Why this list exists
Most vet appointments for dog arthritis end the same way. The vet does an exam, says "yes, she has some arthritis, this is normal for her age," writes a script for an NSAID, and you go home with a 30-day supply and a vague sense that you forgot to ask half of what you wanted.
This is not a criticism of vets. They are working in 15 to 20 minute slots and they prioritize what owners flag. The owners who get the most useful arthritis appointments are the ones who walk in with a written list.
This is that list. Print it. Cross off the questions that don't apply. Bring it with you.
Before the appointment
A few things to do at home in the days before:
1. Take three short phone videos. - Your dog standing up from lying down - Your dog walking on a flat surface (sidewalk or hallway, 30 seconds is enough) - Your dog going up or down stairs (if relevant)
Vets see your dog for 15 minutes in a stressful environment where adrenaline often masks pain. Video of your dog at home is one of the most useful diagnostic tools you can bring.
2. Write down a brief timeline. When did you first notice the change? What did you see? Has it gotten worse, stayed the same, or come and gone?
3. List every supplement, medication, and food. Including treats, dental chews, and human foods you sometimes share. This matters for drug interactions and for understanding your dog's full intake.
4. Note any specific concerns or hesitations. "I am worried about long-term NSAID use because my last dog had liver issues." Tell your vet upfront, not after they have written the prescription.
The 17 questions
Diagnosis and severity
1. How confident are you that this is arthritis, and what other conditions are you ruling out? You want to know what the vet has actually concluded vs. what they are assuming. Other things that can present like arthritis: soft tissue injury, neurological conditions (especially in older large breeds), cancer in the bone, panosteitis in young dogs.
2. Which joints are affected, and how severely? Get specifics. "Hips, both sides, moderate" is more useful than "she has arthritis." If x-rays were taken, ask the vet to walk you through them.
3. Do you recommend x-rays or further imaging? Why or why not? For mild cases, x-rays may not change the plan. For moderate to severe cases, or if the vet is unsure of the source, imaging matters. Ask whether radiographs are diagnostic enough or whether a CT or MRI would be more useful.
4. What stage is the arthritis at, and what does that mean for what's next? Is this early, moderate, or advanced? Each stage has a different treatment approach and a different outlook.
Treatment plan
5. What are all of my treatment options, including non-pharmaceutical ones? Vets often default to NSAIDs because they work and they're the standard. Ask explicitly about supplements, weight management, physical rehab, joint injections (Adequan, Synovetin OA, stem cell), and laser therapy. You want the full menu, not just the first item.
6. If you're recommending an NSAID, which one and why that one? There are several. Carprofen (Rimadyl), meloxicam (Metacam), deracoxib (Deramaxx), grapiprant (Galliprant), and the newer monoclonal antibody bedinvetmab (Librela) all behave differently. Ask why this one for your dog specifically.
7. What are the long-term risks of this medication, and how will we monitor for them? Most vet-prescribed NSAIDs require periodic bloodwork to monitor liver and kidney function. Ask the schedule. If your vet does not mention bloodwork at all, ask about it.
8. Can we use an anti-inflammatory supplement alongside or instead of NSAIDs, and what would you recommend? This is the question most owners want to ask but feel uncomfortable asking. Vets vary widely in how they view supplements. Some are comfortable with combining a high-quality anti-inflammatory supplement with reduced-dose NSAIDs; others prefer to keep it simple. Either answer is fine, but you want to hear it.
9. What's your view on glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s, PEA, curcumin, and quercetin for this case? Naming the ingredients shows you've done research and gets you a real answer instead of a generic "supplements can help." Vets who keep up with the literature will have specific opinions on each.
10. Should we consider physical rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, or acupuncture? Not every clinic offers these, but most cities have a certified canine rehab vet within driving distance. For moderate arthritis, rehab can dramatically extend mobility. Ask for a referral.
Weight, exercise, and lifestyle
11. Is my dog at a healthy weight, and if not, what's our target? Excess weight is the single biggest modifiable risk factor for canine arthritis. Get a body condition score (1 to 9) and a target number. If weight loss is needed, ask about specific food and calorie recommendations.
12. What kind of exercise should we be doing, and how much? Specifics matter. "Light exercise" is not actionable. Ask: How many minutes per day? On what surface? Avoid what activities? Is fetch okay? Stairs?
13. What environmental changes should we make at home? Slick floors, beds, ramps, raised bowls, getting in and out of the car. Most vets will give good practical advice here if you ask.
Outlook and follow-up
14. What can I expect over the next 6 months and the next 2 years? You want a realistic outlook, not false optimism or false doom. The vet may not have a crystal ball, but they can give you a range based on the staging.
15. What signs should make me call you sooner, vs. wait for the next appointment? Sudden lameness in a different leg, refusal to eat, vomiting on a new medication, sudden inability to stand. Get specific things to watch for.
16. When do you want to see her back, and what will you check? Set the next appointment before you leave. Most vets want to recheck arthritic dogs every 3 to 6 months in moderate cases, sooner on a new medication.
17. If this plan doesn't work, what's the next step? Always ask about Plan B. Knowing the escalation path (e.g., "if NSAIDs aren't enough at the recheck, we'll add gabapentin and consider rehab") gives you a roadmap and reassurance.
Bonus: questions to ask if you want a second opinion
Sometimes the answers don't sit right. Here are signals that a second opinion might be worth it:
- The vet did not perform an orthopedic exam (palpating each joint, watching gait)
- The plan is "give NSAIDs and see what happens" with no monitoring discussion
- The vet dismissed your concerns about long-term medication risk
- The vet was openly hostile to the idea of supplements without explanation
- You did not get a body condition score or weight discussion
- You feel like the vet didn't actually listen
A second opinion isn't disloyal. Many veterinary specialists (canine rehab vets, veterinary surgeons, orthopedic specialists) handle these cases more deeply. Most general practice vets will refer happily if asked.
Questions about anti-inflammatory supplements specifically
If you're planning to ask about supplements, these are the questions that get useful answers from your vet:
Is the brand third-party tested for purity and label accuracy? The pet supplement market is unregulated. Brands that get tested through NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) or third-party labs are safer bets.
Does the formula address inflammation directly, or only support cartilage? Most legacy joint supplements (Cosequin, Dasuquin) are cartilage-support products built on glucosamine and chondroitin. Newer formulas target inflammation directly. For moderate to advanced arthritis, both can have a role; you want to know which problem you're trying to solve.
Is there published research on the specific formulation, or just the individual ingredients? "Curcumin is anti-inflammatory" is true. "This specific formula at this specific ratio has been clinically studied" is much stronger. Ask what evidence backs the specific product, not just its ingredients.
PCQ Pet, for example, uses a patented 5:2:1 ratio of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), curcumin, and quercetin. The full PCQ formula was evaluated in an independent clinical study at a leading US research university. The peer-reviewed research behind the formula's mechanism (Britti et al. 2017, BMC Veterinary Research) tested the precursor PEA + Quercetin combination and showed measurable anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in dogs. Most joint supplements on the market cannot point to either of those.
What "good" looks like at the end of this appointment
You should leave with: - A clear diagnosis (not just "arthritis," but where and how severe) - A written treatment plan - Specific exercise and weight targets - A schedule for any required bloodwork or rechecks - A list of warning signs that warrant an early call - A next appointment on the calendar
If you don't have those things, ask before you leave.
FAQ
My vet seems annoyed when I ask a lot of questions. Is this normal? Some are. Most aren't. A good vet welcomes informed owners because the dog gets better care. If your vet consistently signals annoyance with reasonable questions, you may want a different vet.
Should I bring this list in print, or just have it on my phone? Print is better. Phones get put down or forgotten. A printed list is also a signal that you've prepared, which often raises the quality of the conversation.
Can I ask the vet to write down their answers? Yes. Most clinics will print a discharge summary if you ask. You can also take notes yourself.
What if I can't afford the recommended workup? Tell your vet directly. Most will help prioritize what's essential vs. what's nice to have, and many will adjust the plan to your budget. Care credit, payment plans, and pet insurance are also options to ask about.
How often should I bring my arthritic dog in? For mild cases on a stable plan, every 6 to 12 months. For moderate cases or any dog on long-term NSAIDs, every 3 to 6 months with bloodwork.
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. PCQ Pet is a dietary supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.