9 Subtle Signs Your Dog Needs Joint Support

Joint issues are one of the most common orthopedic challenges in dogs. Studies estimate that nearly 80 % of dogs over eight years old experience some level of joint change — yet many owners mistake the signs for simple aging.

While stiffness or slowing down often get written off as “just getting older,” these can actually be early clues that your dog’s joints need a little extra support. The good news is that early attention to mobility can make a huge difference in comfort and long-term health.

You can help your dog support their joint health through diet changes, supplements, medications and in severe cases, surgery.

– Dr. Corinne Wigfall, BVM BVS

Hip and joint discomfort is more common in overweight dogs and in those that have experienced trauma or surgery to a joint. Some breeds, like Labradors and Springer Spaniels, are especially prone, though any dog can be affected.

Because joint inflammation tends to progress over time, recognizing subtle signs early is key. The sooner you notice restricted mobility or stiffness, the sooner your veterinarian can help improve comfort and movement.

Veterinarians often look for the following subtle signs of joint discomfort in dogs:

Stiffness

Dogs with joint stiffness are usually stiffer first thing in the morning, and are stiff after rising from resting or sleeping. The stiffness usually eases or improves with movement, so it can look like your dog ‘gets better’ as the day goes on. Stiffness can be worse in colder weather. So, you may find your dog feels more lively in summer compared to the winter months.

Slowing Down on Walks

You may notice your dog is not as enthusiastic on walks. They may stay closer to your side rather than zooming around the fields. Towards the end of a walk, some dogs can become slower in their walking pace, or even sit down and refuse to walk any further. These are all signs that they are uncomfortable and need some extra support.

Limping

Dogs limp when they are in pain. Limping can range in severity from not wanting to use their leg at all, to placing it down but for a shorter period of time and bouncing to the other leg. Lameness can cause a head nod or change in the way they walk. A limping dog needs to see the veterinarian for a health check straight away, as their pain needs treatment.

Changes to Body Shape

Dogs with joint discomfort can look like they have suddenly lost a lot of weight. This is especially true when looking at their back end, around their hips or pelvis. This weight loss can be related to loss of muscle. Muscle is maintained through exercise, and dogs with painful joints will not move as much. Movement is also good for hip health, so it becomes a troublesome cycle when your dog starts to slow down.

With a reduction in activity, their muscles will shrink or atrophy and leave their appearance a little leaner. You may notice bony prominences or be able to feel the bones of the hips and spine when you pet your dog. This is a sign their muscles are not as developed as they used to be.

Refusing to Jump

Most dogs will happily jump up on the sofa for a cuddle, or into the car at the thought of going for an adventure with their owner. If your dog decides they would rather stay on their bed, or refuse to jump into the car, this can be a sign that their joints are sore. Some dogs will start to ask to be picked up. They may flat out refuse to jump up into your arms for a cuddle like they used to do.

Licking at Their Joints

Licking is a soothing sensation in dogs. So, when they have painful joints, licking can release endorphins, those natural feel-good hormones that help ease the pain. Dogs can lick at joints to the point where sores or ulcers form, and these can become infected.

Early signs your dog is licking at their joints are brown patches appearing over joints. This is easier to see in light coloured dogs. The brown patches are saliva staining, and a good clue that your dog has been licking at their joints.

Changes in Behaviour

Has your dog suddenly got a bit grumpier? Growling when you try to touch their legs? These can all be hints that your dog is feeling tender in their joints. Dogs can withdraw when feeling pain. So, your dog could start hiding in different rooms, or spending large amounts of time on their bed resting or sleeping.

Joint discomfort can leave dogs feeling miserable, so you may even notice your dog just looks a bit sad, or depressed. Vocalising, whining or big sighs can be signals they are feeling blue.

Slipping or Falling Easily

You’ll notice this more on tiled surfaces. It may appear that one of your dog’s legs suddenly slips to the side and they may limp for a few steps. In advanced arthritis, dogs can lose function in one or both back legs. This is a sign of a medical emergency. Older dogs may stumble or slip up or down stairs. Their nails can also become scuffed and worn on the tops of the nails.

Reduced Enthusiasm to Play

Dogs who have joint discomfort struggle to move and play, so watch for signs your dog is not playing with toys. They may also not want to run and play with other dogs or people. Arthritic dogs may join in play for a short while and then stop and sit down, a sure sign that they want to have fun and play, but their bodies just can’t keep up with their wishes any more. 

Arthritic dogs find activities such as frisbee, tug rope and chasing other dogs particularly tiring, so they’ll often drop out of play after a short time.

Dogs love to play, so they may initially start to enjoy playing but then vocalise or cry out in pain and stop. You may see them turn suddenly to look at a particular leg indicating discomfort. This can develop to the point where dogs can associate playing with intense pain, and they will avoid toys altogether.

Next Steps

If you notice one or more of the signs above, the next step is to book a health check with your veterinarian. Take a list of all the signs you have noticed so you don’t forget any of them, and video clips that show your dog walking or playing at home. When pets come to the vet clinic they can become anxious or tense, and this makes examination and pain localisation more challenging. By having video clips and lists of concerning signs you can help your veterinarian narrow down their list of possible causes.

Your vet will perform a full physical examination and may recommend testing such as blood work or radiographs. These tests help confirm the extent of the problem, and what medications or treatment options are the best for your dog.

Thankfully there are many ways we can help dogs with ongoing joint issues that include diet changes, hip and joint supplements, medications, and in rare cases surgery. Your veterinarian can advise on lots of ways you can help your pet cope with joint discomfort. This can include tips on ways you can adapt your home to make your dog’s life easier, or referral for complementary therapies such as physiotherapy or hydrotherapy.

Dogs with joint discomfort can live happy lives, regaining their zest for play and exercise with the right treatment. The range of treatment options reflects how commonplace it is amongst the dog population as a condition. Each dog will respond differently to these treatments, so a little experimentation to find the perfect fit for your dog may be needed.