Arthritis in Dogs: Keeping Older Joints Comfortable

Many owners put a dog's slowing down to "just getting old", but stiffness and reluctance to move are often signs of arthritis — a painful joint condition that's very common in older and larger dogs. The encouraging news is that a lot can be done to keep them comfortable.

Subtle signs to watch for

• Stiffness, especially after resting or on cold mornings.
• Hesitating at stairs, jumps, or getting into the car.
• Slowing down on walks, or lagging behind.
• Licking at a joint, or a change in mood or grumpiness (pain can do that).
• Difficulty getting comfortable or settling.

How to help

• Keep them lean. Extra weight is extra strain on sore joints — weight control is one of the most powerful things you can do.
• Gentle, regular exercise — shorter, more frequent walks keep joints mobile without overdoing it. Swimming is wonderfully low-impact.
• Warm, soft, supportive bedding away from draughts.
• Non-slip mats and ramps to help on smooth floors and up steps.
• Joint supplements and diets can help — ask your vet.

See your vet

Arthritis is manageable, and modern pain relief can transform an achy dog's quality of life. Your vet can confirm the diagnosis and put together a plan — often a combination of weight, exercise, supplements and safe pain medication. Never give human painkillers to dogs; many are toxic to them.