When your dog starts moving differently
DailyPaw Editorial Team
You know the small things: the sound of paws following you to the kitchen, the familiar stretch after a nap, the enthusiasm at the front door. A change in those everyday moments is worth noticing, even when your dog still seems keen to be part of everything.
You do not need to work out the cause yourself. Your job is to notice what has changed and help your vet understand it.
Look for a change from their normal
Watch for stiffness after rest, a different walking pattern, reluctance to use stairs, holding a leg up or repeatedly licking one area. A dog may move differently without an obvious limp. PDSA recommends contacting your vet about limping or stiffness; simply getting older should not be the explanation you settle on at home. [1]
Think about the individual dog in front of you. A Labrador who usually follows every kitchen visit and a German Shepherd who prefers a quiet corner have different routines. Compare them with themselves, rather than with another dog or an online checklist.
Notice the rest of the day, too
Changes in sleep, behaviour or appetite can also be useful to mention. The RSPCA advises owners to seek veterinary advice for changes that might otherwise be dismissed as ageing. [2] You are not trying to turn every quiet afternoon into a worry. You are looking for something new, repeated or noticeably different.
Make a short, useful record
A few plain observations are easier to discuss than trying to remember the whole week during an appointment. You could note:
- When you first noticed the change, and whether it started suddenly.
- What was happening just before it: waking up, a normal walk or getting out of the car.
- Whether one particular movement seems difficult.
- Any change in appetite, toilet habits, sleep or interest in usual activities.
- Medicines, food, treats and supplements your dog currently receives.
For example, “Tuesday morning: paused at the back step after sleeping; Wednesday: did the same” gives your vet more to work with than “seems a bit older”. If you already have a short video of the movement, ask whether the practice would like to see it. Do not make your dog repeat a difficult movement for the camera.
Know when to call
Contact your vet when you notice limping or stiffness, even if it comes and goes. Call immediately if your dog is in severe pain, cannot put a leg down or has a serious wound. If you are unsure how urgent the problem is, phone the practice and describe what you can see. [1]
Keep your notes as a helpful extra; do not wait to build a diary before asking for advice. Let the practice tell you how soon your dog needs to be seen and what to do while you wait.
Take questions to the appointment
Ask which activities are suitable now, which changes should trigger another call and when a follow-up would be useful. If your dog struggles with the journey, mention that when booking. It is fine to write the answers down or ask for them again.
Knowing your dog's ordinary day is valuable. Sharing those details helps the conversation start with the dog you know at home.
Sources and further reading
Written by the DailyPaw Editorial Team. Sources checked on 2 October 2026. This is general information for dog owners, not individual veterinary advice.