Recognising Joint Pain in Dogs: Signs Every Owner Should Know

Joint pain is one of the most common health issues affecting dogs, particularly as they age. Studies suggest that approximately one in five adult dogs suffers from some form of arthritis, with the number rising significantly in dogs over seven years old. Yet many owners fail to recognise the signs until the condition has progressed significantly, simply because dogs are remarkably skilled at hiding their discomfort.

Understanding how to identify joint pain early can make a tremendous difference in your dog's quality of life. Early intervention means more effective treatment options and the ability to slow the progression of degenerative conditions. This guide will help you recognise the subtle and not-so-subtle signs that your dog may be experiencing joint discomfort.

Understanding Canine Joint Problems

Before exploring the symptoms, it helps to understand what's happening inside your dog's joints. The most common joint issue in dogs is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition where the cartilage cushioning the joints breaks down over time. This leads to bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and pain.

Other conditions that cause joint pain include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament injuries, and immune-mediated joint diseases. Regardless of the underlying cause, the symptoms are often similar, though they may vary in severity and onset.

Obvious Signs of Joint Pain

Some symptoms of joint pain are fairly easy to spot if you know what to look for.

Limping or Favouring a Leg

Perhaps the most recognisable sign, limping or lameness indicates that putting weight on a particular limb causes discomfort. You might notice your dog limping more severely after rest (known as "start-up lameness") or after extended activity. Pay attention to which leg is affected, as this information will be valuable for your veterinarian.

Difficulty with Stairs and Jumping

Dogs with joint pain often hesitate at stairs or refuse to jump onto furniture they once leaped onto effortlessly. They might take stairs one step at a time, wait to be lifted onto the couch, or simply avoid elevated surfaces altogether. This reluctance stems from the pain caused by the extension and flexion required for these movements.

Stiffness After Rest

If your dog seems stiff or moves gingerly when first getting up from sleep or a long rest, joint inflammation is likely the culprit. This stiffness often improves as they move around and "warm up," but it's a clear indicator that their joints aren't functioning optimally.

Audible Joint Sounds

Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when your dog moves can indicate damaged cartilage or bone changes within the joints. While occasional joint sounds aren't always cause for concern, persistent or accompanied-by-pain sounds warrant veterinary attention.

Subtle Signs Often Missed

Dogs instinctively hide weakness and pain—a survival mechanism from their wild ancestors. This means many joint pain symptoms are subtle and easily attributed to other causes.

Changes in Posture

Dogs experiencing joint pain often shift their weight to compensate. You might notice your dog standing with their back legs closer together, arching their back, or shifting their weight to their front legs. These postural changes help redistribute weight away from painful joints.

Decreased Activity and Reluctance to Play

Many owners attribute reduced activity to age or laziness, but it's often pain-related. If your once-playful dog now shows little interest in fetch, walks, or play sessions, joint discomfort may be to blame. They're not being lazy—they're avoiding activities that cause them pain.

Personality Changes

Chronic pain affects mood and behaviour. Dogs in pain may become irritable, snap when touched, withdraw from family activities, or show increased anxiety. Some become clingy, seeking comfort from their owners, while others become reclusive. Any significant personality change warrants investigation.

Muscle Atrophy

When dogs favour one leg or reduce activity to avoid pain, the muscles around the affected joints begin to waste away from disuse. This muscle loss is often most noticeable in the hind legs and can make the affected limb appear thinner than the other. By the time muscle atrophy is visible, the joint issue has likely been present for some time.

Changes in Gait

Even without obvious limping, you might notice changes in how your dog walks. A shorter stride, swaying motion, bunny-hopping gait (moving both back legs together), or reluctance to turn sharply can all indicate joint problems. Recording video of your dog walking can help you and your vet track changes over time.

When to See a Veterinarian

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, especially if they persist for more than a day or two, it's time to consult your veterinarian. Early diagnosis allows for more treatment options and better outcomes.

Your vet will likely perform a physical examination, watching your dog move and manipulating their joints to assess range of motion and pain response. X-rays, blood tests, or other diagnostic imaging may be recommended to determine the exact cause and severity of the joint issue.

How Proper Bedding Helps

While veterinary treatment is essential for managing joint pain, the environment you create at home plays a crucial supporting role. Sleep is when your dog's body does much of its healing and recovery, making their bed particularly important.

Orthopedic beds with memory foam or therapeutic foam provide even weight distribution, reducing pressure on painful joints. Unlike standard beds that can create pressure points, quality orthopedic beds conform to your dog's body shape, supporting their joints in a neutral position.

For dogs with joint issues, consider beds with low entry points or steps to reduce the effort needed to get in and out. Raised edges can still provide comfort without being so high that they're difficult to navigate. Heated beds can also help soothe stiff, arthritic joints, particularly during cooler months.

Supporting Your Dog's Joint Health

Beyond veterinary treatment and proper bedding, several lifestyle modifications can help dogs with joint pain. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on joints—even a few extra kilos can significantly impact comfort. Gentle, regular exercise keeps joints mobile and muscles strong without causing additional damage. Swimming is excellent for arthritic dogs, as it provides movement without weight-bearing stress.

Joint supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids may support joint health, though you should discuss these with your vet before starting any supplement regimen. Some dogs also benefit from physical therapy, acupuncture, or other complementary treatments.

The most important thing you can do is pay attention. You know your dog better than anyone, and you're in the best position to notice when something isn't quite right. Trust your instincts—if your dog seems "off," there's usually a reason. Early recognition and intervention can add years of comfortable, active life to your dog's journey, making your vigilance one of the greatest gifts you can give them.