give him a good life despite arthritis. Every step you take – be it a visit to the vet, an extra cuddle after physiotherapy, or a warm blanket in the evening – shows your dog that you are not alone in your pain. By taking action and using new solutions, you give your four-legged friend more joy in life and mobility. The sparkle in his eyes and his grateful tail wagging will be your greatest reward. Treating arthritis in dogs means taking responsibility – for a happy, less painful dog life by your side.