Is Your Dog Slowing Down? Signs of Joint Discomfort & How to Help

Why Joint Health Matters for Dogs of All Ages

Healthy joints help support everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, running, jumping, and playtime.

From energetic puppies to active adult dogs and aging seniors, healthy joints play an important role in how dogs move, explore, and stay engaged with the world around them. Cartilage and synovial fluid help cushion and lubricate each step, supporting smooth, comfortable movement throughout daily activities.

Supporting joint health early and consistently may help dogs:

• Maintain normal mobility and flexibility

• Stay active and playful during everyday activities

• Support healthy cartilage and connective tissue

• Promote comfortable movement after exercise and play

As dogs grow, their joint support needs can change with age, breed, size, weight, and activity level. That’s why maintaining mobility and flexibility is an important part of supporting your dog’s long-term comfort and quality of life [1,2,4].

Common Signs Your Dog May Benefit From Joint Support

Many pet parents overlook the early signs of joint discomfort because they don’t always look like obvious limping or injury.

In many cases, the signs start subtly—small changes in movement, energy, playfulness, or everyday routines that are easy to dismiss as “just getting older.”

Identifying these cues early can help support your dog’s mobility, comfort, and long-term activity levels. Here’s what to watch for based on your dog’s age [3]:

For Younger Pups (The “Early 20%”)

Joint and mobility concerns aren’t just for senior dogs. Even young, active pups can benefit from early support.

Watch for signs like:

• Behavioral Shifts — Sudden irritability, acting “grumpy” when touched in certain spots, or pulling away from social play and interaction [8]

• The “Bunny Hop” — Using both back legs together in a hopping motion while running or climbing stairs instead of a smooth stride

• Exercise Avoidance — Hesitating before chasing a ball, slowing down sooner during walks, or sitting down unexpectedly during activity [8]

• Stiff Mornings — Taking a little longer to stretch out, stand up, or move comfortably after naps or rest

For Seniors (The “Staggering 80%”)

As dogs reach their golden years, maintaining joint mobility and flexibility becomes an important part of supporting their everyday comfort and quality of life.

Common signs include:

• The “Hitch” or Hesitation — Pausing at the base of the stairs, staring at the couch before jumping, or hesitating before getting into the car [6]

• “Slowing Down” on Walks — Lagging behind, stopping more frequently, or losing enthusiasm during walks and playtime

• Difficulty Rising — Taking extra effort to stand up, especially on slippery floors or after resting

• Licking Certain Joints — Repeated licking around a paw, wrist, knee, or hip area may sometimes signal localized sensitivity or discomfort [7]

• Shifting Weight or Standing Differently — Standing with the back legs tucked closely together or frequently shifting weight from side to side

Whether it’s a subtle change in movement, less excitement during playtime, or unusual shifts in behavior, these small signs can be your dog’s way of signaling they may benefit from extra mobility and joint support.

And because changes in movement, energy, or behavior can sometimes be linked to underlying health concerns, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.

The Science of Support: Glucosamine, Chondroitin, & MSM

Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Green Lipped Mussel are some of the most widely used ingredients in dog joint support supplements—but what do they actually do?

These naturally occurring compounds are commonly included in joint support formulas to help maintain healthy cartilage, connective tissue, joint flexibility, and normal mobility [2,5].

Here’s a closer look at how they work:

• Glucosamine — A key building block of cartilage that helps support healthy joint function and synovial fluid, which helps lubricate joints*

• Chondroitin — Works alongside glucosamine to help maintain the elasticity, cushioning, and resiliency of connective tissue and cartilage*

• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) — A naturally occurring sulfur compound that helps support joint flexibility, mobility, and everyday movement*

• Green Lipped Mussel — A nutrient-rich ingredient naturally containing omega fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans, amino acids, and compounds commonly used to support joint health and mobility*

These ingredients are especially popular among pawrents looking to help maintain joint comfort and mobility as their dogs age, stay active, or enjoy an adventurous lifestyle.

6 Tips to Keep Your Dog Active & Comfortable

Healthy daily habits can go a long way toward supporting your dog’s mobility, flexibility, and overall comfort.

Simple ways to help support healthy joints include:

1. Daily walks tailored to your dog’s ability — Regular movement helps support mobility and keeps joints engaged without overdoing it

2. Low-impact activities — Swimming, gentle play, or walks on soft grass can help reduce strain on joints while keeping your pup active

3. Maintaining a healthy weight — Extra weight can place additional stress on joints and connective tissue over time

4. Encouraging light movement throughout the day — Short play sessions and regular movement breaks can help support flexibility and mobility

5. Providing supportive resting spaces — Padded surfaces or orthopedic-style beds may help your dog stay more comfortable during rest

6. Gentle stretching through play or training — Controlled movement and light activity can help maintain normal flexibility and range of motion

Pup Parent Pro Tip

Keep your pup’s favorite toys in different rooms to naturally encourage light movement and playful activity throughout the day.

Choosing a High-Quality Joint Support Supplement

Not all supplements are created equal. If you’re considering adding a joint support supplement to your dog’s wellness routine, here’s what to look for:

• GMP certification — Helps ensure quality and safety standards

• Clear active ingredient labeling — So you know exactly what your pup is getting

• No artificial fillers or preservatives — A cleaner option for daily support

• Evidence-based ingredients — Like Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Green Lipped Mussel

Perna Canaliculus, also known as Green Lipped Mussel, comes from the shores of New Zealand and is naturally rich in Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Hyaluronic Acid, EFAs, and Amino Acids—making it a popular ingredient for joint health support [4,5].

That’s why PupGrade’s Joint Support Soft Chews include Green Lipped Mussel alongside Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM in one comprehensive daily joint support formula.

Crafted with love and backed by science, these soft chews are specifically formulated to help support joint function, connective tissue, and everyday mobility.

In a survey of PupGrade customers, 90% of pup parents shared that their dogs appeared to move more easily and stay more active after adding joint support to their routine.*

Joint mobility concerns are common in dogs as they age, especially in larger breeds and very active pups. Many pet parents choose to include joint support supplements in their dog’s daily routine to help maintain healthy joints, flexibility, and long-term mobility [3].

*Based on a survey of PupGrade customers.

Your Next Steps: Stay Pup-Pared!

Your dog may not stay a puppy forever, but with a little daily support and attention to their joint wellness, they can continue living their happiest, tail-wagging, adventure-filled life.

Being proactive about your dog’s mobility starts with noticing the little things—small changes in movement, playfulness, energy, or everyday routines that can easily be overlooked.

Whether it’s making simple lifestyle adjustments or adding a daily joint support supplement to their routine, supporting healthy mobility early on may help your pup stay active, comfortable, and playful for years to come.

Looking for more wellness tips?

Explore the rest of the PupGrade Blog for more expert-backed ways to help support your dog’s everyday health, happiness, and mobility.

Every tail wag, playful jump, and daily walk starts with healthy joint support. Whether your pup is growing up or growing older, enjoy 10% OFF your first order with the coupon below.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new supplements or changes to your dog’s routine.

Resources: 

1. Hermanson JW, de LaHunta A, Evans HE. Miller and Evan's Guide to the Anatomy of the Dog. Philadelphia: WB Saunders (2019). p. 1004. 
2. Kirkby, Kristin. "Maintaining joint health in the canine athlete." (2011): 1493-1494. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.5555/20113161706 
3. Mills, D. S., Demontigny-Bédard, I., Gruen, M., Klinck, M. P., McPeake, K. J., Barcelos, A. M., Hewison, L., Van Haevermaet, H., Denenberg, S., Hauser, H., Koch, C., Ballantyne, K., Wilson, C., Mathkari, C. V., Pounder, J., Garcia, E., Darder, P., Fatjó, J., & Levine, E. (2020). Pain and Problem Behavior in Cats and Dogs. Animals, 10(2), 318. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020318 
4. Miller TE, Ormrod D. The anti-inflammatory activity of Perna canaliculus (NZ green lipped mussel). N Z Med J. 1980 Sep 10;92(667):187-93. PMID: 6933356. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6933356/
5. Cline, J. Ultimate Hip and Joint Management. 2024. https://hfu.hollywoodfeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hip_joint_whitepaper2.pdf
6. Anderson, D. K., Zulch, H., O'Neill, D. G., Meeson, R. L., & Collins, L. M. (2018). Risk factors for canine osteoarthritis and its predisposing arthropathies: A systematic review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 5, 435. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32411739/ 
7. Johnston, S. A. (1997). Osteoarthritis: Joint anatomy, physiology, and pathobiology. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 27(4), 699–723, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0195-5616(97)50076-3
8. Enomoto, M., de Castro, N., Hash, J., Adams, M. E., Sullivan, R., Lascelles, B. D. X., & Gruen, M. E. (2024). Prevalence of radiographic appendicular osteoarthritis and associated clinical signs in young dogs. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 2327. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38310147/