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My old dog limps, stiff. Is it arthritis? What joint supplements help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 12 years and 4 months old | 44 lbs

Hi, My dog is 12 years old and has started to limp more often with his front left leg. He is very stiff in the morning I wander if he has developed arthritis as he has not sustained an injury or over exerted himself. He is still eating and drinking and keen to go for gentle walks (he lets me know when he's had enough). I wander if he will need some pain relief and/or supplements to help. Many Thanks Samantha

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 21st, 2017

Arthritis is definitely a possibility. You could start him on a joint supplement, like Dasuquin and see if that helps. Your vet could also take an x-ray to evaluate for arthritis and then start him on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, like Deramaxx, Previcox, Rimadyl, etc. NSAIDs help relieve the discomfort associated with arthritis.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, thanks for using Petcoach! It is very likely that JT has arthritis at his age. We do not recommend any human over the counter anti-inflammatories as dogs handle them differently than humans and can interfere with prescriptions your Vet may want to prescribe in the future, With that being said, safer things to try are a glucosamine/chondroitin. I like Dasuquin. And starting Omega 3 fish oils. I like Omega benefits. If JT gets worse or doesn't improve I recommend seeing your Vet for safer anti-inflammatory options or X-rays. Good luck! http://vrshealth.com/canine-products/canine-omega-benefits/ https://www.chewy.com/s?query=Nutramax+Dasuquin&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzv6hl52a1QIVhjqBCh2r7QS2EAAYASAAEgJT3_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

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