Cost of Dog Arthritis Treatment Per Month (2026)

What Does Arthritis Management Really Cost?

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions in senior dogs, affecting an estimated 20 percent of dogs over the age of one and up to 80 percent of dogs over age eight. If your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis, or if you suspect it based on stiffness and slowing down, one of your first questions is likely about cost.

The honest answer is that arthritis management costs vary widely depending on the severity of the condition and the approach you take. A dog with mild early arthritis may only need supplements and lifestyle adjustments, while a dog with advanced arthritis may require multiple medications, regular physical therapy, and specialized equipment. This guide breaks down every component so you can plan effectively.

Diagnostic Costs

Before treatment begins, your veterinarian will need to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity. Initial diagnostic costs typically include:

• Physical examination: $50 to $100
• X-rays (radiographs): $150 to $400 for multiple views
• Blood work (to establish baseline before starting medications): $100 to $250
• Joint fluid analysis (if needed): $100 to $200

Total initial diagnostic cost: $300 to $800

These are mostly one-time costs, though your vet will likely recommend follow-up X-rays and blood work periodically, typically every 6 to 12 months, to monitor progression and medication effects.

Monthly Treatment Costs by Category

Joint Supplements: $15 to $50 Per Month

Joint supplements are typically the first line of support for arthritic dogs. The most common active ingredients are glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. Many products also include omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, or green-lipped mussel extract.

• Basic glucosamine/chondroitin supplement: $15 to $30 per month
• Premium multi-ingredient joint supplement: $25 to $50 per month
• Fish oil supplement (omega-3 for inflammation): $10 to $25 per month

Costs scale with your dog's size since larger dogs need higher doses. A supplement that costs $20 per month for a 30-pound dog may cost $40 per month for a 90-pound dog.

Prescription Medications: $20 to $150 Per Month

Your veterinarian may prescribe one or more medications depending on the severity of your dog's arthritis:

• NSAIDs (carprofen, meloxicam, deracoxib): $20 to $60 per month. These are the most commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory pain medications for canine arthritis. They require periodic blood work to monitor liver and kidney function, adding $50 to $125 every 6 months.
• Gabapentin (for nerve pain): $10 to $30 per month. Often used alongside NSAIDs for dogs with more significant pain.
• Adequan injections (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan): $50 to $100 per month during the loading phase, then $30 to $60 per month for maintenance. These injections help protect joint cartilage.
• Monoclonal antibody injections (Librela): $50 to $150 per monthly injection. This newer treatment targets nerve growth factor to reduce arthritis pain. Administered at the vet's office.

Many dogs with moderate to advanced arthritis take a combination of medications, so monthly medication costs can add up. Ask your vet about generic versions of prescribed medications, which can reduce costs by 30 to 60 percent.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: $100 to $500 Per Month

Canine rehabilitation therapy has become increasingly accessible and includes treatments like:

• Underwater treadmill sessions: $50 to $100 per session
• Therapeutic exercises with a certified canine rehabilitation therapist: $50 to $120 per session
• Laser therapy (cold laser): $40 to $80 per session
• Acupuncture: $60 to $120 per session
• Massage therapy: $40 to $80 per session

During initial treatment, one to two sessions per week is common. As the dog improves, many transition to maintenance sessions every two to four weeks. Monthly costs depend on which therapies are used and how frequently.

Not all dogs need formal physical therapy. For mild arthritis, a consistent home exercise routine of gentle walks and range-of-motion exercises can provide meaningful benefits at no cost.

Comfort and Mobility Products: $10 to $40 Per Month (Averaged)

Supporting an arthritic dog at home often involves specific products designed for comfort and mobility. While most are one-time purchases, they need periodic replacement:

• Orthopedic memory foam bed: $50 to $150 (replace every 18 to 24 months)
• Dog ramp for furniture or vehicles: $30 to $100 (replace as needed)
• Non-slip rugs or runners: $20 to $60 (long-lasting)
• Heated bed pad or warming mat: $25 to $60 (replace every 1 to 2 years)
• Supportive harness for mobility assistance: $25 to $60
• Elevated food and water bowls: $15 to $40

Total Monthly Cost Scenarios

To help you plan, here are three realistic monthly cost scenarios:

Mild Arthritis (Early Stage)

• Joint supplement: $25
• Fish oil: $15
• Orthopedic bed (averaged): $5
• Total: approximately $45 per month

Moderate Arthritis

• Joint supplement: $30
• NSAID medication: $40
• Periodic blood work (averaged): $15
• Physical therapy (2 sessions per month): $140
• Comfort products (averaged): $15
• Total: approximately $240 per month

Advanced Arthritis

• Joint supplement: $40
• NSAID medication: $50
• Gabapentin: $20
• Monthly Librela injection: $100
• Blood work (averaged): $20
• Physical therapy (weekly): $300
• Comfort products (averaged): $25
• Total: approximately $555 per month

Cost-Saving Strategies for Arthritis Management

• Prioritize weight management. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is the single most impactful and cost-free arthritis intervention. Even modest weight loss reduces joint stress significantly.
• Ask about generic medications. Generic carprofen or meloxicam is often half the cost of brand-name versions.
• Learn home exercises. Ask your rehabilitation therapist to teach you exercises you can do at home between sessions, reducing the number of professional visits needed.
• Buy supplements in larger quantities. Multi-month supplies often offer meaningful per-unit savings.
• Compare pharmacy prices. Online veterinary pharmacies frequently offer lower prices on prescription medications than in-clinic pharmacies.

Planning for Arthritis Costs Long-Term

Because arthritis is progressive, it is wise to plan for gradually increasing costs over time. A dog diagnosed with mild arthritis at age 8 may need only supplements for the first year or two, then add medications, and eventually require more comprehensive management.

Building a dedicated health fund for your dog and budgeting for incremental cost increases helps you stay ahead of the curve. For broader financial planning guidance, see our guide on how to budget for an aging dog and our cost calculator for personalized estimates.