Just like us, many older dogs feel the cold. Arthritis tends to flare up over the winter months, and dogs have some classic ways of telling us their joints are aching. The good news is that the earliest signs of arthritis in dogs are easy to spot once you know what to look for, and the sooner we pick it up, the more we can do to keep your dog comfortable.
In short: if your dog is “stiff and sore when they get up in the morning” and loosens up after moving around, that is one of the most common early signs of arthritis. It is not just “getting old.” It is a sign your dog may be in pain, and there is plenty we can do to help.
Arthritis (osteoarthritis) is the gradual deterioration of a joint, usually from age-related wear and tear, that causes pain and a reluctance to use the joint. It is actually fairly easy to recognise once it starts. The history is nearly always the same: the dog is a bit stiff and sore when they get up in the morning. After walking around a little, the joints “warm up” and the stiffness and soreness ease off. Most mildly affected dogs are then fine for the rest of the day, at least until they lie down again. Arthritis is one of the most common causes of ongoing pain in dogs; the RSPCA’s guidance on canine arthritis is a helpful, evidence-based overview.
When it is mild, this may be all you see. As the joints get worse, the stiffness and soreness can last longer through the day, and your dog may not want to go for walks or exercise as much. At this stage the muscles on the affected legs can start wasting away a little, so those legs may start to look “skinnier.” People often say “but they’re not in pain, they’re just a bit stiff,” or “they’re just limping a bit.” The thing is, that limping or stiffness is your dog’s way of telling you that they are in pain.
It is much better to treat arthritis early and slow down its progression. If we can double the time left in a joint, that makes far more sense than waiting until there is very little left. If we only have a few weeks left and we double it, we have maybe six weeks; but if we double two years, then we have four years.
We also know that arthritis is a disease process that spirals. If your dog’s hip is sore, they don’t use that leg as much. The muscles in the area then waste away, which means they are no longer protecting the joint, so any pressure goes straight through it. That causes more pain and less movement, and more muscle wastage, which of course causes the joint to get worse, and so it goes. Early treatment can slow this down, and combined with gentle exercise it can help build up the muscle that protects the joint again. Later on, medications may allow a pet to be as comfortable as possible throughout their senior years.
There are many different things we can do to try and help. There are simple joint supplements, and lots of environmental modifications you can make at home. We can use supportive therapies such as massage and acupuncture. And of course there are a range of medications used to treat arthritis. Within that category, some are aimed at improving the joints themselves, while others are aimed at reducing inflammation or blocking the pain that comes with arthritis.
Your vet can talk you through the most suitable options for your dog, and you can order medication and joint support through the clinic once a plan is in place. For ten practical changes you can make at home, see our companion guide, 10 Ways to Help a Dog With Arthritis at Home.
My main message would be to look out for the telltale signs of arthritis. Being “stiff and sore” is not just a normal part of getting older. It is a sign that your dog may be in pain, and there are lots of things we can do to help.
If your dog is slow to get up, reluctant to walk or jump, or stiff after rest, book a check-up. The earlier arthritis is found, the more we can do to help.
If your dog is slowing down this winter, book an appointment with our team in Para Hills. We care for dogs across Modbury, Salisbury, Ingle Farm, Mawson Lakes and the northeast Adelaide suburbs, and we’re always happy to check those aching joints.
Written by Dr Trudy Seidel, BVSc, Senior Veterinarian at Para Hills Veterinary Clinic. Dr Seidel graduated from the University of Queensland and has cared for pets across northeast Adelaide for many years, with a long-standing interest in geriatric pets and wildlife.
Para Hills Veterinary Clinic is a family-owned practice that has served Para Hills, Modbury, Salisbury, Ingle Farm, Mawson Lakes and the surrounding northeast Adelaide suburbs for over 50 years. Our team of 7 veterinarians and 18 nurses cares for dogs, cats, exotic pets and local wildlife. Book an appointment or contact the clinic on (08) 8258 4838.
This article offers general information only and is not a substitute for individual veterinary advice. Please speak with your vet about your own pet. Last reviewed June 2026.