Ask Momma Gail: Why Is My Senior Dog So Stiff? Understanding Arthritis & How to Help

Dear Momma Gail,

My old golden retriever used to leap onto the couch, but lately it takes her three or four tries just to stand up from her dog bed. She groans when she settles down, and she looks so stiff after a nap. Is there an old-school remedy to help her move easier?

— Aching in Antioch

Dear Aching,

Oh, sweet friend. Watching a dog struggle with something that used to come easily can catch you right in the heart. You want to reach for anything that might help. But before we reach for a remedy, let’s make sure someone who can examine her helps us understand what is happening.

Stiffness and difficulty rising can have different causes. Arthritis is one possibility, not a diagnosis I can make from your letter. Please arrange a veterinary appointment and describe the repeated attempts to stand, the groaning, and any changes in walking, appetite, sleep, or toileting. Growing older is not a reason to leave discomfort unexplained.

Show your veterinarian what mornings look like

A short video of her getting up or walking, taken without asking her to repeat a difficult movement, can help tell the story. Write down when the change began, whether it is getting worse, and which everyday tasks seem harder. Bring a list of medications, supplements, and her usual food.

If she suddenly cannot stand or walk, has an injury, or appears to be in severe pain, contact a veterinarian urgently rather than waiting for a routine appointment. Do not force her to exercise or try to stretch a painful limb while you work out what is wrong.

Make the familiar path easier

While you seek guidance, look at her route from bed to water to the door. Can you clear clutter and add secure, non-slip mats where her feet slide? Make sure the mats themselves do not bunch or move. Keep essentials accessible and provide a resting place she can enter and leave without climbing over a high edge.

These are practical adjustments, not treatment for an underlying condition. Ask your veterinary team what bedding, access changes, or mobility support would suit her size and needs. Have them demonstrate any lifting or support technique before trying it yourself; a makeshift towel lift is not right for every dog or situation.

Ask for a movement plan, not a rule to push through

Tell your veterinarian what she currently enjoys and what makes her hesitate. Ask which activities are appropriate, how much is suitable, and what signs mean you should stop. Do not assume that every stiff dog needs the same walk schedule or that more movement is always better.

And please don’t force the couch jump just because she managed it last week. Sitting beside her in a comfortable spot can be its own kind of togetherness. Mr. Weenie would tell you the important part is having his person close, not reaching the highest cushion.

Comfort is not a substitute for pain care

Ask directly whether she may be painful and what an appropriate treatment and follow-up plan would look like. Do not give human pain medicines, start supplements, or change prescribed medication without veterinary advice. Ask before using heat, cold, massage, or stretching, too, and request clear instructions if any are recommended.

A blanket can be a cozy household item, but I cannot promise it will treat arthritis or make mornings easier. A paw balm or food topper should not be described as a replacement for pain treatment, a balanced diet, or an assessment of why she is slipping. Products can have a place in daily life without being promised a medical job they have not been shown to do.

For help preparing supplement questions, read What Supplements Does My Senior Dog Actually Need?

Keep checking in

Ask when your veterinarian wants an update and what changes should prompt an earlier call. Keep simple notes about getting up, settling down, and activities she enjoys. If an instruction is difficult to follow or a recommended option is outside your budget, say so. You and your veterinary team can discuss a workable plan.

She doesn’t need you to solve this alone, sweetheart. She needs you to notice when things change, speak up for her comfort, and keep offering your company. You’re doing that right now.

With love,
Momma Gail

Frequently asked questions

Does stiffness mean my senior dog has arthritis?

Not necessarily. Stiffness and difficulty rising can have different causes. Your veterinarian needs to assess your dog rather than relying on age or symptoms alone.

What should I tell my veterinarian about trouble standing?

Describe when it started, whether it is worsening, and changes in walking, sleep, appetite, or toileting. Bring a medication list and a short video if you can record one without making your dog repeat a painful movement.

How can I make my home easier for a stiff older dog?

Keep essential areas accessible, clear clutter, and secure non-slip mats where your dog slides. Ask your veterinary team which bedding and mobility supports are appropriate.

Should I use heat, supplements, or human pain medicine?

Ask your veterinarian before using heat or supplements, and do not give human pain medicines without veterinary direction. Do not change prescribed treatment on your own.

When does trouble standing need urgent attention?

If your dog suddenly cannot stand or walk, has an injury, or appears to be in severe pain, contact a veterinarian urgently instead of waiting for a routine appointment.

About Momma Gail

Nashville-born and raised, Momma Gail brings 89 years of Southern kitchen-cooked wisdom to the table. Her recipes helped care for Dixie through a remarkable 20 years of life. Here she shares a caregiver’s heart for senior dogs and the people who love them. This column is written by Kellye Potter in Momma Gail’s voice.

General caregiver information, not an individual veterinary diagnosis or treatment plan.