As dogs get older, it's natural for them to slow down a little. However, if your dog seems reluctant to go for walks, struggles to jump onto the sofa, or takes longer to get up after a nap, it could be more than just a sign of ageing. Joint pain is a common issue in dogs and recognising the early signs can make a real difference to their comfort and quality of life.
While it's always important to consult your vet if you're concerned about your dog's mobility, there are also simple ways you can help support your dog's muscles and joints as part of their daily routine.
Common Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs
Dogs can't tell us when they're in pain, so it's important to look for changes in their behaviour. Some of the most common signs include:
- Stiffness after resting or sleeping
- Reluctance to climb stairs or jump into the car
- Slower walks or tiring more quickly
- Limping or favouring one leg
- Difficulty standing up after lying down
- Less enthusiasm for playing or exercising
- Licking or chewing around their joints
- Changes in mood, such as becoming quieter or more irritable
If you notice any of these signs, it's worth speaking to your vet to rule out any underlying conditions and discuss the best course of action.
What Causes Joint Pain?
Joint discomfort can affect dogs of all ages, although it's more common in senior dogs.
Some common causes include:
- Age-related wear and tear
- Arthritis
- Previous injuries
- Overexercising or strenuous activity
- Carrying excess weight
- Breed-related joint conditions
Understanding what's causing the discomfort can help you manage it more effectively alongside veterinary advice.
How to Help a Dog with Joint Pain
Although joint pain can't always be prevented, there are several ways to help keep your dog comfortable.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Extra weight places additional pressure on joints, making movement more difficult. Feeding a balanced diet and keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help reduce unnecessary strain.
Gentle, Regular Exercise
Regular low-impact exercise helps keep joints moving without overloading them. Short, consistent walks are often more beneficial than long, strenuous outings.
Comfortable Resting Areas
Provide a supportive bed in a warm, dry place where your dog can rest comfortably, especially after exercise.
Massage and Muscle Care
Gentle massage can help relax tired muscles, improve circulation and provide comfort after walks or exercise.
Natural Muscle & Joint Support
When your dog needs a little extra comfort, a soothing massage with a natural muscle and joint gel can become a valuable part of their routine.
Amberley Aromatics' Muscle & Joint Relief Gel has been carefully formulated with 11 natural active ingredients to help comfort tired muscles and joints after exercise or during periods of stiffness.
Its fast-absorbing formula glides easily through the coat and onto the skin, making it ideal for massage without leaving a greasy residue.
Key natural ingredients include:
- Turmeric – traditionally used to support comfort and mobility.
- Devil's Claw – a popular botanical ingredient often used to help soothe tired joints.
- Arnica – widely recognised for its comforting properties after physical activity.
- German Chamomile Essential Oil – helps provide a calming, soothing massage experience.
- Rosemary Essential Oil – offers a naturally warming sensation to help relax tired muscles.
The gel creates a gentle warming effect that helps soothe tired muscles and joints before or after activity.
Why Choose Amberley Aromatics Muscle & Joint Relief Gel?
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Contains 11 natural active ingredients
- Ideal before or after exercise
- Naturally soothing and warming
- No artificial colours or fragrances
- Made in the UK
- Cruelty free and vegan friendly
- Recycled and recyclable packaging
Simply massage a small amount into the affected muscles or joints, avoiding broken skin, to help your dog enjoy a relaxing massage after an active day.
Please note: This product should not be used on cats. Avoid use on pregnant animals or those with epilepsy. Always avoid applying to broken skin.
Helping Your Dog Stay Active
Keeping your dog comfortable is about more than treating sore muscles, it's about supporting their overall wellbeing. Regular exercise, a healthy lifestyle, veterinary guidance and natural muscle care can all work together to help your dog stay active and enjoy life for longer.
If you're looking for a natural way to comfort tired muscles and joints, Amberley Aromatics' Muscle & Joint Relief Gel is the perfect addition to your dog's care routine, helping every massage feel soothing, warming and restorative.