How much does treating arthritis in dogs cost in 2025?

Buying or adopting a dog or puppy is a significant commitment, including the responsibility for their lifelong care and health expenses. One common condition many older dogs face is arthritis, which requires ongoing management and treatment that can add to lifetime costs.

Arthritis in dogs is irreversible but manageable with tailored treatments aimed at reducing pain, maintaining mobility, and slowing progression. Costs vary widely depending on the severity, dog size, and treatment types recommended by your vet.

The goal of managing arthritis is to enhance comfort and quality of life through multimodal approaches, often combining medicine with lifestyle adjustments. Mild cases may require only dietary changes and weight management, while more advanced cases might need medications, physiotherapy, or hydrotherapy.

Common arthritis treatments and associated costs

• Dietary changes and weight control: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces joint stress and is the most affordable management step.
• Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications: Often prescribed to ease discomfort. These can cost around £150 per month depending on dosage and drug type.
• Supplements for joint support: Such as glucosamine and chondroitin, typically available at reasonable costs but variable in effectiveness.
• Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy: Rehabilitation therapies can improve mobility and reduce pain, with sessions averaging around £45 each.
• Advanced options: Surgery like total hip replacement or regenerative treatments (stem cell therapy) may be considered in severe cases, with surgery costs reaching several thousand pounds.

The cost depends strongly on your dog's size: for example, treating a 10kg Beagle might cost around 60p daily for basic management, scaling to £3-£3.50 for complex regimes. For a 50kg Rottweiler, daily costs range from approximately £3 to £15-£18 for intensive treatment.

Long-term arthritis management may cost thousands per year, which can be challenging for many owners. However, pet insurance often covers arthritis treatment, though policies usually have limits on coverage amounts or time.

Insurance coverage and management options in the UK

Most UK dog insurance policies cover arthritis-related veterinary costs including diagnostics, medications, and some complementary treatments like hydrotherapy. However, coverage details vary:

• Pre-existing arthritis is often excluded.
• Policies may be time-limited (e.g., 12 months per condition) or have a maximum financial benefit per condition (ranging from £2,000 to £10,000).
• Premiums and excesses apply, and owners should ensure the policy suits chronic condition management.

Careful policy selection is critical to ensure adequate support for ongoing arthritis costs.

Can arthritis in dogs be prevented or delayed?

While arthritis cannot be completely prevented as many factors are genetic or age-related, you can reduce risk and delay onset by:

• Choosing breeds responsibly and checking for health clearances like hip and elbow scores.
• Protecting joints early in puppyhood by avoiding high-impact activities like excessive jumping or stairs.
• Maintaining your dog's healthy weight through proper diet and regular, controlled exercise.
• Providing regular vet check-ups and early intervention if joint issues arise.
• Adapting your home environment (ramps, non-slip flooring) to minimize joint trauma.

These proactive steps improve long-term joint health and may lessen arthritis severity.

Frequently asked questions about arthritis costs and care

How much does it cost to treat arthritis in dogs daily?

Quick Answer: Depending on dog size and treatment complexity, costs for arthritis management range from about 60p to £18 per day.

Small breeds like Beagles generally have lower daily treatment expenses, while larger breeds such as Rottweilers incur higher costs due to greater medication dosages and care needs.

What are the best current treatments for canine arthritis?

Quick Answer: UK vets recommend a multimodal approach including NSAIDs, the newer anti-NGF antibody therapy Librela™, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, weight management, and owner education.

This combination addresses pain control, joint function, and long-term quality of life, with treatment tailored to each dog's disease stage and response.

Does pet insurance cover arthritis treatment for dogs?

Quick Answer: Many UK pet insurance policies cover arthritis treatment but often exclude pre-existing conditions and have limits on duration or total payout per condition.

Selecting a policy with lifetime or maximum benefit coverage is advisable to help manage ongoing arthritis expenses. Verify terms before purchasing to understand exclusions and limits.

How can I prevent arthritis in my dog?

Quick Answer: Arthritis prevention focuses on responsible breeding, maintaining healthy weight, avoiding joint injuries in young dogs, regular exercise, and routine vet check-ups.

Early joint care and controlling risk factors may delay arthritis onset and reduce its impact, enhancing your dog's wellbeing as it ages.

Conclusion

Arthritis management in dogs ranges from affordable daily strategies like weight control to expensive treatments including medications, physiotherapy, and surgery. Costs vary by dog size, condition severity, and chosen therapies, with potential annual expenses reaching several thousand pounds in severe cases.

Pet insurance can mitigate some costs but requires careful policy selection for chronic coverage. Preventative steps centred on healthy lifestyle and early veterinary partnership offer the best chance to delay arthritis onset and maintain your dog's comfort.

Choosing reputable breeders and understanding arthritis risks supports responsible pet ownership and improves outcomes for ageing dogs facing this common condition.