Early Signs That Could Mean Your Dog Has Osteoarthritis
Your dog may have osteoarthritis even if it doesn't have any trouble moving right now. Early signs of the disease are often subtle and easily overlooked. Learning to recognize osteoarthritis signs will help ensure that your furry friend receives treatments that may slow the progression of the disease and improve comfort.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage at the ends of bones breaks down. Cartilage helps the bones in a joint move effortlessly and painlessly. As the cartilage wears away, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
The disease may also trigger inflammation in the capsule that surrounds the joint. When this happens, the fluid that helps lubricate the joint becomes thinner and less effective. Bone spurs may also form in the joints as osteoarthritis progresses, worsening pain.
According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the most commonly affected joints in dogs are the hips, elbows, shoulders, ankle, knee, and wrists. Age isn't the only factor in canine osteoarthritis. Younger dogs may also develop the disease. These factors can increase your pet's risk:
- Weight. Extra weight stresses the joints and can lead to joint damage and osteoarthritis. Overweight and obese dogs are both at risk.
- Injuries. Previous limb injuries increase the likelihood of arthritis.
- Joint Conditions. Dogs with joint conditions, like hip or elbow dysplasia, may be more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
9 Early Signs of Osteoarthritis
Any dog, even one without risk factors, may develop osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, signs of the disease aren't always obvious. Pet parents are often surprised to learn that their furry friend has osteoarthritis. In one research study, 60% of dogs had one or more arthritic joints, although many of them showed no signs of the disease. The study was published in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association in 2026.
The dogs were X-rayed and examined when they received dental cleanings at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Of the owners who returned surveys, 10 out of 14 reported that their pets showed no clinical signs of the disease before participating in the study.
These signs may mean your dog has osteoarthritis:
- Minor Changes in Activity Level. Signs won't be drastic at first. Your dog may walk a little more slowly, lag behind on walks, or be reluctant to run.
- Muscle Loss. Your dog may look less muscular due to osteoarthritis. Loss of muscle mass tends to affect the hind legs or occur along the spine. Since muscles help support joints, losing muscle mass worsens arthritis symptoms.
- Lack of Enthusiasm. Although walks may have once been your pet's favorite activity, your dog may seem less enthusiastic when you announce a walk.
- A Slight Slowdown. Dogs with osteoarthritis may take longer to get up when lying down. The motion may not be as fluid as before and might involve slight stops and starts. Arthritis dogs may also take longer to lie down. Your pet may circle more than normal or lower itself to a sitting or lying position slowly and gingerly.
- Hesitation. Does your dog stop momentarily before jumping on the couch or pause before tackling the stairs? Dogs with osteoarthritis may need a little more time to commit to moving.
- Licking. Licking or chewing a sore joint may make it feel a little better.
- Standing with the Front Legs First. Dogs usually rise on their hind legs initially when moving to a standing position. If your dog puts its weight on its front legs first before standing, the change could mean your pet has osteoarthritis. Dogs may also put their weight on their front legs or lean forward when standing if they have arthritis in their hind legs.
- Gait Change. Your dog may change the way it walks if a joint hurts. You might notice that your dog's stride isn't quite as long or that its head bobs when walking.
- Personality Changes. Your once easygoing dog may become irritable or withdrawn due to pain. Dogs that loved being petted or brushed may be less tolerant of petting or grooming sessions.
Does your dog show any signs of early canine osteoarthritis? We offer treatments designed to decrease pain and inflammation and improve the quality of your pet's life. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the veterinarian.
Sources:
Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center: Recognizing Pain in Dogs
American College of Veterinary Surgeons: Osteoarthritis in Dogs
https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/osteoarthritis-in-dogs/
American Animal Hospital Association: 15 Signs of Pain in Dogs
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association: Osteoarthritis Has a High Prevalence in Dogs Undergoing Routine Dental Prophylaxis, 1/1/2026
https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/264/1/javma.25.05.0330.xml
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine: Osteoarthritis Management Options, 10/27/2025
https://vetmed.illinois.edu/2025/10/27/osteoarthritis-management-options/