Signs Your Dog May Have Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition in dogs, especially as they get older, but it can also affect younger dogs after injuries or because of joint problems that develop over time. The good news is that early support can make a real difference to your dog’s comfort, mobility and quality of life.

Many signs of arthritis can be subtle at first. Some owners assume their dog is simply slowing down with age, when in fact they may be living with ongoing joint pain. Knowing what to look for can help you get advice sooner and support your dog more effectively.

This article is intended for general guidance only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or showing concerning symptoms, please contact your veterinary surgeon.

What is arthritis in dogs?

Arthritis means inflammation and wear within a joint. In dogs, the most common form is osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease. This happens when the smooth surfaces inside a joint begin to wear down, causing stiffness, discomfort and reduced movement.

Over time, affected joints may become painful, and your dog may change how they walk, stand, play or rest. Arthritis often affects the hips, elbows, knees, shoulders and spine, but it can involve more than one joint at the same time.

Which dogs are more likely to develop arthritis?

Any dog can develop arthritis, but some are more at risk than others. It is particularly common in older dogs, larger breeds and dogs that have had previous orthopaedic injuries or joint conditions.

• Senior dogs
• Large or giant breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds
• Dogs that are overweight
• Dogs with previous joint injuries
• Dogs with hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia or cruciate ligament problems
• Very active dogs with long-term wear on their joints

Even if your dog seems generally well, it is worth paying attention to gradual changes in their movement or behaviour.

Early signs your dog may have arthritis

Arthritis often develops slowly, so the signs can be easy to miss. In many cases, owners notice small changes in routine before obvious limping appears.

Stiffness, especially after rest

One of the earliest signs of arthritis is stiffness when getting up after lying down. Your dog may seem slow to rise in the morning or after a nap, then loosen up a little once they get moving.

Reluctance to jump or climb stairs

If your dog suddenly hesitates before jumping into the car, onto the sofa or going up and down stairs, this may point to joint discomfort. Dogs with arthritis often avoid movements that put extra pressure on painful joints.

Slowing down on walks

You may notice your dog is no longer keen on long walks, tires more quickly or starts lagging behind. Some dogs may stop more often or seem less enthusiastic about exercise than they used to be.

Limping or an uneven gait

Some dogs with arthritis develop a limp, while others simply move differently. They may take shorter steps, shift weight away from a sore leg or have a slightly awkward walk that becomes more noticeable over time.

Difficulty getting comfortable

Dogs with aching joints sometimes struggle to settle down. They may circle more before lying down, change position frequently or seem restless when trying to rest.

Changes in behaviour or temperament

Pain can affect behaviour. A normally cheerful dog may become quieter, grumpier or less willing to be touched in certain areas. Some dogs seem withdrawn, while others may react if a painful joint is handled.

Reduced interest in play

If your dog is no longer chasing toys, running about as much or joining in with family activity like they used to, arthritis could be one possible reason.

Licking at joints or limbs

Some dogs lick sore areas repeatedly. This may be a sign of discomfort, although licking can also happen for other reasons such as skin irritation, so it is worth discussing with your vet.

Less obvious signs owners may miss

Not all dogs show dramatic symptoms. In fact, chronic pain is often surprisingly subtle. Watch out for:

• Sleeping more than usual
• Taking longer to sit or lie down
• Standing in an unusual posture
• Muscle loss over the back legs or shoulders
• Slipping more often on smooth floors
• Avoiding being groomed or handled
• Becoming less sociable or more clingy

These changes can develop gradually, which is why arthritis is sometimes mistaken for “just old age”. While ageing itself is natural, ongoing stiffness and pain should not simply be accepted.

When should you contact your veterinary surgeon?

If you notice any of the signs above, it is sensible to book a check-up with your veterinary surgeon. Early assessment can help identify whether arthritis is the cause and whether treatment or lifestyle changes may help.

You should seek veterinary advice promptly if your dog:

• Is limping suddenly or severely
• Cries out in pain
• Cannot bear weight on a leg
• Seems weak, collapses or struggles to stand
• Has swelling around a joint
• Shows a sudden major change in behaviour

Joint pain can have several causes, including arthritis, injury, ligament damage or other medical conditions, so a proper diagnosis is important.

How arthritis in dogs is diagnosed

Your veterinary surgeon will usually begin with a physical examination, watching how your dog moves and checking the joints for stiffness, swelling or pain. In some cases, X-rays may be recommended to look for changes within the joint.

Your vet may also ask about changes at home, such as problems with stairs, jumping or activity levels. Keeping a note of symptoms can be very helpful before your appointment.

How arthritis is usually managed

Although arthritis cannot usually be cured, it can often be managed very well. Many dogs live happily for years with the right support plan.

Veterinary pain relief

Your vet may prescribe medication to reduce pain and inflammation. It is important to use only medicines prescribed specifically for your dog. Never give human painkillers unless your veterinary surgeon has told you to do so, as many are dangerous for pets.

If your dog has been prescribed treatment, you can learn more about how to order a prescription medicine through Vetscriptions, or browse our dog prescription products if you already have a valid prescription from your vet.

Weight management

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the most important ways to reduce pressure on sore joints. Even small amounts of excess weight can make arthritis worse.

Joint supplements

Some dogs may benefit from joint care supplements as part of a broader mobility plan. These are not a replacement for veterinary treatment, but they may be useful for ongoing support in some cases. You can explore our dog joint care range and own brand premium supplements for products designed to support everyday wellbeing.

Gentle, regular exercise

Short, steady walks are usually better than occasional intense exercise. Keeping joints moving can help reduce stiffness, but too much strain can make discomfort worse.

Home adjustments

Small changes around the home can make life easier for a dog with arthritis:

• Use non-slip rugs on smooth floors
• Provide a warm, supportive bed
• Consider ramps for cars or steps to furniture
• Keep food, water and resting areas easy to access
• Avoid overly strenuous games or high jumping

Can younger dogs get arthritis?

Yes, they can. While arthritis is more common in older dogs, younger dogs may develop it after joint injuries, surgery or inherited joint conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia. If a young dog is showing stiffness or reluctance to exercise, it is still worth investigating.

Supporting your dog long term

Living with arthritis is often about ongoing management rather than one single treatment. Regular check-ups with your veterinary surgeon can help ensure your dog stays as comfortable and active as possible.

It can also help to keep an eye on gradual changes in movement, energy and behaviour. Sometimes owners adapt to subtle decline without realising it, so reviewing things every few weeks can be useful.

If your dog is receiving long-term medication, make sure you understand the dosage and any monitoring your vet recommends. Our prescription FAQs and contact page may also be helpful if you need practical guidance on ordering prescribed treatments responsibly.

Conclusion

Arthritis in dogs often starts with small changes: taking longer to get up, slowing down on walks, avoiding stairs or becoming less playful. These signs can be easy to overlook, but early action can make a meaningful difference to your dog’s comfort and quality of life.

If you think your dog may be showing signs of arthritis, the best next step is to speak to your veterinary surgeon. With the right combination of veterinary advice, pain relief where needed, weight management, appropriate exercise and supportive products, many dogs with arthritis can continue to enjoy a happy and active life.

At Vetscriptions, we are here to help UK pet owners access genuine pet medications and everyday healthcare products with confidence. You can browse our dog collection, explore dog supplements and joint support options, or speak to your veterinary practice if you are concerned about your dog’s mobility.

For more about who we are and how we support pet owners, visit our About Us page. When it comes to joint health, noticing the signs early and getting the right advice can help your dog stay comfortable for longer.