Sensilia Laboratory is a French, family-owned and independent laboratory based in Gironde, France. Since 2019, we have been researching and manufacturing healthy, innovative wellness products.
My dog is limping: arthritis or something else? Quick checklist (weight-bearing, wound, paw pads, claws), common causes, emergencies and when to see a vet, plus prevention and relief.
Published in
Dog Joint HealthLimping is the leading reason for veterinary consultations in dogs. Even when it seems mild, it almost always reflects discomfort or pain. Owners often think of arthritis first, especially in older dogs, but many other causes can be involved: trauma, dislocation, ligament rupture, wound, neurological issue, or metabolic problem.
Understanding the signs, observing your dog properly, and knowing when to seek veterinary care can save valuable time and improve their quality of life.
The first thing to check is whether your dog is or is not putting weight on the paw :
Examine the paw carefully:
Paw pads are a common cause of limping:
A dog limping because of an injured paw pad may need sedation to remove the object and apply a dressing.
A broken or torn claw can cause sharp pain and immediate limping.
Vets classify limping into several grades:
The higher the grade, the greater the pain and urgency. From grade 3 onwards, the dog should be seen without delay.
Limping can have very diverse origins. There are three main categories: orthopaedic, neurological, and other causes (infectious, tumour-related, metabolic).
Arthritis is the most common cause of chronic limping in older dogs. It corresponds to progressive degeneration of the cartilage that covers the joints. This cartilage thins and loses its shock-absorbing properties. Friction becomes painful, triggering inflammation (synovitis) and stiffness.
Dogs with arthritis often show intermittent limping, more pronounced when getting up or after exercise.
The anterior cruciate ligament stabilises the knee joint. When it ruptures, the joint becomes unstable, causing sudden, severe limping. This is common in sporty or active dogs, but also in overweight dogs.
Without surgery, instability quickly leads to secondary arthritis.
Dislocation refers to the femoral head coming out of the hip socket. It most often occurs after trauma (car accident, fall). It causes sudden limping and an inability to put weight on the paw.
Dislocation must be confirmed by X-ray and often requires surgery.
Common in small breeds (Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Spitz), it is characterised by the kneecap slipping out of its groove. Limping is often intermittent: the dog lifts the paw for a few seconds, then returns to a normal gait.
If left untreated, it can progress to arthritis.
The Dysplasia is a developmental joint abnormality: the hip or elbow does not fit together properly. This causes early cartilage wear and promotes arthritis. Certain breeds such as the Labrador or German Shepherd are particularly predisposed.
Affected puppies may show limping from 5–6 months of age.
This is a cartilage development disorder affecting young large-breed dogs undergoing rapid growth. The cartilage cracks and may detach, forming a painful "flap" in the joint (often in the shoulder or elbow).
Early surgery is often needed to prevent arthritis.
This condition affects small breeds (Yorkshire Terrier, Westie, Miniature Poodle). It corresponds to aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, meaning progressive bone death due to impaired blood supply.
It causes progressive limping in young dogs (4–12 months). Treatment is surgical.
Common in long-backed breeds (Dachshund, French Bulldog), a herniated disc occurs when a displaced intervertebral disc compresses the spinal cord. It causes limping, mobility difficulties, and even paralysis. It is an emergency when there is loss of weight-bearing or incontinence.
Certain breeds such as the Malamute or Leonberger are predisposed to degenerative diseases of the peripheral nerves. This leads to muscle weakness, an abnormal gait, and recurrent limping.
A deficiency in thyroid hormones can cause muscle weakness and joint pain. This sometimes presents as chronic limping associated with a general drop in vitality.
These parasites attack the nerves and muscles, causing stiffness and limping. Neosporosis is particularly severe in puppies and can cause progressive paralysis.
In these conditions, the immune system attacks its own tissues, including the joints and muscles. This causes widespread pain that is sometimes mistaken for arthritis.
Bacteria can settle in a joint (e.g. following a bite, surgery, or wound). This causes intense, painful inflammation, sometimes with fever. Septic arthritis is an emergency: it requires antibiotic therapy and sometimes surgical drainage.
Transmitted by ticks, it is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It causes shifting lameness (moving from one paw to another), sometimes accompanied by fever and significant fatigue.
In large dogs (Rottweiler, Scottish Deerhound), osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone tumour that weakens the bone. It causes persistent limping and intense pain, often localised to one limb. Diagnosis relies on X-rays and biopsy.
Only a veterinary examination can confirm the cause.
In senior dogs, arthritis remains the most common cause of chronic limping and presents as:
Limping is not inevitable: early, comprehensive management can often reduce pain, slow the progression of joint disease, and improve your dog's quality of life. Here are the main scientifically validated approaches.
Excess weight is one of the main factors that worsens limping. Every extra kilo puts mechanical pressure on the joints, accelerates cartilage wear, and promotes inflammation.
One study showed that Labradors kept at an optimal weight developed signs of arthritis three years later than their overweight counterparts.
Weight management relies on an appropriate diet, measured portions, and regular monitoring of the dog's body condition (body condition score).
Keeping a dog lean remains one of the most effective and affordable interventions for protecting their joints.
Movement is essential for maintaining muscle, stabilising joints, and keeping tendons and ligaments supple. But it must be adapted to the dog's age, breed, and health status.
Inactivity is harmful: a sedentary dog loses muscle, which increases joint instability.
The Joint nutraceuticals have become essential in managing chronic limping, especially in arthritis. The most studied include:
Omega-3s lead to a significant improvement in mobility in dogs with arthritis.
Supplements do not replace veterinary treatment, but they provide a well-tolerated long-term approach with few side effects.
Canine rehabilitation has developed considerably in recent years, with encouraging results in managing limping.
These methods should be supervised by a vet or a qualified animal physiotherapist.
A predisposed dog (large breed, history of dysplasia, senior dog) should have an annual veterinary check-up at minimum. This includes:
Regular follow-up makes it possible to detect early signs of deterioration and adapt care quickly.
Beyond medical aspects, a few simple changes to everyday life can reduce pain and prevent relapses:
Limping in dogs is a warning sign that should never be ignored. Whether it is traumatic, orthopaedic, neurological, or linked to arthritis, it always reflects pain that affects the animal's comfort and mobility.
An early veterinary diagnosis, combined with appropriate care (weight management, gentle activity, joint supplements, functional rehabilitation), can often slow the progression of joint problems and sustainably improve the dog's quality of life.
As an owner, you play a key role: watch carefully for the first signs, adapt your companion's daily routine, and put active prevention in place to preserve their mobility for as long as possible.
This article was written by the R&D team at Laboratoire Sensilia, experts in animal nutrition.