Dog stiff after walks or getting up? What it means

Common reasons

The most common reason is osteoarthritis: gradual wear of the cartilage in the joints. It's very common in dogs over seven and in big breeds, and it often shows first as stiffness when they get up after lying down, which eases as they warm up.

Other causes include overdoing it on a long or unusually energetic walk, a strained muscle, hip or elbow dysplasia in younger large-breed dogs, and carrying extra weight.

Signs to look out for

Slow to stand after resting. Stiff for the first few minutes of a walk. Lagging behind or sitting down on longer walks. Reluctant to jump into the car or onto the sofa, or to use the stairs. Licking one joint more than usual.

What helps at home

Two or three shorter walks are kinder than one long one. Keep the pace steady and avoid sudden ball-chasing. A thick, supportive bed away from draughts helps stiff joints, and rugs on slippery floors stop them skidding.

Keeping your dog slim is the single most effective thing you can do. A daily joint supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin is a reasonable thing to try alongside this, judged over 6 to 8 weeks.

When it's a vet job

See your vet if stiffness comes on suddenly, if your dog is limping or not putting weight on a leg, yelps when touched, has a swollen joint, or seems in pain. Vets can prescribe proper pain relief, and treating pain early keeps dogs moving, which in turn protects their joints.

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