How to Spot Early Signs of Joint Pain in Your Dog: A Complete Guide

By :Dev McManus 0 comments

Joint pain in dogs is far more common than most owners realise — and the early signs can be incredibly subtle. One day your dog is flying up the stairs like a four-legged rocket, and the next they’re pausing halfway like they’ve suddenly remembered they left the oven on.

But here’s the important part: spotting early signs of joint pain in dogs can dramatically improve their long-term comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life. The earlier you detect changes, the sooner you can support their joints and slow progression.

In this nurturing, science-led (and gently humorous) guide, we’ll show you exactly how to spot early signs of arthritis, stiffness, and general joint discomfort in your dog — even the signs dog owners often miss.

Why Early Detection of Joint Pain in Dogs Matters

Dogs are naturally stoic creatures. Their instinct, passed down from their wolf ancestors, is to hide pain so they don’t appear vulnerable.

That means by the time limping becomes obvious, your dog may have been dealing with discomfort for weeks or months.

Early detection helps you:

Reduce inflammation before it becomes chronic
Support joints with supplements, weight control and exercise adjustments
Prevent further wear and tear
Improve mobility and long-term joint health
Give your dog a happier, more active life

In other words: you’re not just preventing pain — you’re protecting their joy, zoomies and all.

1. Subtle Movement Changes: The First Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs

Early joint pain rarely starts with limping. It starts with small, nearly invisible behaviour changes that only a dedicated human (that’s you!) will notice.

🐾 Hesitation When Standing or Lying Down

One of the earliest signs of canine arthritis and joint pain is difficulty rising from rest.

Watch for:

Slow or stiff movements when getting up
Taking longer to lie down
Shifting or adjusting position frequently

Dogs often appear stiff at first and then “warm up” — a classic hallmark of early inflammation.

🐾 Slowing Down on Walks

If your dog is beginning to:

Walk behind you
Take shorter steps
Choose softer routes
Stop more often to “sniff” (a.k.a. take a break)

…it may be their joints quietly requesting a gentler pace.

🐾 Reduced Jumping Ability

Struggling or refusing to:

Jump into the car
Hop onto the sofa
Climb onto the bed
Clear small steps

…usually signals early hip, knee or spinal discomfort.

Even if your dog wants to do these things, pain may be holding them back.

2. Behavioural Signs of Dog Joint Pain (Often Mistaken for Moodiness)

Dogs communicate discomfort through behaviour long before they limp.

🐾 Loss of Interest in Play

If fetch, zoomies or tug suddenly become less appealing, this is a key early sign of joint discomfort.

🐾 Irritability or Grumpiness

When a joint hurts, dogs may react differently to touch.

You may notice:

Pulling away
Light grumbling or low growls
Avoiding being picked up
Disliking grooming near certain spots

They’re not being “naughty” — they’re being honest.

🐾 Restlessness or Trouble Settling

Pain can make it difficult to get comfortable.

Look for:

Changing sleeping positions repeatedly
Moving to other rooms
Avoiding hard floors
Pacing before settling

This discomfort is especially noticeable at night.

3. Postural Changes: What Your Dog’s Body Language Tells You

Dogs instinctively adjust how they stand and move to compensate for pain.

🐾 Weight Shifting

Common signs include:

Leaning to one side
Avoiding weight on one leg
Standing with hind legs tucked under
Lifting a paw briefly while standing

🐾 Arched Back

A hunched posture often indicates hip, knee, or spinal discomfort.

🐾 Bunny Hopping

If your dog runs with both back legs moving together, this is often associated with hip dysplasia or early hip pain.

4. Physical Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs

Not all signs are behavioural — some are physical and can be spotted through gentle at-home checks.

🐾 Excessive Licking of Joints

Dogs often lick painful areas, especially:

Knees
Hips
Elbows
Shoulders

This behaviour is soothing and can signal inflammation.

🐾 Swelling Around Joints

Look for puffiness around joints — subtle at first, but noticeable if you compare both sides.

🐾 Muscle Loss

If a painful joint is used less, muscle can gradually waste away.
Common areas:

Thighs (hip/knee pain)
Shoulders (elbow pain)

Muscle loss is a key sign that discomfort has been present for a while.

**5. Audible Signs: Yes, You Sometimes Hear Joint Problems**

Not all dogs vocalise pain, but some dogs offer audio clues.

🐾 Clicking or Popping Sounds

Frequent clicking may indicate ligament looseness or cartilage wear.

🐾 Whining During Movement

Any vocalisation during:

Jumping
Walking upstairs
Lying down
Stretching

…is a sign of discomfort (unless it's dinner-related drama).

6. Joint Pain in Puppies and Young Dogs

Yes — puppies can have joint issues too, often due to rapid growth or genetics.

Breeds more prone include:

Labradors
German Shepherds
Golden Retrievers
Rottweilers
Great Danes
Spaniels

If a puppy shows stiffness, odd gait patterns or reluctance to play, early assessment is vital.

7. Which Breeds Are Most at Risk of Joint Pain?

Large and medium breeds often experience joint issues earlier, including:

Labradors
German Shepherds
Spaniels
Retrievers
Newfoundlands
Boxers
Collies
Bulldogs
Bernese Mountain Dogs

That said — any dog of any size can develop joint pain.

8. What Causes Joint Pain in Dogs? (A Gentle Science Breakdown)

Inside each joint, cartilage cushions the bones, and synovial fluid keeps everything moving smoothly.

When inflammation enters the picture:

Cartilage begins to wear
Joint fluid thickens
Bone rubs more closely
Pain signals activate
Movement patterns change
Surrounding muscles weaken

This creates a cycle of pain that worsens without intervention.

Early support helps break that cycle.

9. What To Do If You Notice Early Signs of Joint Pain

1. Don’t Panic

Joint issues are common — spotting them early is a good thing.

2. Schedule a Vet Visit

Your vet can check for:

Arthritis
Ligament injuries
Hip/elbow dysplasia
Spinal issues

3. Adjust Exercise

Replace high-impact activities with:

Shorter, more frequent walks
Swimming
Controlled play
Mental enrichment games

4. Start a High-Quality Joint Supplement

Ingredients to look for:

Glucosamine
Chondroitin
MSM
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA)
Hyaluronic Acid
Turmeric/curcumin

(Winston & Porter supplements tick all these boxes — naturally, gently and effectively.)

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Extra weight = extra strain on joints.

Even a small weight reduction can make a huge difference.

6. Improve Home Comfort

Provide:

A supportive orthopaedic bed
Rugs on slippery floors
A ramp for car access
Gentle, warm-up movement before exercise

7. Track Symptoms

Use a simple weekly mobility tracker to monitor changes.

10. FAQs: Early Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs

How do I know if my dog is in early stages of arthritis?

Look for stiffness, slowing on walks, reluctance to jump, and subtle behavioural changes.

Can young dogs get joint pain?

Yes — especially large breeds, fast-growing puppies, or dogs with genetic predispositions.

What is the number one sign of joint problems in dogs?

Stiffness after rest is often the earliest and most reliable sign.

Should I exercise my dog if they have joint pain?

Yes — but gently. Avoid high-impact activities.

Do joint supplements really help dogs?

High-quality supplements can significantly reduce inflammation and support cartilage health — especially when started early.

Final Thoughts

Spotting the early signs of joint pain in your dog is one of the most loving things you can do. With a little awareness and quick intervention, you can help protect their freedom of movement, reduce discomfort, and give them the active, joyful life they deserve.

Your dog might not be able to say “my joints hurt,” but their behaviour, body, and movement speak volumes — and now you know what to look for.