Signs Your Dog May Be Hiding Joint Pain

✓ Veterinarian Reviewed
Reviewed by Dr Gloria Ebeyer (BAVBS, DVM, Grad Cert SAECC, MANZCVS [Veterinary Practice])
Last reviewed: June 2026

Dogs are remarkably good at hiding pain. It is not really a surprise, given it’s an instinct left over from their wild ancestors, where showing weakness made them an easy target. Unfortunately, this means joint pain can often go unnoticed for months since it isn’t always obvious.

Recognising whether your dog has joint pain could mean the difference between catching the problem early and preventing long-term pain for your dog.

In this blog, we’ll touch on all the telltale signs of joint pain to look out for, along with common causes and ways to support your dog.

Behavioural signs of hidden joint pain

Once you know what to look for, the subtle signs of joint pain can become easier to spot. These may include:

• Reluctance to jump or climb: hesitating before getting into the car, onto the couch, or up the stairs may signal discomfort
  
  
• Slowness when rising or taking longer to get up after lying down, especially after sleeping
  
  
• Changes in activity level: choosing to rest more or losing interest in play and walks they used to enjoy
  
  
• Irritability or withdrawal: some dogs become snappy or avoid being touched in certain areas, while others become quieter than usual
  
  
• Licking or chewing at a joint, which may be a way of self-soothing a sore area
  
  
• Changes in posture, such as sitting or lying in unusual positions to avoid putting weight on a particular leg or joint
  
  
• Shifting weight: standing in a way that noticeably favours one leg
  
  
• Reduced self-grooming or difficulty reaching certain areas
  
  
• Toileting changes: accidents indoors or reluctance to squat fully, especially in older dogs

Because these signs develop slowly, they're easy to put down to ageing or a quieter personality. Comparing your dog's behaviour to a year or two ago can make changes easier to spot.

What can cause joint pain in dogs?

Joint pain isn't always arthritis. Common causes include:

• Osteoarthritis: gradual breakdown of cartilage, commonly seen in older dogs
• Hip or elbow dysplasia: a developmental condition where the joint doesn't form properly from birth, often seen in larger breeds and brachycephalic breeds
• Cruciate ligament injury: a common cause of sudden hind leg lameness, particularly in active dogs
• Soft tissue injury: strains or sprains from a fall, awkward landing, or overexertion
• Obesity: excess weight strains joints and accelerates wear over time
• Autoimmune conditions: less common but can cause joint inflammation and pain

Some causes come on suddenly, while others develop over months or years, making them easier to miss.

Breeds more prone to joint pain

Any dog can develop joint problems, but some breeds are more prone to them due to their size, build, or breeding history:

• Large and giant breeds: German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Great Danes are commonly affected by hip and elbow dysplasia due to their size, growth rate and genetics
• Brachycephalic, short-legged, or long-backed breeds: French bulldogs, bulldogs, and Dachshunds can carry extra strain through the spine and joints due to their body shape
• Active, athletic breeds: Border Collies and Kelpies are prone to cruciate ligament injuries, given their high activity levels
• Larger mixed-breed dogs: May inherit similar predispositions from their breed mix

Understanding your dog's breed-related risk can help you stay alert to subtle signs before any visible symptoms appear.

What age does joint pain typically start?

Joint pain isn't always an older dog's problem. Developmental conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia may be present from birth, with symptoms becoming more noticeable over time.

Large and giant breed dogs, with a genetic predisposition for elbow and hip dysplasia, grow quickly which puts extra pressure on developing joints. Cruciate ligament injuries can happen at any age, often during play or an awkward landing.

Osteoarthritis tends to develop later in life, generally from around seven years onwards, though large breeds can show signs earlier. Regardless of age, any new reluctance to move, jump, or play is worth paying attention to.

Ways to support your dog’s joints

While diagnosis and treatment should always start with your vet, there are plenty of ways to support your dog’s joints day to day:

• Joint supplements formulated with active ingredients help support cartilage and joint health
• Orthopaedic bedding can help ease pressure on joints, which may be particularly helpful for senior or larger dogs
• Weight management diets at keep your dog at a healthy weight and reduce ongoing strain on their joints
• Ramps and steps can help reduce jumping and jarring impact when getting into cars, onto couches, or onto beds
• Non-slip mats and rugs can provide better grip on slippery floors and help prevent slips that may aggravate sore joints

When to see a vet

Book a vet visit if you notice any combination of the signs above, particularly if they've developed gradually or your dog seems less like themselves. Early diagnosis makes a real difference to long-term management.

See a vet urgently if your dog suddenly won't put weight on a leg, cries out in pain, or shows obvious swelling or heat around a joint.

Wondering if your dog's slowing down is something more than getting older? Book a consultation with your local Petstock Vet to get an accurate diagnosis and management plan today.