Signs of Arthritis in Dogs: How to Spot It Early

Recognising the early signs of arthritis in your dog can make a real difference to their comfort and long-term mobility. Canine arthritis often develops gradually, so subtle changes in movement or behaviour are easy to overlook. The sooner you identify the problem, the sooner you can take steps to support your dog's joints and quality of life.

What Is Canine Arthritis?

Arthritis — also called osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease — occurs when the cartilage that cushions a dog's joints gradually breaks down. Without that protective layer, bones rub together, causing inflammation, stiffness, and pain.

It can affect any joint but is most common in the hips, knees, elbows, and spine. While arthritis is more frequently diagnosed in older dogs, it can begin developing much earlier, especially after an injury or surgery.

Early Warning Signs of Dog Arthritis

One of the trickiest things about spotting arthritis in dogs early is that the initial symptoms are often mild. Dogs are hardwired to mask discomfort, so the signs may be easy to dismiss as "just getting older."

Watch for these physical indicators:

• Stiffness after rest — your dog takes a few extra moments to get moving after a nap or a night's sleep.
• Reluctance to jump or climb — hesitating before hopping onto the sofa, into the car, or up stairs.
• Slower on walks — lagging behind or wanting to turn for home sooner than usual.
• Favouring a limb — a subtle limp that appears after exercise and then fades.
• Difficulty sitting or lying down — shifting weight repeatedly before settling.

Even one of these signs is worth noting. If you spot two or more consistently, it is time to investigate further.

Behavioural Changes That Point to Joint Pain

Arthritis does not only show up in the way a dog moves. Pain often triggers noticeable shifts in temperament and daily habits.

Irritability or withdrawal. A normally sociable dog may growl when touched in certain areas or simply choose to spend more time alone. This is not a personality change — it is a pain response.

Reduced playfulness. If your dog suddenly loses interest in fetch, tug, or roughhousing with other dogs, sore joints could be the reason.

Excessive licking or chewing. Dogs sometimes lick persistently at a painful joint, which can lead to hair loss or reddened skin over the affected area.

Disrupted sleep. Restlessness at night — circling, repositioning, or panting — often indicates discomfort that worsens when the dog is lying still.

Behavioural clues like these are among the earliest indicators of canine arthritis, and catching them promptly gives you more options for management.

Breeds and Risk Factors

Any dog can develop arthritis, but certain factors raise the risk significantly:

• Large and giant breeds — Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Great Danes are especially prone.
• Excess weight — extra kilograms place constant additional stress on joints, accelerating cartilage wear.
• Previous injury or surgery — a torn cruciate ligament or hip dysplasia repair can predispose a joint to arthritis later.
• Age — dogs over seven years old have a higher incidence, though younger dogs are not immune.

If your dog falls into one or more of these categories, proactive monitoring is especially important. Browse our full range of dog health and wellness products to find joint-support options suited to every life stage.

Supporting Your Dog's Joints at Home

Weight management. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is the single most effective way to reduce joint stress. Measure meals, limit high-calorie treats, and adjust portions as activity levels change.

Appropriate exercise. Short, regular walks on soft ground are gentler on joints than occasional long hikes. Swimming, where available, provides excellent low-impact movement.

Comfortable rest areas. Orthopaedic or memory-foam beds support joints while your dog sleeps. Place bedding away from cold draughts and consider a ramp for accessing raised surfaces.

Joint supplements. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids are widely used to support cartilage health and manage inflammation. Many owners begin supplementation before obvious symptoms appear, which aligns with the goal of addressing arthritis in dogs as early as possible.

You can explore our full selection of dog products to find supplements, mobility aids, and preventative health essentials all in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age do dogs typically show signs of arthritis?

Most dogs begin showing noticeable symptoms around seven to eight years of age, but arthritis can start much earlier — particularly in large breeds or dogs with a history of joint injury. Monitoring mobility from middle age onward helps you catch changes sooner.

Can young dogs get arthritis?

Yes. Developmental conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia, along with ligament injuries, can trigger arthritis in dogs well under five years old. If a young dog shows persistent stiffness or limping after exercise, joint disease should be considered.

Is arthritis in dogs curable?

Arthritis is a progressive condition, so there is no outright cure. However, a combination of weight control, appropriate exercise, joint supplements, and environmental adjustments can significantly slow progression and keep your dog comfortable for years.

If you suspect your dog's joints need extra support, have a chat with your vet for a tailored management plan — and shop our dog health range to stock up on joint supplements and everyday wellness essentials.