Coping With Old Dog Arthritis By: Steve Weber | - Most canine owners will have to deal with old dog arthritis at some time if they own dogs. Just as in people, joint osteo-arthritis is very common in old dogs as they become older. Many dogs get to some degree, while big breed dogs and over weight canines experience more significant signs then do small breed dogs. When oste-oarthritis is diagnosed, the pet owner must seek a vet's advice on how to handle the disease.