Is Osteoarthritis a young dog disease? Turns out the answer is yes!
When we imagine a dog with arthritis, we usually picture the senior dog who moves a little slower, hesitates before getting up, or enjoys shorter walks or more smelling of the flowers! But veterinary research has revealed something surprising: osteoarthritis (OA) often begins silently in young dogs, long before the first limp or sign of stiffness appears. Understanding this changes how we think about joint health across a dog’s entire life.
Several recent studies have shown that joint degeneration is not only common, but extremely common in dogs far younger than we once believed. In a large study of dogs between eight months and four years of age, nearly 40% already had radiographic (can see on an x-ray) evidence of OA, and many had joint pain that owners never recognized (Enomoto, 2024). Interestingly in this study, watching the gait and level of lameness in these dogs, had a lot of variation, some being very sore and limping and others having no symptoms at all!
Even more striking, a 2025 JAVMA study found that 60% of middle-aged dogs undergoing a routine dental cleaning—dogs whose owners did not suspect arthritis—had radiographic OA in one or more joints. Most of these dogs were not limping in ways their owners noticed (Millis, 2025).
Together, these findings paint a consistent picture: OA is common, often silent, and begins much earlier than we expect. And perhaps the most important message is this: two dogs with the same degree of joint degeneration on X-ray can have completely different mobility and comfort levels. The changes we see on imaging tell only part of the story so it is critical to consider the entire patient.
As dogs age, the nervous system adapts to ongoing inflammation and degeneration in the joint. There are changes in the soft tissues (especially fascia, more to come) around the joint, that makes pain louder in the central nervous system. Chronic discomfort input and “louder” input can cause the spinal cord and brain to become more sensitive to pain signals—a process known as central sensitization. This means a joint with mild radiographic changes may feel intensely painful to one dog, while another dog with more advanced changes may compensate comfortably for years. Fascia—the connective tissue network that surrounds muscles and joints—also stiffens with age, injury, or altered movement patterns. When fascia loses its elasticity and glide, mobility decreases, joint load increases, and discomfort becomes more persistent. Meanwhile, the joint itself gradually moves from early, potentially reversible changes into more permanent degeneration.
This is why the same X-ray finding can produce a playful, athletic dog in one case and a stiff, reluctant dog in another. OA is not just a joint disease; it is a whole-body condition influenced by soft tissue health, muscle mass, movement patterns, and nervous system sensitivity.
Recognizing which dogs are at risk allows us to intervene long before the disease becomes advanced. Conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia, early orthopedic injuries, rapid growth in large-breed puppies, excess body weight, and high-impact activity patterns all increase the likelihood of developing arthritis early in life. Research has shown that these risk factors are strongly tied to the development and progression of OA across multiple joints. Recognizing these patients is critical.
Identifying vulnerable dogs early allows us to guide exercise routines, protect developing joints, build strength, and preserve mobility rather than waiting until damage becomes irreversible.
Importantly, OA in young dogs is not only detectable—it is treatable. Studies evaluating multimodal management in young dogs with early OA have shown meaningful improvements in pain and mobility through a combination of anti-inflammatory medication, omega-3 supplementation, strength-focused exercise, and lifestyle modification (Enomoto, 2024).
Treating early doesn’t just improve today’s comfort; it slows future degeneration and protects the dog’s long-term quality of life. And quality of life is deeply tied to mobility. Dogs who move comfortably can explore, play, interact with their families, maintain muscle mass, sleep better, and stay mentally engaged. Supporting mobility early—before the dog shows obvious signs—helps preserve all the aspects of life that bring joy and vitality.
Reframing osteoarthritis as a disease that begins young helps us detect it sooner, manage it more effectively, and ultimately support healthier, more comfortable aging. The goal is not to worry owners, but to empower them with knowledge so they can protect their dogs’ mobility throughout life. With research rapidly evolving, staying informed allows us to do better for the dogs we care for—long before they start acting “old.”
References
Enomoto M, et al. Prevalence of radiographic appendicular osteoarthritis and associated clinical signs in young dogs. Scientific Reports, 2024.
41598_2024_Article_52324Enomoto M, et al. Response to treatment with grapiprant as part of a standard multimodal regimen in young dogs with appendicular joint osteoarthritis-associated pain. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2024.
fvets-11-1461628Millis DL, Hecht S. Osteoarthritis has a high prevalence in dogs undergoing routine dental prophylaxis. JAVMA, 2025.
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