Arthritis and Joint Pain in Dogs: The Signs, and How to Keep Them Moving

Stiff getting up in the mornings. A pause at the bottom of the stairs. Slowing down on the walk they used to love. Joint pain creeps in quietly, and because dogs are stoic, it is easy to miss until it is well advanced. Spotting it early is the single best thing you can do to keep your dog comfortable and moving for years to come.

Signs of joint pain and arthritis in dogs

• Stiffness, especially after rest or first thing in the morning
• Slowing down, lagging on walks, or less interest in play
• Hesitating or struggling with stairs, the car or the couch
• A change in gait, limping, or bunny-hopping with the back legs
• Licking or chewing at a joint
• Irritability, or being less tolerant of handling
• Muscle loss over time, particularly in the back legs

What causes it

Age is the obvious one, but it is not the whole story. Large and giant breeds, dogs carrying extra weight, very active or working dogs, and dogs with previous joint injuries or developmental conditions like hip dysplasia are all at higher risk. Every extra kilogram puts more load through the joints, which is why weight matters so much.

How to keep your dog's joints comfortable

1. Keep them lean

The most powerful thing you can do. A lean dog puts far less strain on their joints. If you cannot easily feel your dog's ribs, talk to your vet about a gentle weight plan.

2. Keep moving, gently

Rest is not the answer. Regular, low-impact exercise like steady lead walks and swimming keeps joints mobile and muscles strong, which support the joints. Avoid weekend-warrior bursts of hard exercise after days of rest.

3. Make home easier

Ramps for the car and couch, non-slip mats on slippery floors, and a warm, supportive bed away from draughts all reduce daily strain on sore joints.

4. Support the joints from within

Several ingredients are widely used to support joint comfort and mobility. Look for green-lipped mussel (a natural source of omega-3s), glucosamine and chondroitin (which support cartilage), and turmeric. Our Joint & Move chews bring these together in a daily chew, and most owners give them alongside the lifestyle steps above. Best given daily, with benefits building over two to four weeks.

5. Work with your vet

If your dog is clearly in pain, limping persistently, or suddenly worse, see your vet. They can diagnose the cause and, where needed, prescribe pain relief. Joint supplements are a supportive layer for everyday comfort, not a treatment for a medical problem.

Frequently asked questions

At what age should I start joint support?

For large breeds and very active dogs, many owners start in early middle age as a preventative. For most dogs, at the first signs of stiffness or from the senior years.

How long do joint chews take to work?

Give them daily and allow two to four weeks of consistent use to see the full benefit. They work best as an ongoing part of the routine.

Do glucosamine and green-lipped mussel actually help?

They are among the most widely used joint-support ingredients for dogs and many owners report easier movement. They support general joint wellbeing rather than treating disease.

Can younger dogs take joint chews?

Yes, they are often used preventatively in active dogs and at-risk breeds. Follow the weight-based feeding guide and check with your vet if unsure.

The bottom line

Comfortable joints come down to a lean body, gentle regular movement, an easier home, and good daily support. Catch the signs early and you can keep your dog doing what they love for longer. Our Joint & Move chews are an easy daily step, backed by our 60-night promise.

Barkwell chews are complementary pet food that support general wellbeing. They are not a veterinary medicine and do not treat arthritis or any condition. If your dog is in pain or unwell, speak with your vet.