Exercises for dogs with arthritis may sound backwards, but gentle movement often helps. It sounds counterintuitive: a painful, aging joint, and the recommendation is… more movement? But avoiding exercise altogether is one of the worst things you can do for an arthritic dog. Movement keeps joints lubricated, maintains the muscle that supports them, and helps prevent the downward spiral of reduced activity, weight gain, and worsening pain that untreated inactivity tends to cause.
Quick note: This article is for general education and isn’t a substitute for veterinary advice. Get your dog’s arthritis diagnosed and staged by a vet before starting any exercise program, since the right amount and type of activity depends on severity.
Key takeaways:
- Choose gentle exercises for dogs with arthritis, and check with your vet first.
- Exercise isn’t something to avoid in an arthritic dog — done the right way, it’s part of the treatment.
- Regular, moderate activity most days beats one long, intense session at the end of the week.
The Science Backing “Move More, Not Less”
A study on Labrador Retrievers with hip dysplasia found something worth knowing: dogs who exercised more than 60 minutes a day had lower lameness scores than dogs exercising less than 20 minutes a day — and interestingly, medication alone (NSAIDs or joint supplements) wasn’t associated with improved lameness scores in that study without the activity. This supports what vets widely recommend: an active lifestyle, not restricted rest, is part of managing canine arthritis.
The Best Exercises for Dogs With Arthritis
Swimming. Widely considered one of the best options available — the water supports body weight, letting a dog build muscle and cardiovascular fitness with essentially no joint impact. Underwater treadmill therapy, often available through veterinary rehab practices, offers similar benefits in a more controlled setting. Just be careful with entry and exit points if there are rocks or uneven, slippery terrain nearby.
Controlled leash walks. Short, frequent walks on a leash — rather than unrestricted running at a dog park — keep activity level and impact predictable. Soft surfaces like grass or dirt reduce impact further compared to pavement.
Walking on gently varied terrain. Soft grass, sand, or a mildly uneven path engages stabilizing muscles and improves balance and coordination without the joint stress of anything jarring or steep.
Using ramps. Beyond their obvious use for avoiding jumps, walking up a gentle ramp is itself a good low-impact way to build hind-end strength.
Sit-to-stand repetitions (modified). Slow, controlled sit-to-stand movements build strength around the joint — just don’t overdo the repetitions, and stop well before fatigue sets in.
Stepping over low obstacles. Something as simple as a low PVC pipe or a low platform set up at home lets your dog practice controlled, deliberate movement that supports joint mobility, at their own pace.
What Counts as “Enough” — Without Overdoing It
Regular, moderate activity most days beats one long, intense session at the end of the week. Vets commonly suggest short, frequent sessions rather than a single big outing, since this reduces the risk of a post-exercise flare-up while still accumulating meaningful daily activity. Watch for panting, limping, or reluctance to continue as clear signs to stop and rest, and always warm up with a few minutes of slow walking before anything more active.
Activities to Avoid
Canine arthritis specialists generally advise against high-impact sports and activities involving repeated jumping, sudden acceleration, or explosive movement — these put outsized force on already-compromised joints. This includes activities like agility-style jumping, uncontrolled running and chasing, and repeated jumping down from height (off furniture, out of vehicles, or down stairs). Some activities are poor exercises for dogs with arthritis and should be avoided.
Weather and Environment Matter Too
- Avoid hot pavement in summer, which is uncomfortable and can be genuinely dangerous, separate from the joint issue.
- Avoid icy or very slippery paths in winter, since a slip can trigger a painful flare.
- Keep your dog well hydrated during and after exercise, since older dogs can dehydrate faster than younger ones.
When to Get Professional Guidance
A veterinary rehabilitation therapist can design a program tailored to your dog’s specific joints, severity, and overall condition, and adjust it over time to avoid both overexertion and under-exercising. This is particularly worth pursuing for more advanced arthritis, since well-meaning owners can sometimes unintentionally worsen things without professional guidance on pacing and intensity. A professional can design exercises for dogs with arthritis that fit your dog.
The Bottom Line
Exercise isn’t something to avoid in an arthritic dog — done the right way, it’s part of the treatment. Swimming, controlled short walks, gentle terrain variation, and simple strength exercises like sit-to-stand reps all support joint and muscle health without the impact of running or jumping. Keep sessions short, frequent, and consistent rather than occasional and intense, watch for signs of fatigue, and loop in your vet or a rehab specialist for a plan matched to your dog’s specific stage of arthritis. Choose gentle exercises for dogs with arthritis, and check with your vet first.
Further reading: Also, for more detail from veterinary organizations, see the American College of Veterinary Surgeons’ pages on osteoarthritis, the AAHA Senior Care Guidelines, and the Merck Veterinary Manual.
Finally, we last updated this guide in October 2026.