What is canine osteoarthritis?

It can be easy to misinterpret your dog slowing down and playing less as inevitable signs of aging, but they could be the first symptoms of canine osteoarthritis (OA).

It is a painful condition that causes inflammation and swelling in a dog’s joints. Canine OA is a slowly progressive disease,2 characterized by damage to cartilage, which can cause painful bone-on-bone contact.

OA is the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs of all ages.3 Developmental problems and joint injuries — not just old age — often cause it.3 Although there is no cure, it is treatable.

: Quote from vet on negative impacts of canine OA.

What should I look for?

The changes caused by osteoarthritis (OA) can be subtle, so it’s important that you monitor for signs of pain in your dog. No one knows your canine companion better than you do, so your veterinarian counts on you to recognize changes and report them.

Because your dog can’t tell you about aches and pains, ask yourself these questions:

  • Is your dog less interested in participating in favorite activities?
  • Does your dog seem less active and alert?
  • Has your dog gained weight due to decreased physical activity?
  • Does your dog struggle to get up or lie down?
  • Does your dog have difficulty navigating stairs, jumping on the couch, or getting in and out of the car?
  • Does your dog ever whimper or cry out in pain?
  • Does your dog lag behind during walks?
  • Does your dog greet you at the door less often?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, your dog may be showing signs of OA. But don’t worry, you can help. Start by asking your veterinarian to screen your dog for OA.

How can DERAMAXX® (deracoxib) help?

For more than 15 years, DERAMAXX has helped control the pain and inflammation caused by canine osteoarthritis (OA). Deramaxx is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help reduce your dog's OA pain, which can help him stay active and enjoy playing again.

DERAMAXX

  • Provides effective 24-hour relief from the pain and inflammation canine OA can cause.
  • Is a great value, making daily pain management affordable.
  • Is an easy-to-take flavored, chewable tablet.

Select Important Safety Information

As with all drugs in this class, side effects involving the digestive system, kidneys or liver may occur, which may be serious. See additional important safety information below.

Different sized bottles of Deramaxx lined up next to each other


DERAMAXX Dog Stories

Many dogs have benefitted from the more than 230 million doses of DERAMAXX that have been prescribed.1 Here are just a few stories shared by dog owners like you that show the difference DERAMAXX can make.*

Genie-img

Genie

14 years old

“Thanks DERAMAXX for helping Genie stay comfortable and enjoy her senior years.”
— Sherry Johnston

Read more >

Annie-img

Annie

11 years old

“We never miss Annie’s daily dose of DERAMAXX because missing a day of medication means missing out on a day of her being her old self.”
— John Ramsey

Read more >

Eddie -img

Eddie

8 years old

“With the help of DERAMAXX, our ranch dog Eddie continues to enjoy hanging out with the horses.” — Jessica Condon

Read more >

*Individual response to NSAID therapy varies and not all dogs will experience this level of improvement.

DERAMAXX Dogs Mosaic

Thanks to all the DERAMAXX dogs and loyal dog owners like you, the mosaic is a true masterpiece! Photos of trusty canine companions were used to create this work of art. And now it’s ready for you to download and enjoy.

See if you can find your pup’s photo in the mosaic.

Mosaic photo of many dogs compiled to make one photo of a yellow lab