5 Less Common Signs Your Dog Might Be Suffering From Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis in dogs is more common than most pet owners realise. The data shows it affects 1 in 5 dogs across their lifetime. But what’s less understood is how subtly it can show up, especially in its early stages. We often associate arthritis with visible limping or slowing down, but dogs are experts at hiding discomfort. That’s why it’s so important to know what to look for.

As a vet, I’ve seen many dogs diagnosed only after their condition has progressed. The earlier we catch osteoarthritis, the more options we have to support your dog’s health and mobility, whether that’s lifestyle changes, medications, or, if they’ve banked stem cells, deciding to use those. Below are five less obvious signs that your dog might be experiencing joint pain.

1. Licking at their legs or paws

You might assume your dog is bored or anxious if they’re constantly licking at their legs, but this can be a subtle sign of pain. Dogs may lick inflamed joints in an attempt to soothe them, sometimes to the point of causing bald patches or irritated skin. If this is a new behaviour or seems focused around one area, it’s worth getting checked by your vet.

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2. Warm or swollen joints

Inflamed joints can feel hot to the touch. Run your hand down your dog’s legs, do any areas feel noticeably warmer or puffier than others? Swelling might not always be symmetrical, and many owners don’t realise this kind of localised heat can be one of the first physical signs of osteoarthritis.

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3. Slower to rise in the morning

It’s easy to mistake a dog who’s slow to get out of bed for being a bit lazy or sleepy, especially as they age. But if your dog takes a while to stretch out, seems stiff in the mornings, or hesitates to rise after rest, it could be due to early joint pain. Morning stiffness is common in both humans and animals with arthritis.

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4. Suddenly avoiding hugs or the couch

If your normally affectionate pup has started avoiding cuddles, there might be more going on. Dogs in pain may resist being hugged or touched in certain ways. You might also notice they’re no longer jumping up on the couch or bed like they used to — not because they don’t want to be close, but because it hurts to move that way.

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5. No obvious signs at all

Perhaps the most important sign of early osteoarthritis is… no sign at all. In the earliest stages, changes can begin in your dog’s joints that are only visible on x-ray. Clinical symptoms might take years to develop, which is why proactive care matters so much. From maintaining a healthy diet, to using rugs and carpets to prevent slips and falls, or collecting and storing their stem cells while they’re still young and healthy — there are ways to stay one step ahead.

At Elita Genetics, we believe that prevention is better than cure; because we’d do anything for our pets. If you’re curious about how stem cell banking works, or whether your dog might be a candidate you can learn more here.

Want to stay ahead of the curve in pet health? Sign up today and be part of Australia’s first stem cell bank for pets.