If your dog is moving a little slower or skipping the couch jump they’ve nailed for years, it might be more than “just getting older.” Catching arthritis early can keep your pup comfortable and active for longer.
Quick note: This article is for education, not diagnosis. Always consult your veterinarian for medical advice.
1) Subtle Morning Stiffness
- What you’ll notice: Your dog is slow to stand in the morning or after naps, loosening up after a few minutes.
- Why it matters: Osteoarthritis often shows up first as “warm-up” stiffness as joints are inflamed and cartilage is wearing down.
- What to try: Track when stiffness happens (time of day, weather, activity the day before) and film short clips for your vet.
- Pro tip: Keep a slip-free mat by the bed and food/water bowls to reduce awkward first steps.
2) Hesitation on Stairs, Cars, and Couches
- What you’ll notice: Pauses at the staircase, requests for boosts into the car, avoiding furniture they used to hop onto.
- Why it matters: Pain with flexion/extension makes climbing and jumping hard—classic for elbow, hip, or knee arthritis.
- What to try: Add a ramp or portable steps; practice slow, controlled “one step at a time” with a harness.
- Pro tip: Praise and treats for “choosing the ramp” build a new, safer habit quickly.
3) Bunny-Hopping or Shortening the Stride
- What you’ll notice: In the rear, some dogs “bunny-hop” (both hind legs move together) or take shorter steps; in the front, a head-bob can appear.
- Why it matters: Dogs unconsciously shift weight off painful joints. Gait changes are a red flag for hip or stifle (knee) discomfort.
- What to try: Video your dog walking toward and away from you on a straight, flat surface for your vet’s analysis.
- Pro tip: Compare videos week-to-week to spot trends you might miss in real time.
4) Licking or Chewing at a Joint
- What you’ll notice: Focused licking on wrists, elbows, knees, or hips; sometimes fur staining.
- Why it matters: Dogs self-soothe sore spots. It can also cause skin irritation, so catch it early.
- What to try: Note which joint is targeted and if it follows activity days.
- Pro tip: A soft recovery sleeve (not tight) can protect the skin while you arrange a vet check.
5) Behavioral Changes: Grumpy, Clingy, or Withdrawn
- What you’ll notice: Your always-social dog hides, avoids rough play, or growls when another pet jars them.
- Why it matters: Pain changes temperament. If your angel turns prickly during handling, don’t punish—investigate.
- What to try: Switch to low-impact enrichment (sniff walks, puzzle feeders) and schedule an exam.
- Pro tip: Track “mood + movement” together; it helps your vet see the pain picture clearly.
6) Muscle Loss Over Hips or Shoulders
- What you’ll notice: A bony look over the hips/shoulders or a “dropped” back end.
- Why it matters: Dogs off-load a painful limb; unused muscles shrink, worsening joint stability.
- What to try: Ask your vet about therapeutic exercises (sit-to-stand, controlled leash hills) once pain is managed.
- Pro tip: Measure thigh circumference monthly with a soft tape to monitor progress.
7) Slower Walks and Shorter Play Sessions
- What you’ll notice: They quit fetch early or trail behind on walks.
- Why it matters: Fatigue and pain tolerance change first at peak effort.
- What to try: Swap two long walks for three shorter ones; keep surfaces level; warm up 5 minutes, cool down 5 minutes.
- Pro tip: On colder or damp days, cut intensity by 20–30%—weather can flare joints.
8) Reluctance to Be Touched in Specific Spots
- What you’ll notice: Flinching when you brush over elbows/hips or lift a paw.
- Why it matters: Pinpoint tenderness helps your vet localize the affected joint.
- What to try: Note exactly where contact bothers them; use a diagram or photo markup for your vet.
- Pro tip: Switch to a soft-bristle brush and groom in short, calm sessions.
9) Slipping on Floors or “Splaying”
- What you’ll notice: Feet slide out on tile/wood; they scramble to stand.
- Why it matters: Arthritic dogs struggle to grip and stabilize. Slips can trigger acute strains.
- What to try: Lay runner rugs along traffic routes; trim nails; consider toe grips for extra traction.
- Pro tip: Elevate bowls slightly so they don’t have to spread their front legs to eat.
10) Weight Gain or “Puffier” Look
- What you’ll notice: Same food, fewer calories burned; they look thicker through the middle.
- Why it matters: Every extra pound adds joint load and inflammation.
- What to try: Ask your vet for an arthritis-friendly weight-loss plan: high-quality protein, controlled calories, measured meals.
- Pro tip: Swap one treat session for a sniffari—great enrichment, zero calories.
At-Home Checklist (save this)
- Film a 30–60 sec walk, trot, and sit-to-stand weekly.
- Track “good/bad days” with weather and activity notes.
- Add non-slip paths where your dog travels most.
- Warm up 5 min before play; cool down 5 min after.
- Keep nails short; consider toe grips on slick floors.
- Evaluate food portions; measure every meal.
- Use a ramp for car/couch access; avoid high jumps.
When to Call the Vet
- Morning stiffness now lasts more than ~15–20 minutes.
- Hesitation escalates to refusal on stairs or car entries.
- Yelping, sudden limping, or inability to rise.
- Noticeable muscle loss or rapid behavior change.
- Licking/chewing creates skin irritation or sores.
Quick Buyer’s Notes (supportive gear & supplements)
- Ramps/steps: Look for stable frames, high-traction surfaces, and side rails.
- Orthopedic beds: Dense memory foam with bolsters helps joint alignment; choose a washable cover.
- Harnesses: A front-clip or support harness aids controlled movement on stairs.
- Non-slip solutions: Runner rugs or rubber-backed mats are simple wins.
- Supplements: Many vets consider omega-3s (EPA/DHA) and glucosamine/chondroitin for joint support; results vary and quality matters. Always get your vet’s okay before starting any supplement, especially if your dog takes other meds.
- Medications: In the U.S., NSAIDs and other pain meds must be prescribed by your veterinarian—never give human painkillers.
Sources & Notes
- American Kennel Club (AKC) — overview of canine arthritis signs and mobility changes.
- VCA Animal Hospitals — canine osteoarthritis: causes, diagnostics, and management options.
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — chronic pain recognition and multimodal management in dogs.
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) — weight management and joint health guidance.
- WSAVA Global Pain Council — best practices for recognizing and recording pain in companion animals.
Medical disclaimer: This content is educational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.