The earliest signs of arthritis aren't dramatic limps - they're subtle behaviour shifts that owners often dismiss as 'just getting older' or 'having a lazy day'.
Hesitation and avoidance
Watch for your dog pausing at the bottom of stairs before going up, or taking them one at a time rather than bounding up a few at a time. They might stop jumping into the car or onto the sofa without being asked, or start using a step they previously ignored. Some dogs begin avoiding walks on certain surfaces - particularly slippery tiles or polished floors - because unstable footing makes sore joints feel worse.
Rest-related stiffness
After lying down for an hour or more, the first few steps look stiff or careful. This 'warming up' period happens because synovial fluid (the joint's lubricant) thickens up when joints are still, creating more friction until movement gets things flowing again (1). If your dog seems fine after five minutes of walking, that's a classic early arthritis pattern.
Subtle 'gait' changes
Rather than limping, many dogs shift their weight. You might notice they stand with one back leg slightly forward, or they 'sit funny' with a leg kicked out to the side rather than tucked neatly underneath them. Muscle loss around the hips or shoulders can develop gradually as they favour certain limbs, though this often goes unnoticed until you compare photos from six months ago.
Behaviour and mood shifts
Some dogs become less tolerant of being touched in certain areas, or they snap when a child bumps their hip. Others simply become quieter - less interested in playing, more likely to stay lying down when the everyone goes into the kitchen! These aren't personality changes; they're pain avoidance.
If you're noticing two or three of these signs together, especially in middle-aged or older dogs, it's worth a check-up.
References
Johnston SA. Osteoarthritis: joint anatomy, physiology, and pathobiology. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 1997;27(4):699-723. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9243777/
This content is for general information only and does not replace veterinary advice. Supplements and nutritional products are not licensed veterinary medicines. Always speak to your vet before making changes to your dog’s diet, supplements, or care routine.
