Joint disease is a broad term for any condition or damage that affects the body’s joints, causing pain, stiffness, or reduced movement. Dog arthritis is one of the most common forms guardians encounter. I want to talk about how important movement tracking is for identifying this condition early, and how warm water swimming can help.

Many of us walk our dogs every day and spend a lot of time at home with them. We see them eating, walking, playing, snuggling, and resting — but do we really look for the subtle signs that their body and mobility may be changing?

Their human guardians know them best and are in the best position to observe them in a variety of environments and over a long period of time. These are ideal conditions to really “see” what’s going on with our dogs, but are we watching with the right lens?

It takes more than checking whether our dog’s tail is wagging, ears are up, or they seem eager for attention or food. These general checks are good, but there’s more to watch for.

Dogs are very gifted at masking discomfort. Many people are startled to discover they’ve missed an important health shift in their dog.

My goal here is to help identify some ways we can better assess subtle shifts, so we can support our dogs before their pain becomes unmanageable — before they’re in obvious discomfort, often crying or whining.

Although these assessment skills are mastered by professionals, I think that with a little education and a few great tips, the average dog guardian can identify enough change to better advocate for their dog.

Indications that your dog may be experiencing joint disease fall under two main categories: physical and mobility signs, and behavioral and comfort signs.

Physical and Mobility Signs to Look For

• Slowing Down on Walks or Paw Scuffing: Lagging behind you, walking at a slower pace, cutting the exercise short, or dragging or scuffing nails against the pavement or trail. Tripping over roots or small obstacles on walks.

• Limping or Lameness: This may seem obvious, but can be missed, as leg favoring can occur in varying degrees. Watch for favoring one or more legs and/or not fully planting a foot to the ground (they can be touching down without a full plant). This is often most severe after a nap or first thing in the morning.

• Difficulty Rising or Sitting: Struggling, pushing off hard with their front legs, taking extra time to stand up from a lying position, reluctance to sit, or “plopping” down. Constant circling before settling, or an inability to find a comfortable resting posture.

• Slipping on Hard Floors: Hesitation or loss of traction on hard floors — wood, laminate, tile, or concrete. This is often a sign of joint pain and reduced stability. (Note: confirm phrasing with your vet/PT team — see flag in prior notes.)

• Activity Avoidance: Hesitating before jumping or climbing into the car, onto the bed, or onto the couch. Avoidance or hesitation on stairs, going up or down. Bunny-hopping up an incline rather than alternating steps.

• Muscle Atrophy: Visible wasting or thinning of the muscles.

• Swollen or Clicking Joints: Visible enlargement or fluid buildup around a specific joint, or an audible popping sound when they move.

Behavioral and Comfort Signs to Look For

• Excessive Licking or Chewing: Repeatedly grooming, biting, or licking a specific joint area is sometimes an attempt to soothe pain.

• Changes in Posture: Adopting a slight hunch over the spine, carrying the head or tail lower, or sitting with the hind legs stretched out abnormally. Inability to sustain a stance for elimination, or only squatting and no longer lifting a leg.

• Irritability or Aggression: Snapping, growling, or more subtly shying away from being pet when you reach for their hips, spine, or limbs. Alerting to strangers or a doorbell/knock verbally only, without getting up to investigate.

• Lethargy and Depression: A significant, unexplained increase in sleeping, or acting disinterested in favorite toys, games, treats, or people.

This is by no means a full list of indicators, but it’s a good start for the pet guardian. Sometimes these signs can seem sudden and obvious, but that often indicates an injury. More often they come on gradually and can be subtle. Learn to watch for these physical and behavioral cues, and consult your vet when you notice your dog exhibiting any changes from their norm.

Why Warm Water Swimming Works for Dog Arthritis

For dogs like Lady Lux, with spinal and hip arthritis, reduced weight-bearing is what makes swimming a great exercise option when walking isn’t comfortable.

One of the most powerful properties of water for addressing pain from joint disease is buoyancy. Buoyancy is what causes floating — it acts in the opposite direction of gravity.

It supports the body, creating a feeling of weightlessness and decreasing weight-bearing load significantly (some sources claim up to 90% less, but the exact percentage varies with water depth). This reduces stress on the joints, allowing for less painful movement, and in turn, fuller, faster, and stronger motion.

Buoyancy also creates instability, which forces stronger core engagement — helping build trunk musculature and stabilize the lumbar spine. This fuller range of motion lets the body warm up, open, and soften the tense, guarded areas around painful joints.

You can see from Lady Lux’s full story that the emotional benefits are just as valuable as the physical ones. Warm water therapy with a trained swim coach provides mental stimulation and engagement, as well as confidence building and stress reduction.

Being able to move and exert fully without pain is a powerful part of a treatment plan for dogs suffering from discomfort due to joint disease.