Why early detection matters
Canine osteoarthritis is estimated to affect around one in five adult dogs. Despite being so common, it is frequently under-diagnosed because the early signs are subtle and easy to attribute to normal ageing. Dogs are also exceptionally good at masking pain.
Catching arthritis early matters because management — through diet, exercise modification, pain relief, and supplements — is far more effective before significant joint damage has occurred.
The 10 signs to watch for
1. Stiffness after rest
A dog that wakes slowly, appears stiff for the first few minutes of movement, and then ‘warms up’ is showing a classic early sign. Many owners describe this as their dog being ‘a bit creaky in the mornings’.
2. Reluctance to jump
A dog that previously leapt onto the sofa or into the car but now hesitates or refuses may be experiencing joint pain. Watch for a new habit of putting their front paws up first and hauling themselves rather than jumping cleanly.
3. Lagging on walks
If your dog, who previously pulled ahead, now walks more slowly or wants to turn home sooner, pain may be the reason. This is often dismissed as laziness.
4. Changes in sitting or lying position
Dogs with hip or knee arthritis may start sitting to one side, or lying with one leg extended rather than tucked. Watch for any change in your dog’s resting posture.
5. Licking or chewing at joints
Localised licking — particularly at elbows, hips, or wrists — can indicate discomfort in that area. This is often the dog’s attempt to soothe the pain.
6. Personality changes
Irritability, reduced tolerance for being touched, or withdrawal from interaction can all be pain-related. A dog that snaps when stroked in a particular area deserves a veterinary assessment.
7. Muscle loss over the hindquarters
When a dog favours a limb or reduces activity, the muscles served by that limb atrophy. Visible narrowing of the hindquarters, or one thigh appearing thinner than the other, warrants attention.
8. Difficulty on stairs
Stairs can be revealing. A dog that now descends cautiously, one step at a time, or that avoids the stairs altogether when it previously ran up and down freely, may be managing pain.
9. Decreased appetite after exercise
Post-exercise pain can suppress appetite. If your dog seems off their food on days following more physical activity, it is worth making a note of the pattern.
10. Audible clicking or grinding
Some dogs with joint disease produce an audible click or crunch when moving. While not all joint sounds indicate arthritis, new or worsening sounds are always worth mentioning to your vet.
What to do if you notice these signs
Keep notes of what you are observing — when it started, how often it happens, and whether any activities make it better or worse. A video of your dog walking can be extremely useful for your veterinarian. Early arthritis management typically includes weight management, controlled exercise, anti-inflammatory medication, and joint supplements.
