Joints in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide 2025

Did you know that your dog’s joints are essential to their happiness and quality of life? If your four-legged companion is starting to show signs of pain or stiffness, such as difficulty getting up or limping, they could be suffering from joint problems. Just like us, dogs can face diseases that affect their bones and joints, but all is not lost! In this blog, we tell you how to recognize the symptoms of joint pain, what measures can help strengthen their bones, and some natural options to improve their mobility. Read on to find out how you can keep your dog moving and pain-free, so they can enjoy their life to the fullest!

Importance of joints in dogs

Joints are critical to a dog's mobility, quality of life, and overall health. Just like in humans, joints in dogs are made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and synovial fluid, all working together to allow for fluid, pain-free movement. Understanding their importance and how to care for them can make a huge difference in the quality of life of our pets.

Why are joints so important?

• They facilitate movement: Joints allow dogs to stand, walk, run and play. From everyday activities to playtime.
• Shock Absorbing: Joints act as shock absorbers, reducing stress on bones and muscles when the dog jumps, runs or walks on uneven terrain.
• Anatomical connection: They join the bones, maintaining the stability of the skeleton and allowing the limbs to move with precision.

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What types of diseases can cause joint pain in dogs?

Joint pain is a common problem in dogs and can be related to several diseases of different origins.

• Autoimmune diseases: These occur when the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and pain, with immune-mediated arthritis being one of the most common diseases .
• Infectious diseases: Bacterial or fungal infections in the joints can cause inflammation. These types of diseases require immediate medical treatment to prevent permanent damage.
• Degenerative diseases: These are the most common diseases affecting the joints and are characterized by the progressive wear of the articular cartilage. When there is continuous damage to the joint, the difficulty in repairing the cartilage increases, the production of synovial fluid decreases, which increases friction, causing greater pain, inflammation and stiffness. Factors such as overweight, genetics, malformations and previous injuries can increase the risk of suffering from them, especially in large breeds, older dogs or dogs that perform high-impact activities.

The joint areas with the most injuries are: hips, elbows, knees, spine, tarsus and carpus, in addition to the following diseases being more frequently suffered:

1. Hip dysplasia: This is a condition in which the head of the femur does not fit properly into the hip joint, causing instability, wear and pain. It is more common in large breeds such as the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever.
   Read more: hip dysplasia in dogs symptoms .
2. Elbow dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia in dogs , similar to hip dysplasia, affects the elbow joint and is more common in large and giant breeds. It also causes instability, wear and pain.
3. Patellar luxation: This condition occurs when the kneecap moves out of place, affecting the stability of the knee joint. It is most common in small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and Yorkshire Terriers.
4. Cruciate ligament disease (ligament rupture): Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs. This injury can be traumatic or degenerative and affects the stability of the knee joint, causing pain and inflammation.
5. Spondylosis deformans: This is a degenerative condition that affects the spine, forming bone spurs between the vertebrae. This can limit mobility and lead to chronic pain in older dogs.

What are the symptoms?

• Lack of support in the affected joint, which can be seen as a slight jump when walking or even no support from a limb.
• Difficulty getting up, especially after sleeping or resting, accompanied by joint and muscle stiffness.
• Difficulty going up or down stairs, jumping, or performing movements that were previously easy.
• Increase in volume in one or more joints.
• Reduction in physical activity or interest in playing, including short-term exhaustion after physical activity.
• Changes in posture when sitting or lying down.
• Tenderness to touch in the affected joints.
• Constantly licking, biting, or nibbling at a specific joint.
• Loss of muscle mass in the extremities due to lack of use.

If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, consult a veterinarian to determine the cause and establish an appropriate treatment plan. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to improving their quality of life!

At what age do dogs start to suffer from joint problems?

Joint problems in dogs can begin to manifest at any age, but are more common in older dogs, from 7 years of age, due to the natural wear and tear of the joints. However, some large or giant breeds can develop joint conditions from the first months of life, due to genetic predisposition. Factors such as overweight, level of activity and type of diet also influence the early appearance of joint problems.

How to take care of your dog's joints?

• Maintain an adequate diet for your pet: Your dog's diet plays a fundamental role in the health of its joints. There are commercial foods specially indicated to provide the necessary nutrients to improve joint maintenance. Visit your trusted veterinarian to design the ideal diet to cover the nutritional requirements of your pet. Remember that the diet can vary depending on the stage of life, breed and level of activity.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight puts extra pressure on your joints, accelerating their wear and tear. Control your portions and avoid adding foods high in fat or carbohydrates to your diet.
• Moderate and regular exercise: Activities such as walking, swimming or playing in a controlled manner strengthen muscles. If your pet performs higher-impact activities, visit the physical therapist to strengthen their muscles and joints.

You may be interested in: best food for dogs and barf diet .

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• Provide a comfortable bed: An orthopedic or padded bed can relieve pressure on joints, especially in older dogs or large breeds.
• Provide joint supplements: Products rich in glucosamine and chondroitin are available in injectable forms, tablets and treats such as Waggy's Mobility Dogs. These products help strengthen cartilage, reduce inflammation and improve mobility naturally.
• Visit your veterinarian regularly: A preventive check-up helps detect joint problems in early stages and establish an appropriate care plan.
• Massages and complementary therapies: Physiotherapy can be very beneficial in relieving pain and improving joint flexibility.

With these precautions, you can ensure a better quality of life for your dog and prevent joint problems in the future.

Conclusion

Taking care of your dog's joints is essential to helping them live an active and happy life. From a balanced diet to moderate activity and supplements like Waggy's Mobility Dogs, every little bit counts to keep your furry friend healthy and pain-free. Remember that prevention is key, and with the right support, you can help your dog move with ease and enjoy their playtime to the fullest. Don't let joint pain limit their fun!