He’s just old – When ageing ends and pain begins
"He’s just getting on in years." Dog owners say this to themselves every day. Your dog gets up more slowly. He lags behind on walks. He doesn’t jump up onto the sofa anymore. And you think: Well, he’s just getting older.
But what if it’s not age at all? What if your dog has been in pain for weeks or months – and you haven’t noticed because you think it’s just part of getting older?
This isn’t an uncommon situation. It happens to thousands of dog owners. And it’s not your fault. Dogs are masters at hiding pain.
At a glance
- Dogs often don’t show pain in obvious ways – they simply become ‘quieter’
- Normal ageing (grey coat, more sleep) is different from pain (limping, stiffness, behavioural changes)
- 5 clear warning signs will help you tell the difference
- Acting early makes all the difference – joint problems can be effectively managed
Why dogs hide their pain
It’s in their nature. In the wild, showing weakness means danger. An injured animal becomes prey. Our dogs have never lost this instinct.
So your dog won’t whinge or whimper if his joints are hurting. He’ll simply avoid certain movements. Jump less. Walk more slowly. Lie down differently.
And to us, that looks exactly like: “He’s just getting on in years.”
The problem? Between ‘normal ageing’ and ‘chronic joint pain’, there are often months during which your dog is suffering – without you realising it.
Normal ageing vs. hidden pain
Not every change in your older dog is a warning sign. Some things are actually just part of getting older.
This is normal ageing:
- Grey fur on the muzzle and around the eyes
- Generally a bit calmer and more relaxed
- Sleeping a little more (but getting up is no problem)
- Less interest in rough play with young dogs
- Slightly cloudy eyes (lenticlerosis – harmless)
These are signs of pain:
- Difficulty getting up, especially in the mornings
- Hesitation when facing stairs, jumps or the car
- Limping or favouring a leg – even if it improves after a few steps
- Changes in behaviour: irritable, withdrawn, suddenly aggressive when touched
- Panting whilst at rest, even when it isn’t warm
The key difference: normal ageing happens gradually and steadily. Pain manifests itself in specific situations – when getting up, climbing stairs or making certain movements.
5 warning signs that indicate hidden pain
1. Morning stiffness
Your dog takes several minutes in the morning before he’s walking properly. The first few steps are stiff, perhaps even limping. After a few minutes, it gets better.
This is one of the most classic signs of joint problems such as osteoarthritis. The joints have ‘seized up’ overnight. Once the dog moves around, the synovial fluid is distributed and things improve.
Many owners then say: “Oh, it’ll sort itself out.” That’s true – but the fact that it needs to ‘sort itself out’ in the first place is the problem.
2. The refusal
Your dog, who used to be the first in the car, now stands in front of it and waits. He no longer jumps onto the sofa. He hesitates at the stairs.
This isn’t laziness or stubbornness due to old age. Your dog has learnt that this movement causes pain. So he avoids it. Dogs are pragmatic – they simply stop doing things that cause pain.
3. The change in behaviour
Your usually patient dog suddenly snaps at you when you touch his hip. Or he pulls away and no longer wants to cuddle. Perhaps he lies differently than before, constantly changing position.
Changes in behaviour are often the first sign that owners notice – but they rarely link it to pain. “He’s just become moody” or “He doesn’t like that anymore” – yet he’s actually protecting a sore spot.
4. Changes in gait
Have a look at your dog from behind when he’s walking. Does he wobble slightly? Does he place a paw down differently? Are his strides shorter than they used to be?
Sometimes the limp is so subtle that you don’t notice it in everyday life. But if you look closely, it becomes apparent. Especially after long walks or after lying down.
5. Panting at rest
Your dog is lying in the living room. It’s not warm. He hasn’t moved. But he’s panting. Or he’s breathing noticeably faster than usual.
Panting is one of the few ways dogs express pain. If your dog is panting whilst at rest – for no obvious reason such as heat or excitement – take it seriously.
What you can do now
If you notice one or more of these signs in your dog, you’ve already taken the most important step: you’ve taken a closer look. Many owners only recognise the signs after months have passed.
Step 1: Observe closely
Make a point of consciously observing your dog for a week. Pay particular attention in the mornings when they get up and after a walk. Take notes or short videos – this will also help the vet.
Step 2: A vet’s check-up
Have your dog examined. A good vet can quickly determine whether there are any joint problems by palpation and movement tests. If osteoarthritis is suspected, an X-ray will help.
Step 3: Support the joints
Whether your dog is already experiencing symptoms or you’re looking to prevent them, the right nutrients make a real difference to joint health.
Ingredients such as green-lipped mussel, glucosamine and MSM can support cartilage and reduce inflammation in the joints. Veddelholzer Joint Tablets combine precisely these active ingredients – sourced from natural sources, with no additives, and manufactured in Germany. And best of all: most dogs eat them like treats.
Step 4: Adjust their daily routine
Small changes to your daily routine can help straight away:
- Use a ramp instead of letting them jump into the car or onto the sofa
- Non-slip mats on smooth floors
- An orthopaedic dog bed for a better night’s sleep
- Shorter, more frequent walks instead of one long one
- warm-up before the walk – take it slowly for the first few minutes
What you should never do
- Give human painkillers. Ibuprofen and paracetamol are toxic to dogs, even in small doses.
- Just wait and see. Joint problems won’t get better without treatment. They’ll get worse.
- Feel guilty. Dogs hide their pain – that’s biology, not your fault. You’re here, you’re finding out what you can, and you’re taking action. That’s what counts.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if my elderly dog is in pain?
Look out for morning stiffness, hesitation before jumping or going up stairs, changes in behaviour (irritability, withdrawal), an altered gait and panting whilst at rest. Dogs rarely show pain by whimpering – they avoid painful movements.
At what age do dogs start to develop joint problems?
Large breeds can be affected as early as 5–6 years of age. Small breeds usually only from 8–10 years onwards. But joint problems do not depend solely on age – being overweight, injuries and genetic predisposition play a major role.
Is it normal for older dogs to get up stiffly?
No. Stiffness when getting up is one of the most common signs of joint problems such as osteoarthritis. It is often dismissed as ‘normal ageing’, but it is an indication that the joints need support.
Can dietary supplements help my older dog?
Yes. Ingredients such as green-lipped mussel, glucosamine and chondroitin can support joint cartilage and reduce inflammation. The effects usually become apparent after 4–8 weeks of regular use. Natural supplements are generally well tolerated.
My dog only limps sometimes – do I need to take him to the vet?
Yes. Even occasional limping is a warning sign. It indicates that certain movements are painful. The earlier joint problems are detected, the better they can be treated and their progression slowed down.
Do all dogs hide their pain?
Most of them do. It’s a natural instinct. Some breeds are particularly stoic (e.g. Labradors, Golden Retrievers). Others show signs of pain a little more clearly. But as a general rule: if a dog is clearly showing signs of pain, the condition is often already at an advanced stage.
When to see the vet
Go to the vet immediately if your dog:
- Suddenly limps heavily or can no longer put any weight on a leg
- Yelps when standing up, lying down or being touched
- Can no longer get up, or can only do so with great difficulty
- Refuses to eat – a loss of appetite in dogs is always serious
- Has a fever (normal temperature for a dog: 38–39°C)
- Visible or palpable swelling around the joints
For older dogs, an annual joint check-up at the vet is generally recommended – even if your dog shows no obvious signs of discomfort.
Veddelholzer Dog Joint Tablets
With green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM – 100% natural, made in Germany.