Arthritis in Older Dogs: When Pain Looks Like Ignoring You
Updated: 3 days ago
Your older dog used to sit the moment you asked. Now they stand there and look at you, or take ages to come back on walks. It's easy to think they're getting set in their ways, but very often, the real reason is pain, and whenever behaviour changes, I want a vet to rule that out first. Arthritis is one of the most common conditions in senior dogs, and it changes how they move, behave and respond to training. Here's how arthritis in older dogs shows up, why it can look like a dog ignoring you and how to adapt their training and daily life.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Arthritis, also called osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is very common in older dogs. The cartilage that cushions the joints wears down, causing stiffness, inflammation and pain. Because dogs hide pain well, the first signs are often behaviour changes rather than an obvious limp. A senior dog with arthritis may sit slowly or refuse to sit, lag behind on walks, hesitate at stairs or the car, sleep more, lick their joints or become grumpy when touched. That can look like a dog ignoring cues, when it's really discomfort. If your older dog's behaviour changes, see your vet first. Pain relief, weight control, gentle exercise and a few changes at home and in training can make a big difference to how comfortable and happy they are.
What is arthritis in dogs?
Arthritis happens when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down. Bones rub, the joint gets inflamed, and movement becomes stiff and sore. It tends to get worse over time.
It's more common in larger breeds like Labradors, German shepherds and golden retrievers, but small dogs get it too. Old injuries, hip or elbow dysplasia and carrying extra weight all raise the risk.
Is arthritis common in older dogs?
Yes, very. Many dogs show signs of arthritis by the time they're older, and plenty have some joint changes long before their owners notice.
The early signs are easy to miss. Your dog might pause before the stairs, jump off the sofa more carefully or take a moment longer to get up.
When pain looks like ignoring you
Dogs rarely cry out with ongoing pain. Instead, they avoid movements that hurt. In training, that can look like your dog refusing a cue they've known for years.
A dog with sore hips may not want to sit. A dog with sore elbows may avoid lying down. Recall can slow down because running hurts. Some dogs also become quieter, withdrawn or snappy when touched in sore spots. Read pain and aggression in dogs.
Signs of arthritis in senior dogs
The signs often build up slowly, so changes over months are easy to miss. You see your dog every day, which makes it even harder. Look out for:
stiffness after rest, especially in the morning
slow to sit, lie down or get up
not wanting to use stairs, jump into the car or onto the sofa
lagging behind or shorter walks
licking or chewing at joints
weak or wobbly back legs, or a sway when walking
changes in mood, like grumpiness when touched
sitting with a leg out to the side
Arthritis in the back legs
Hip and knee arthritis often shows in the back legs first. Your dog may struggle to get up from lying down, bunny-hop when running or slip on smooth floors.
Muscles in the back legs can weaken, which makes things worse. Gentle, regular exercise and physiotherapy can help keep those muscles strong. Your vet can advise what suits your dog.
How to adapt training for a dog with arthritis
Training is still great for older dogs, as long as it's comfortable. Read senior dog training.
Swap painful positions
If sitting or lying down hurts, use a stand instead. A stand stay is just as useful as a sit stay.
Keep sessions short
A few minutes at a time is plenty, with breaks to rest. Stop while your dog is still keen and comfortable.
Train on grippy surfaces
Use rugs, yoga mats or grass. Slippy floors are hard work for sore joints.
Choose brain games
Scent work, puzzle feeders and gentle tricks keep your dog busy without strain. Read 5 scent games for dogs.
Helping your dog at home
Small changes can make daily life much easier. Many of them cost very little. Try these:
rugs or runners on slippy floors
a ramp for the car and the sofa
a thick, supportive bed away from draughts
raised food and water bowls if bending is hard
several shorter walks instead of one long one
keeping your dog at a healthy weight
When to see your vet
If your older dog's behaviour or movement changes, see your vet before assuming it's age or attitude. Pain relief, joint supplements, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can all help. Many dogs become brighter and more like their old selves once their pain is managed.
RENEE'S TIP
Film your dog getting up from their bed and walking across the room, once a month. Watching the clips side by side makes slow changes much easier to spot, and it's really useful to show your vet.
QUICK CHECK
ā Arthritis is very common in older dogs
ā Pain can look like your dog ignoring cues
ā Watch for stiffness, slow sits, stairs trouble and grumpiness
ā Swap painful positions and keep sessions short
ā See your vet if movement or behaviour changes
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help with an older dog
If your senior dog's behaviour has changed and you'd like help adapting their training and routine, I can help in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
Is arthritis common in older dogs?
Yes. It's one of the most common conditions in senior dogs, and early signs are easy to miss.
What are the first signs of arthritis in dogs?
Stiffness after rest, slow sitting or lying down, hesitating at stairs or the car and licking joints.
Why won't my old dog sit any more?
Often because sitting hurts their hips or knees. Ask your vet to check, and use a stand instead.
How can I help my senior dog with arthritis?
Vet pain relief, a healthy weight, gentle regular exercise, grippy floors, ramps and a supportive bed.
Can arthritis make a dog grumpy?
Yes. Pain can make dogs withdrawn or snappy, especially when touched in sore spots.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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