If your senior dog is slowing down, skipping steps, or just not moving the way they used to, you’re not alone. Arthritis is wildly common in older dogs across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, and it can sneak up on even the toughest mutts.

Let’s talk about what it looks like, how to treat it, and most importantly, how to help them feel better.

So, what exactly is arthritis in dogs?

No medical mumbo jumbo here. Arthritis is when your dog’s joints get stiff, sore, and inflamed. Over time, the cartilage that cushions their bones wears down, and movement becomes painful.

Think of it like rust on an old gate. Still works, but creaky, stiff, and not as smooth as it used to be.

Common symptoms of arthritis in senior dogs

Some signs are obvious. Others are sneaky.

Is your dog:

• Limping, especially after naps?
• Slower on walks or hesitating at stairs?
• Struggling to get up from lying down?
• Licking their joints a lot?                                                                                                                     • Not wanting to be touched in certain spots?
• Less playful or just… not themselves?

These are all classic signs of arthritis. But here’s the kicker, dogs are absolute pros at hiding pain. So by the time they show it? They’ve probably been hurting for a while.

A day in the life of an arthritic dog

Let’s say your senior boy, let’s call him Toby, used to bolt to the door when he heard the leash jingle. Now? He lifts his head, gives you a tail thump, then slowly rises like an old man at the bingo hall.

You might think, “He’s just old.” But age isn’t the cause, it’s the wear and tear arthritis brings. That slow shuffle, those soft groans when he lies down, the refusal to chase the ball? That’s pain talking.

Toby isn’t lazy. He’s hurting.

Treating arthritis: What actually works

There’s no magic pill, but there are ways to make life easier and less painful.

1. Pain meds from your vet

This is the big one. Anti-inflammatory medications (like NSAIDs for dogs) can make a huge difference. I’ve had dogs come back a week after starting them and suddenly acting five years younger.

Just don’t DIY with human meds. Seriously, ibuprofen can be deadly for dogs.

2. Joint supplements

Glucosamine, chondroitin, and green-lipped mussel are the usual suspects here. Some dogs respond well, others… meh. But they’re worth trying, especially if you start early.

I personally love fish oil too. Omega-3s can help reduce joint inflammation and support mobility.

3. Weight management

Sorry, but I have to say it. Extra weight means extra stress on already painful joints. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do.

Even dropping a couple of kilos can make a big difference in how easily they move.

4. Gentle movement

Don’t let them turn into a potato. Regular, low-impact exercise, like short leash walks or swimming, keeps their joints flexible and their muscles strong.

Just avoid wild zoomies or chasing balls on hard surfaces. Think strolls over sprints.

5. Warm, comfy beds and soft flooring

Hard floors are brutal on old joints. Get them a thick, orthopedic dog bed, and if you’ve got tiles or wood floors, throw down some rugs or runners.

Your dog shouldn’t have to do the splits every time they stand up.

6. Acupuncture and physical therapy

Sounds fancy, but I’ve seen dogs with severe arthritis respond beautifully to acupuncture and physiotherapy. Some vet clinics offer hydrotherapy too, like a little doggie treadmill in water.

If you’ve got access, it’s worth exploring.

Let’s talk about flare-ups

Sometimes your dog will be fine for weeks, then suddenly limp more or refuse stairs again. That’s a flare-up.

Weather changes, too much activity, or even slipping on a floor can set them off. When this happens, rest, warmth, and maybe an extra check-in with your vet are the way to go.

And don’t beat yourself up. Flare-ups are normal. You’re not doing anything wrong.

A real moment I’ll never forget

There was a little Staffy named Milo who came to me limping and stiff. His mum, Sandra, thought he was just “getting lazy.” But I watched him walk and saw it plain as day, he was hurting.

We started him on pain meds, cleaned up his diet, added a joint supplement… and within two weeks? He was trying to chase squirrels again. Badly, but with heart.

Sandra cried. I cried. Even the clinic cat got misty-eyed, probably.

You’re not alone in this

I know arthritis feels like a slow goodbye. But it doesn’t have to be. With the right support, many senior dogs can live comfortably, and even playfully, for years.

It’s about quality, not just quantity.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up, keep trying, and love them through the slow days.

Final thoughts from a tired vet and forever dog mum

Senior dog arthritis sucks. I won’t sugarcoat it. But the love they give in return? The soft eyes, the tail wags, the way they lean into you just a little heavier now?

That makes every pill, every vet trip, every adjusted walk worth it.

So if you’re reading this with a sore old pup at your feet, give them a scratch behind the ear from me. You’re doing a good job. Really.

And tell me, what’s one small thing you’ve done that’s made a big difference for your arthritic dog?