Healthy Joint Tips for Senior Dogs

If your aging dog hesitates before climbing stairs or needs a boost getting into bed, joint discomfort is probably to blame. 

As dogs get older, the cartilage that prevents their bones from rubbing together during movement can start to break down. Without enough cartilage for cushion, friction inside joints may lead to painful inflammation, or osteoarthritis.

Some amount of wear on the joints is a natural part of the aging process, but that doesn’t mean that pet parents should accept painful movement as inevitable. Here are a few strategies to help your dog enjoy being active well into their golden years. 

Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs

Compared to other tissues in the body, cartilage has very slow cell turnover. Because it takes cartilage such a long time to regenerate, it’s important to address joint pain as soon as you notice it. Keep an eye out for: 

• Limping or favoring one leg
• Difficulty getting up from lying down
• Reluctance to jump onto surfaces that used to be accessible. 
• Irritability when touched around the hips or legs
• Decreased interest in walks or play

Even subtle changes in your dog’s mobility could indicate stiffness or discomfort, so don’t hesitate to mention these signs at your next veterinary visit.

How to Support Your Older Dog’s Joints

The best time to start considering the health of an aging dog’s joints is before they start to experience discomfort. Here are a few ways to keep osteoarthritis at bay.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

One of the most impactful things you can do for your dog’s joints is to keep them at a healthy weight. Excess body weight places additional stress on the hips, knees, and spine, which accelerates joint degeneration and contributes to pain.

If your dog is carrying a few extra pounds, your veterinarian can help create a safe weight-loss plan. Even a small reduction can make a big difference in their mobility. 

Incorporate Low-Impact Exercise

Gentle movement is great for aging joints. Exercise keeps the surrounding muscles strong and improves circulation — just take care not to let your dog overdo it. 

Vigorous runs and challenging hikes may be too much for

 your senior pet, so pay attention to signs of soreness or tiredness. Focus on short, consistent walks (on soft surfaces if possible), gentle play, and low-impact activities like swimming. 

Make Changes at Home

As your dog ages, a few simple accommodations can make day-to-day movement much more comfortable. You might consider:

• Adding non-slip rugs or runners on slick floors for better traction
• Using a pet ramp to help your dog get onto furniture or into the car
• Elevating food and water bowls so your dog doesn’t have to bend down as far
• Switching to a supportive orthopedic dog bed to reduce pressure on the joints while resting

Ask Your Vet About Laser Therapy

Many dogs with chronic joint disease or hip dysplasia respond well to supportive therapies, especially when combined with weight management and proper nutrition. 

Laser therapy works by encouraging cell activity and can help speed up the regeneration of cartilage. Unlike home red light therapies, veterinary lasers target specific treatment areas and don’t produce heat, ensuring the experience is comfortable for your pet. Your vet can help you determine whether laser therapy is a good option to treat your pet’s joint pain. 

Keep Up With Wellness Visits

Routine veterinary checkups are key to catching joint issues early and staying ahead of progression. Your vet can assess your dog’s mobility and body condition score, and perform diagnostic imaging so you have a clearer picture of their current joint health. 

Never give your dog ibuprofen or Tylenol for joint pain. If your dog is showing signs of discomfort, your vet can prescribe medication and help you make informed decisions about dietary changes and supplements that support comfortable movement.