If your older dog is slower to get up, hesitant on the stairs, or stiff after a nap, arthritis is a common reason. It is a wearing of the joints that creeps in with age (though younger dogs can get it too), and while it cannot be cured, there is a great deal you can do to keep a dog comfortable and moving well for years. The key things are gentle, regular exercise, keeping them slim, making the home easier to get about, and working with your vet on pain relief. Here is how to spot it and help.
Arthritic dogs are some of my most careful appointments, because standing still on a table is genuinely hard for a stiff dog, so I have picked up a few things about keeping them comfortable.
Signs of arthritis in dogs
Arthritis comes on gradually, so it is easy to put the changes down to "just getting old." Worth watching for:
- Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after resting
- Slowing down: less keen on walks, lagging behind, tiring quickly
- Trouble with stairs, jumps or the car, or hesitating before them
- A change in how they move: limping, bunny-hopping, or a stiff gait
- Licking or chewing at a joint, or flinching when touched there
- Grumpiness or being off: pain can make a gentle dog snappy
- Muscle loss over the back legs from using them less
If you notice these, a vet visit is the first step. The PDSA guide to arthritis in dogs is a solid, vet-written read to go alongside that appointment.
Weight matters more than anything
If I could underline one thing, it is this: every extra kilo puts more load through already sore joints. Keeping your dog lean is one of the single most powerful things you can do for arthritis, and it costs nothing.
- Check you can feel their ribs easily and see a waist from above
- Weigh food rather than guessing, and count treats into the daily total
- If they need to lose weight, ask your vet to guide a safe, steady plan
A slim dog moves more comfortably, needs less pain relief, and tends to stay active for longer.
Getting exercise right
The instinct is often to rest a stiff dog, but joints actually do best with gentle, consistent movement that keeps them supple and muscles strong.
- Little and often beats one big weekend walk that leaves them sore for days
- Soft, even ground (grass, quiet paths) is kinder than hard pavement or rough terrain
- Warm up gently and avoid skidding, leaping and sharp turns
- Swimming or hydrotherapy is superb low-impact exercise, ask your vet for a recommendation
Watch your dog's response and adjust. A bit more stiffness the next day means you did too much.
Groomer's tip: For an arthritic dog, I keep grooms short, let them lie down where I can, and use a non-slip mat so they feel secure. Do mention any sore joints when you book, so we can plan the gentlest possible session.
Helping around the home
Small changes make daily life easier on stiff joints:
- A thick, supportive bed in a warm, draught-free spot
- Ramps or a step to sofas or the car instead of jumping
- Non-slip rugs or runners over slippery floors
- Raised food and water bowls so they do not have to stoop
- Keeping them warm and dry, as cold, damp weather often stiffens sore joints
Vet treatment
Arthritis is a medical condition, so your vet is central to managing it. Depending on your dog, they may suggest:
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication, which can hugely improve quality of life
- Joint supplements and prescription joint diets
- Newer injectable treatments that some dogs respond well to
- Physiotherapy or hydrotherapy referrals
- Regular reviews to adjust things as your dog ages
Please never give human painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, as they are toxic to dogs. All medication must come from your vet, and for any sudden worsening or a dog who cannot get up, out-of-hours vet advice is available. There is more background on osteoarthritis if you want to understand the underlying joint changes.
Frequently asked questions
At what age do dogs get arthritis?
It is most common in older and senior dogs, but it can appear earlier, especially in large breeds or dogs with joint injuries or conditions like hip dysplasia. Any age of dog showing stiffness deserves a vet check.
Should I still walk a dog with arthritis?
Yes, gentle regular exercise is good for arthritic joints. Aim for shorter, more frequent walks on soft ground rather than one long, jarring outing, and adjust to how your dog copes.
How can I help my arthritic dog at home?
Keep them at a healthy weight, provide a warm supportive bed, add non-slip mats and ramps, keep exercise gentle and regular, and follow your vet's plan for pain relief. Small changes add up to real comfort.
Can arthritis in dogs be cured?
No, but it can be managed very well. With weight control, sensible exercise, home adjustments and vet-prescribed treatment, most dogs stay comfortable and mobile for a long time.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. Our one-to-one, unhurried approach lets us keep grooms short and comfortable for stiff, older dogs. Book a gentle groom for your senior dog.