How to recognise joint pain and mobility trouble in older dogs, and simple changes that can help them get comfortable again.
Dogs are good at hiding discomfort. Many owners don't realise their older dog is struggling until the signs become hard to miss — and by then, the dog has often been coping with some level of joint pain for a while. Knowing what to look for early makes it easier to help.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. If you notice any of the signs below, the right first step is always a check-up with your vet — they can properly assess your dog's joints and rule out or diagnose conditions like arthritis.
A dog that used to bound up the moment you picked up the lead but now takes a few seconds — or a visible effort — to stand after lying down is a common early sign. It's often most noticeable first thing in the morning or after a long nap, when joints have stiffened up.
Jumping puts sudden load through the hips, knees and shoulders. A dog that used to leap into the boot without a second thought but now hesitates, paces, or needs a boost is often telling you those movements have started to hurt.
Watch for a slight limp, a shortened stride, or favouring one leg over another — particularly after exercise or on cold mornings. Intermittent limping that improves with rest and worsens with activity is a classic pattern with joint issues in older dogs.
Dogs sometimes lick or gently chew at a sore joint, most often a hip, knee or elbow. If you notice this focused on one area, it's worth mentioning to your vet along with any other changes you've seen.
A dog that used to sleep happily on a hard floor but now seeks out the couch, a rug, or anywhere softer may be trying to take pressure off sore joints. Cold, hard flooring can make stiffness worse overnight, which is part of why bedding matters more as dogs age.
Once you and your vet have a plan in place, the bed your dog rests on is one of the easier things to get right. A hard floor offers no give and can leave pressure points on hips and elbows. A deep, overstuffed bed can be harder for a stiff dog to climb out of. An elevated, trampoline-style bed sits at a consistent, supportive tension and keeps dogs off cold floors, which many owners of older dogs find their dog settles into more easily than a floor-level bed.
Bay Plas elevated pet beds are built with a gentle-bounce mesh on a sturdy PVC frame, in sizes up to X-Large for giant breeds carrying extra weight through their joints. See the full range, including sizing for large and giant breeds, on the Pet Beds page.
This article shares general, commonly known signs of joint discomfort in older dogs. It isn't a diagnosis and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog is showing any of these signs, please book a check-up with your vet.