Arthritis in humans is often seen as a natural part of getting older, caused by years of wear and tear on the joints. Because of this, we tend to associate the condition with later life – and we often apply the same thinking to our dogs.

However, arthritis isn’t just an old-age problem for dogs. It can affect them at any stage of life, sometimes developing early due to inherited joint conditions. When we assume only senior dogs are at risk, we may overlook or misinterpret the early signs of discomfort in younger pets.

By learning to recognise the symptoms of arthritis and understanding which breeds are more susceptible, you can take proactive steps to protect your dog’s joint health and keep them active and comfortable for years to come.

What we’ll look at:

• What age do dogs usually get arthritis?
• Is arthritis primarily associated with older dogs?
• Does arthritis affect younger dogs?
• What are the early signs to watch out for?
• Physical signs
• Behavioural quirks
• Key takeaways

What age do dogs usually get arthritis?

Puppies are usually born with healthy joints, but some may have an inherited risk of developing abnormally shaped and unstable joints, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, within their first few months of life. This instability can lead to uneven weight distribution, cartilage damage, joint inflammation and, eventually, osteoarthritis. As such, dogs even as young as one year old can show signs of arthritis.

In fact, recent studies have shown that two in five dogs under the age of four were found to have arthritis in at least one joint,¹  despite seeming outwardly clinically healthy.  What’s more, 24% of these young dogs were already experiencing pain from an arthritic joint.² 

Two in five dogs under the age of four have arthritis

Is arthritis primarily associated with older dogs?

As dogs age, the cartilage that cushions their joints naturally wears down, making senior dogs more prone to stiffness, pain and reduced mobility.

Injury is also a key player in the development of arthritis – damage to the ligaments that stabilise a joint, damage to the capsule that surrounds a joint or damage to the bones of the joint can all take take a joint out of alignment, leading to abnormal movement of the joint and wear on the joint structures. The longer a dog has lived, the more likely they are to have had an injury that has triggered this form of arthritis development.

Additionally, as many dogs age and their metabolism slows down, the likelihood of them being overweight increases. This places abnormal stress on the joints, which can also lead to arthritis.

This combination of factors means that, like in humans, arthritis is more common in seniors. But as we’ll see, the belief that arthritis solely affects older dogs is far from accurate. 
 

Does arthritis affect younger dogs?

Yes, arthritis can affect young dogs, though the causes often differ from those seen in older pets. In younger dogs, arthritis most commonly develops as a result of joint trauma or developmental abnormalities rather than simple wear and tear.

Conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation and osteochondrosis are leading causes. These developmental joint diseases occur when a dog’s bones or joints grow abnormally, leading to instability or poor alignment. This abnormal movement places extra stress on certain parts of the joint, causing damage and inflammation – what we know as arthritis – which can appear as early as a few months of age.

Certain breeds are particularly prone to these problems.³ German shepherds, Labradors, golden retrievers, rottweilers, German pointers, mastiffs, collies and springer spaniels commonly suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia. Meanwhile, short-faced breeds such as pugs and bulldogs often experience knee abnormalities. Injury, obesity and even infections like Lyme disease can also trigger arthritis in younger dogs.

Understanding your dog’s breed risks and maintaining a healthy weight, balanced diet and appropriate exercise routine can go a long way in protecting joint health – helping young dogs stay active, comfortable and pain-free.
 

What are the early signs to watch out for?

Spotting the early signs of arthritis is crucial for early intervention and treatment in order to delay the worsening of the disease and keep your dog healthier for longer. Dogs with more advanced ‘late-stage’ arthritis display obvious symptoms such as lameness, stiffness and difficulty with activities like climbing stairs or getting into the car.

However, it’s essential to be mindful of the early and less obvious signs as well. Some young dogs with early arthritis may hesitate a little before jumping onto furniture or into the car. Others may exhibit a peculiar walking pattern, sit with their leg turned outward or bunny-hop up the stairs to reduce pain. Look out for any changes in their behaviour or everyday routines: are they doing anything differently, has their movement been affected at all or do they not seem as affectionate as usual?

If you notice any behavioural quirks or possible signs of arthritis in your dog, you should seek professional veterinary guidance and support.

Physical signs

Signs of arthritis in young dogs include:

• limping, bunny-hopping or holding one or more legs up
• walking stiffly or awkwardly
• reluctance to exercise or lagging behind during walks
• decreased interest in games
• excessive licking of limbs 
• unexpected muscle growth in unaffected limbs
• muscle loss over hind limbs

Behavioural quirks

Behavioural signs of arthritis in young dogs include:

• increased aggression
• increased sleeping
• unexplained yelping

Key takeaways

Two in five dogs under the age of four have arthritis – with certain large breeds being particularly susceptible. 

Prevention begins early – start with maintaining your puppy’s healthy weight and promoting a lean physique. Your vet can advise you on the ideal food and portion size for your dog.

Early diagnosis is key to a good quality of life – look out for giveaway signs such as walking oddly, reluctance to play or exercise and irritability.

Nutrition matters – feeding them an age-appropriate, nutrient-balanced diet is crucial for the development and maintenance of healthy joints. 

Consistent low-impact exercise – regular walks – or even swims – tailored to your dog’s breed, age and fitness level is essential for supporting healthy joints.

Remember, early intervention and regular communication with your vet are crucial for providing the best care possible. Together, we can stay one step ahead of arthritis and ensure our faithful companions lead happy, pain-free lives.