Your dog gets up a little slower. It takes a few seconds to stretch. At the beginning of the walk, you see him a bit stiff, but after a few minutes, he seems fine. You think it's his age, or that he slept in a weird position, or that it's cold.
It could be that. Or it could be something else.
Canine osteoarthritis is a much more common and silent disease than most pet owners imagine. According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, up to 40% of dogs between 8 months and 4 years old already show signs of osteoarthritis, although clinical signs are usually not identified until the dog is between 5 and 13 years old. That is: by the time we notice the problem, the disease has been developing for years underneath the surface.
The good news is that early detection of osteoarthritis radically changes the prognosis. The sooner it is diagnosed, the more tools there are to slow its progression, relieve pain, and maintain mobility. In this article, we explain what silent osteoarthritis is, what signs you should watch for, and when it's time to act.
What is osteoarthritis and why can it go unnoticed?
Osteoarthritis (or osteoarthrosis) is a degenerative joint disease. The cartilage that cushions and protects the bone wears away, chronic inflammation appears, and, over time, the underlying bone is also affected. It is a progressive and irreversible process, but its rate of progression depends greatly on how it is managed.
Why is it silent? For two main reasons:
Dogs don't complain like humans. They don't cry, they don't say it hurts when they get up, they don't stop doing what they like until the pain is already considerable. Evolutionarily, dogs tend to hide pain. It's an inherited survival mechanism.
The signs are subtle at first. A slight limp that disappears after a few minutes, a little more stiffness upon waking, slightly less desire to jump on the sofa. Things that are easy to attribute to "he's getting old" or "he must have slept badly."
The result: by the time we get to the vet, osteoarthritis is often quite advanced.
The first signs you shouldn't overlook
These are the earliest indications that something might be happening in your dog's joints:
Stiffness when getting up after rest. This is probably the most frequent and most ignored sign. Your dog gets up, takes a few somewhat stiff steps, and after a couple of minutes walks "normally." This is what is known in medicine as "inactivity stiffness": joint pain appears at rest and is relieved with initial movement. If you see it frequently, don't normalize it.
Intermittent limping or after exercise. A limp that appears after a long walk, a run, or a day of more activity, and disappears the next day. It doesn't hurt constantly, but the joint is showing that it's overloaded.
Compulsive licking of a specific joint. Dogs sometimes persistently lick the area that hurts (knees, elbows, hips). If you see stains of colored saliva (reddish or brown tone) on a paw, check it.
Changes in the way they get up. Dogs with joint discomfort modify the mechanics of getting up. Instead of getting up in one fluid motion, they first stretch their front legs and then drag or push their back legs. Or vice versa. Observe it carefully.
Reluctance to jump, go up or down stairs. Your dog always used to jump onto the sofa, and now he hesitates before doing it. Or he goes down the stairs step by step instead of in one go. These are adaptations that indicate something is bothering him.
Changes in gait. "Bunny hopping" (rabbit-like movement with hind legs together) can indicate hip dysplasia and associated osteoarthritis. Also, shorter strides, a stiff gait, or lateral body movement to compensate.
Less desire to play or go for long walks. If your dog, who always asked for a walk, now seems content with shorter outings, it's not "that he's getting older and doesn't feel like it anymore." It's likely that something is bothering him.
Behavioral changes. Chronic pain is draining. A dog that starts to become irritable, more distant, less tolerant with children or other dogs, may be communicating that something is hurting him.
Loss of muscle mass in a specific paw. If a limb looks visibly thinner than the other, it's because your dog is using it less. That always means something.
Which dogs are at higher risk?
Osteoarthritis can affect any dog, but there are factors that significantly increase the risk:
Large and giant breeds. Labrador, golden retriever, German shepherd, rottweiler, Bernese, Great Dane... The body weight and genetics of these breeds make them particularly vulnerable.
Breeds predisposed to dysplasia. Hip or elbow dysplasia is one of the main causes of early osteoarthritis. Labradors, goldens, German shepherds, French and English bulldogs, Saint Bernards, and other breeds have a higher incidence.
Overweight or obese dogs. Every extra kilo multiplies the mechanical load on the joints. In predisposed dogs, overweight enormously accelerates joint deterioration.
Dogs with a history of injuries. A torn cruciate ligament, a dislocation, a poorly healed fracture, previous orthopedic surgery... Any joint injury increases the risk of osteoarthritis in that area years later.
Sporting or very active dogs. Agility, canicross, hunting, working... Intense physical activity maintained over time can also accelerate wear and tear, especially if not accompanied by optimal physical conditions.
Senior dogs. From 7-8 years of age, the risk increases. But we insist: the disease may have started much earlier.
What to do if you suspect your dog has osteoarthritis
First: veterinarian. Don't dwell on conjectures. An early diagnosis changes the game. The vet will perform a complete physical exam (palpation, joint mobility, pain assessment) and will likely request X-rays to confirm. In some cases, complementary tests are needed.
Optimal body weight. If your dog is overweight, this is the first and most important thing. Reducing weight has a direct and proven effect on joint pain and the progression of osteoarthritis.
Controlled exercise, not absence of exercise. A common mistake is to think that a dog with osteoarthritis needs to "rest." On the contrary: immobility worsens the disease. What is needed is adapted, regular, and low-impact exercise. Calm walks, swimming if possible, avoiding repetitive jumps and slippery surfaces.
Veterinary physiotherapy. In recent years, canine physiotherapy has proven to be a very valuable tool for managing osteoarthritis. It includes specific exercises, hydrotherapy, massages, and techniques such as laser or electrostimulation.
Meaningful joint supplementation. Not all supplements are the same, and supplementation is a complement, not a substitute. But a well-designed formula with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, type II collagen, and omega-3 fatty acids, like our Joint Balance, is supported to promote joint health in dogs with or predisposed to osteoarthritis.
Pharmacological veterinary treatment when necessary. Analgesics, specific anti-inflammatories (never human ibuprofen or paracetamol, they are toxic), injectable chondroprotectors, or, in advanced cases, other more specific options. This is always decided by your veterinarian.
What you should NOT do
Self-medicate your dog. Ibuprofen, paracetamol, and aspirin for humans can be severely toxic to dogs. Never administer human medications without veterinary advice.
Wait to see if "it goes away." Every month that passes without diagnosis is time that the disease continues to progress. Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but it can be slowed down, and every week counts.
Drastically reduce activity. Immobility is counterproductive. A dog with osteoarthritis needs to move, just in an adapted way.
Believe that osteoarthritis is only "for old dogs." As we have seen, the disease can start much earlier. If you have a young dog of a predisposed breed, prevention starts now.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis in dogs
At what age can osteoarthritis start to appear?
Much earlier than thought. Studies indicate that up to 40% of dogs between 8 months and 4 years old already show osteoarthritic changes, although clinical symptoms usually manifest between 5 and 13 years of age. In large and predisposed breeds, the process can begin very young.
Can osteoarthritis be cured?
No. Joint changes are irreversible. But with proper management (weight, exercise, supplementation, veterinary treatment when necessary), its progression can be slowed, pain can be relieved, and an excellent quality of life can be maintained for many years.
What is the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis?
They are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Arthritis is joint inflammation (it can have several causes: infectious, autoimmune, traumatic). Osteoarthritis is specifically the chronic wear and tear of articular cartilage and associated bone changes. In practice, osteoarthritis always involves inflammation, which is why it is often referred to as "osteoarthritis."
Are chondroprotectors effective?
Yes, when used in actual therapeutic doses and as part of a comprehensive approach. Well-formulated chondroprotectors help to slow down the progression of the disease, reduce joint inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility. They work best when combined with other scientifically backed ingredients (MSM, type II collagen, omega-3, natural antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories). Joint Balance is formulated precisely with this logic: glycosaminoglycans, natural chondroprotectors, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories in high-impact therapeutic doses.
Can my dog with osteoarthritis still go to the park and run?
It depends on the stage of the disease. In general, gentle and regular exercise is beneficial. What should be avoided are repetitive jumps, abrupt runs, violent games, and slippery or very hard surfaces. A daily, calm walk, several times a day, is usually the best option.
Does cold weather worsen osteoarthritis?
Yes, it is common for dogs with osteoarthritis to be stiffer in winter or in humid conditions. It's not imaginary. Dressing them warmly if it's very cold, avoiding icy floors, and providing a comfortable, warm bed helps.
Taking care of their joints before it's too late
If your dog shows any of the signs we've described, the first step is a veterinary consultation. But also, if your dog is predisposed (large breed, dysplasia, previous overweight, active...) or is already starting to show signs, starting to care for their joints today is one of the best decisions you can make.
At The Doog Life, we have developed Joint Balance, our joint supplement formulated with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, type II collagen, green-lipped mussel, natural anti-inflammatories, and antioxidants, in high-impact therapeutic doses. It is designed for both prevention in predisposed dogs and support in dogs already diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
Because osteoarthritis is silent, but you don't have to stay silent when your dog is giving you signs.
Supervised by Jessica Da Silva, our trusted nutritionist.