Dog joint health self-check: 10 questions, 60 seconds to review signs of changes in your dog’s mobility
Hesitating at stairs, slow to get up, won't jump on the sofa - these are early signs of joint wear. Answer each one with Never / Sometimes / Often and get a score plus everyday care tips. For guidance only, not a vet assessment.
First pick: size and age
1. Hesitates before stairs, getting in the car or jumping on the sofa - or just won't jump at all
2. Slow to get up after a nap, needs a few steps to warm up
3. Sits down halfway through a walk, or won't walk as far as before
4. Weak back legs, wobbly walking, back legs shake when standing up
5. Keeps licking the same joint (knee, elbow, hip)
6. Doesn't like one leg being touched - pulls away or turns around
7. Extra reluctant to move on rainy or cold days
8. Back leg muscles look thinner, or the sitting posture has changed (sits lopsided, leg out to the side)
9. Clicking sound from the joints when getting up or moving
10. Has limped, yelped in pain, or suddenly refused to put a paw down
How to read your score
Each of the 10 questions scores 0–2, for a total of 20. 0–3 points no clear signs for now; 4–8 points early signs, and the best time to start everyday care; 9–14 points clear signs of wear - keep up everyday care and book a vet check-up; 15 points or more, or Often on question 10 - time to see your vet. Luxating patella and cruciate ligament issues are common in small dogs in Hong Kong, and supplements are not the answer for those. Large breeds, long-backed short-legged breeds (corgis, dachshunds), small dogs with luxating patella, overweight dogs and seniors aged 7 or older should watch the same score more closely.
How to pick ingredients (glucosamine vs green-lipped mussel vs collagen), when to start, and how to make your home less slippery - it's all in the complete guide to dog joint care. Weight is the biggest load on the joints, so use the feeding calculator to check how much to feed each day. What counts as senior? dog age calculator works it out by size.
Do this every 3 months and write the score down. Joint wear comes on slowly, so the trend across scores tells you far more than any single score.
FAQ
Does a high score mean my dog has arthritis?
No. This tool just puts a number on common behavioural signs, so you know when to start everyday care and when to see your vet. Arthritis can only be confirmed by a vet exam and X-rays.
What score should I start joint supplements at?
4 or above is worth starting everyday care. Large breeds and higher-risk breeds can start from adulthood even at 0–3. Supplements are a long game - most owners see a difference after 4 to 8 weeks.
My dog is already limping - are supplements enough?
Limping, yelping in pain or suddenly refusing to put a paw down all mean it's time to see your vet right away. Supplements are everyday support, not a substitute for vet care - ask your vet whether they suit your dog alongside it.
This tool is general pet care information and is not a veterinary assessment. Supplements are everyday support and cannot replace a vet's assessment and care. If signs continue, please see your vet.
