Updated October 13, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Arthritis (osteoarthritis) is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs. Early signs are subtle: stiffness after rest, slowing down on walks, hesitating before jumping into the car or onto furniture, and trouble on stairs. Many owners assume these are just “old age,” but they usually mean pain, which can be treated. A vet exam can confirm arthritis and start a plan that helps most dogs move more comfortably.
Early signs
- Stiffness when getting up, which eases after moving around
- Slower or shorter walks, lagging behind
- Hesitating before jumping or using stairs
- Sitting or lying down more carefully
- Less interest in play
Later signs
- Limping, or shifting weight off a leg
- Muscle loss in the back legs
- Licking at a joint
- Irritability when touched, or reluctance to be groomed
- Trouble squatting to urinate or defecate
- Restlessness at night
Which joints are affected
Hips, elbows, knees, shoulders, and the spine are common. Large breeds and dogs with past joint problems, such as hip dysplasia or a torn cruciate ligament, are at higher risk, but small dogs get arthritis too.
When to see a vet
Book a visit for any ongoing stiffness or change in mobility. Go sooner for sudden lameness, a swollen joint, fever, or a dog that won’t bear weight, which point to injury or infection rather than arthritis.
How vets diagnose it
Your vet will watch your dog walk, feel the joints for pain, swelling, and reduced motion, and may take X-rays. Videos of your dog at home help, since dogs often hide stiffness at the clinic.
What helps
Weight loss, pain medication, joint diets, omega-3 fatty acids, controlled exercise, and physical rehabilitation. See arthritis treatment options.
What to avoid
- Human pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen.
- Assuming slowing down is normal aging.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Osteoarthritis in dogs
- Mosley C, et al. 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2022
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.