Recognizing Arthritis in Dogs: Signs and What to Do Next

Is your dog moving more slowly than they used to? Are they reluctant to get up, hesitant to jump, or just not quite themselves? These may be signs of arthritis, and knowing what to look for can make a real difference in getting your dog the care they need.

As dogs age, arthritis is one of the most common conditions we see, and one of the most under recognized. Because dogs tend to adapt quietly to discomfort, the signs can be easy to miss or write off as normal aging. But arthritis is manageable, and catching it early makes a real difference in your dog's quality of life.

Here are six signs that may indicate your dog is dealing with arthritis.

1. Reluctance to Move

When joints are sore, movement becomes something to avoid. You might notice your dog is stiff when getting up in the morning, slower to start moving after rest, or simply less engaged in activities they used to enjoy.

Maybe they're no longer racing to the door when you come home, or they hang back at the car instead of hopping in. They may lag behind on walks they used to lead. These subtle shifts in enthusiasm and movement are worth paying attention to.

2. Sensitivity to Touch

Dogs experiencing joint pain may react when touched near an affected area - pulling away, turning their head quickly, whimpering, or gently licking your hand as if to say "please stop." This is their way of communicating that something hurts.

If your dog flinches or seems uncomfortable when you touch an area that never used to bother them, that's a signal worth noting.

3. Limping or Lameness

Limping is one of the more visible signs of arthritis. Your dog may favor one leg, move unevenly, or shift their weight to avoid loading a painful joint. It can appear after rest, after exercise, or throughout the day.

A limp that doesn't resolve on its own, or keeps coming back, is a good reason to check in with your veterinarian.

4. Fatigue and Reduced Stamina

Living with chronic pain is tiring. Dogs with arthritis often tire more quickly than they used to - needing breaks on walks, taking longer to recover from activity, or choosing to rest rather than engage in things they used to love.

If your dog used to bound through hikes or swim laps and now hangs back or gives up early, their body may be telling you something.

5. Excessive Licking or Chewing at Joints

Some dogs focus on a specific area when they're hurting - licking, chewing, or biting at a joint repeatedly. If you notice redness, thinning fur, or skin irritation around a joint, it may be more than just a grooming habit.

6. Changes in Mood or Behavior

Pain changes how dogs feel, and how they act. A dog who has always been easygoing may become irritable, withdrawn, or snappy, especially when approached or touched. These aren't personality problems; they're often pain signals.

If your dog's behavior has shifted in ways you can't quite explain, it's worth factoring joint health into the conversation with your vet.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

If your dog is showing one or more of these signs, the first step is a veterinary exam. Your vet can confirm whether arthritis is present, which joints are affected, and what treatment options make sense for your dog's specific situation.

Canine physical therapy is often part of an arthritis management plan. Rehabilitation can help reduce pain, rebuild the muscle support around affected joints, and keep your dog moving more comfortably. A canine rehabilitation therapist can work alongside your veterinary team to design an individualized program, including exercises you can continue at home.

If you're in Omaha or Lincoln, Nebraska and your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis, we're happy to talk through what rehabilitation could look like for them.

Learn more about arthritis management and rehabilitation →

Macke Institute of Canine Therapy - canine physical therapy and rehabilitation in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska.