Health & Medical

One morning your old dog takes the stairs slower than usual. Or he lags on the walk he used to drag you through. Or he stands at the foot of the couch, looks up, and doesn't jump. None of those moments is dramatic. Together, they're often the first sign of arthritis, and catching it early changes how the rest of your dog's life feels.

Arthritis isn't a sudden injury. It's the slow wear of cartilage in the joints, and in older dogs it's almost the rule rather than the exception. The signs are easy to miss because dogs are good at hiding discomfort.

What to watch for

Stiffness after rest that loosens with movement is a classic. So is reluctance to climb, a limp that comes and goes, or a dog that stops greeting you at the door with the same enthusiasm. Some become irritable when touched in a sore spot. Others just sleep more and play less.

Don't wait for a limp. By the time a dog is visibly favoring a leg, the joints have usually been uncomfortable for a while.

Why it gets missed

Dogs don't whine about aches the way people do. In the wild, showing weakness is a liability, and that instinct is still in there. A stoic old lab will happily trot to the park and pay for it for two days afterward, and you'd never know from his face.

Breed plays a role too. Large dogs, especially retrievers and shepherds, tend to develop joint trouble earlier. Past injuries, weight, and even how a dog was raised as a puppy all nudge the odds.

What actually helps

Start with the vet. An exam and sometimes x-rays confirm what's going on and rule out something more urgent. From there the plan is usually practical: keep the dog at a healthy weight, since every extra pound loads the joints; gentle low-impact exercise like swimming or short walks to keep muscles supporting the bones; and medications or supplements that reduce inflammation and pain.

There's no cure, but there's a lot of relief available. A dog with managed arthritis can still chase a ball, just maybe not for an hour straight. The goal isn't to make him young again. It's to keep him comfortable, mobile, and happy for as long as possible.

If your older dog is moving differently, book the appointment. The earlier arthritis is on your radar, the longer your companion stays himself.