Canine Arthritis vsMuscleWeakness:

What’ s the Difference and Why It Matters?

As our dogs grow older, it’s common to notice changes in the way they move, maybe they're slower on walks, hesitant to climb stairs, or struggle to rise after lying down. These changes often leave pet parents wondering: Is it arthritis, or is it muscle weakness? The symptoms can look similar, but the causes (and treatments) are quite different. Understanding the difference between canine arthritis and muscle weakness is key to giving your dog the best possible care, and that’s where therapeutic massage can play an incredibly helpful role.

What Is Canine Arthritis?

Arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease) is a chronic inflammation of the joints. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions a dog’s joints begins to wear down, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Common signs of arthritis:

• Limping or favouring one leg

• Stiffness after rest, especially in the morning    Reluctance to jump, climb, or run

• Swollen or warm joints

• Vocalising or flinching when touched near joints

Arthritis is progressive and permanent, but with the right care, it can be managed effectively to reduce discomfort and improve mobility.

What Is Muscle Weakness in Dogs?

Muscle weakness, also known as sarcopenia, is the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength, usually due to age, reduced activity, illness, or pain avoidance (like in arthritis).

Signs of muscle weakness:

• Wobbliness or instability

•  Noticeable muscle loss, especially around the hips or shoulders

•  Struggling to stand from a lying position   

• Tiring quickly during walks

•  Decreased stamina and balance

Unlike arthritis, muscle weakness can often be improved or even reversed with the right intervention, especially through physical stimulation and movement-based therapies like massage.

How Are They Connected?

It’s important to note: Arthritis and muscle weakness often go hand in hand.

• A dog with arthritis may move less to avoid pain, which leads to muscle loss.

• A dog with weak muscles may place extra strain on their joints, worsening arthritic symptoms.

This cycle can create a downward spiral of inactivity, pain, and mobility decline, unless we break the cycle with targeted support.

So, How Can Massage Therapy Help?

Whether your dog is dealing with arthritis, muscle weakness, or both, canine massage therapy offers a non-invasive, drug- free way to improve comfort and function.

For Arthritis:

• Reduces inflammation by improving lymphatic drainage

• Increases joint flexibility by loosening surrounding muscles and tissues

•  Eases pain through endorphin release and reduced nerve pressure

For Muscle Weakness:

• Stimulates circulation to underused muscles

•  Encourages healthy muscle tone without intense exercise

• Improves proprioception, helping your dog become more

aware of their limbs and balance

Regular massage can support your senior dog’s body in a respectful way, aiding their mobility and improving their quality of life.

What Else Can You Do?

A multi-faceted approach is often best. In addition to massage therapy:

• Ensure traction at home (non-slip rugs on hard flooring can help prevent slips and falls)

• Offer a supportive orthopaedic bed

• Create a warm, comfortable resting space away from draughts or hard floors

• Use beneficial joint supplements

• Ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight

• Schedule regular vet check-ups to monitor both joints and muscles and pain management

• Look into other canine therapies such as Hydrotherapy or physiotherapy, depending on your dogs needs.

Final Thoughts

Telling the difference between arthritis and muscle weakness isn’t always easy, but understanding the root cause of your dog’s mobility issues is crucial to helping them age gracefully. While arthritis requires joint support and inflammation management, muscle weakness needs stimulation and strengthening.

Canine massage therapy is uniquely suited to address both. By supporting joints and muscles together, we can help your senior dog move more freely, feel more comfortable, and enjoy life to the fullest.