Arthritis and mobility: keeping my dog comfortable

7 min read

Why your dog doesn't complain (and why it isn't your fault)

Dogs hide their pain: it's an inherited survival reflex, neither bravery nor play-acting (WSAVA Global Pain Council consensus). So by the time you finally notice that 'something's off', the trouble has often been building for months. It isn't a lack of attention on your part: your dog is simply very good at acting as though nothing were wrong. The good news is that much of what brings relief costs nothing and rests in your hands.

The signs to spot day to day

No single one of these signs proves arthritis on its own, but together they show up in what changes about your dog. The earlier you spot them, the better the relief.

The first clues, easy to miss

Stiffness on getting up, especially in the morning, that 'thaws out' after a few steps
He hesitates at the stairs, the sofa or the boot of the car
He plays less, lags at the end of walks, asks to head home earlier

It's setting in: time to book an appointment

He licks or nibbles the same joint over and over (a knee, a hip, a wrist)
His gait changes: arched back, shortened stride, a thigh that wastes away
New irritability: he growls when you touch or brush him in one spot
A limp that lasts more than a few days, worsens or comes back in bouts

Adapting the home: comfort that really brings relief

These adjustments have no side effects and transform daily life for a stiff dog. Set them up early, without waiting for him to slip and frighten himself.

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A slightly raised bowl can relieve a dog with a stiff neck, but keep it for small and medium builds. For large, deep-chested dogs, keep the bowl on the floor: raising it has been linked to a higher risk of stomach torsion. If you're unsure which is right, ask your vet.

The two free levers: weight and gentle movement

Complete rest is a false good idea: without movement, the muscle that supports the joint wastes away and your dog does worse. Aim for the opposite, walks that are shorter but more frequent, on soft ground, with no jolts. Three short, calm outings beat the big Sunday hike he 'pays for' on Monday. The right amount is set with your vet according to his condition.

Should you worry? When to see the vet

Now's the time to see the vet

Stiffness, a limp or hesitation at the stairs that settles in or keeps coming back
He keeps licking the same joint
A change of mood or activity 'for no reason' in an adult or older dog
Muscle wasting or a changing gait

Watch and note, without panicking

A one-off stumble after a big play session, gone within a day
A little stiffness on a single morning, quickly 'thawed out'
Note the date and what recurs: these observations really matter to the vet

WSAVA Global Pain Council — Guidelines for the Recognition, Assessment and Treatment of Pain (2022)
AAHA — Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats (2022)
Kealy et al. — Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs (2002)
COAST Development Group — Canine OsteoArthritis Staging Tool (consensus international arthrose canine) (2023)

To go further

guideAssessing your dog's quality of lifePractical markers to judge whether pain or fatigue are weighing too heavily on his daily life.Read the guide guideFeeding Your Senior DogThe right weight and diet, the number one lever for easing tired joints.Read the guide guideAdapting daily life for an ageing dogNon-slip mats, ramps, a supportive bed: simple changes that make daily life easier.Read the guide guideVeterinary care for your senior dogRegular check-ups to adjust treatment and catch any worsening of the arthritis early.Read the guide guideRecognising the signs of ageing in my dogSpotting the first signs of ageing, often where creeping arthritis begins.Read the guide guideWhen My Dog Is Losing Sight or HearingWhen reduced mobility comes with failing sight or hearing, how to adjust your support.Read the guide

Frequently asked questions

Why is my dog limping?

A limp can come from a claw, a paw pad, a painful joint like arthritis, or something more serious. If it lasts more than a few days, worsens or comes back, head to the vet: only they can pinpoint the pain. Above all, never a human painkiller in the meantime.

How can I ease arthritis in my dog?

You combine several levers: keeping a healthy weight (the most effective, and free), gentle regular movement, non-slip mats, ramps and a warm bed. Painkiller treatment, for its part, is prescribed and dosed by the vet.

How do I know if my dog has arthritis?

You don't make the diagnosis yourself, but you spot the clues: stiffness on getting up, hesitation at the stairs, less play, licking of a joint, a shifting mood. Note what recurs and show it to the vet, who will confirm it with an examination.

My old dog struggles to climb the stairs, is that normal?

'He's old' isn't a diagnosis. This difficulty is very often joint pain that can be eased, not an inevitable part of ageing (WSAVA Global Pain Council consensus). Talk it over with the vet and adapt the home for him.

Can I give my dog ibuprofen?

No, never. Ibuprofen, like paracetamol, aspirin and naproxen, is toxic to dogs and can be fatal. A dog in pain isn't waiting for the medicine cabinet: he's waiting for a consultation, where the painkiller will be suited and dosed.

At what age do dogs get arthritis?

There's no fixed age: arthritis mostly affects ageing dogs and larger builds, but a young dog with dysplasia or an old injury can develop it early. A healthy weight and gentle movement clearly hold it off.

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