5 signs your older dog needs a mobility routine

2026-09-29 · Theo Lark & Biscuit

Stiffness in older dogs creeps in slowly. Here are five signs worth noticing:

• Slow to get up after a nap, especially in the morning.
• Hesitating before stairs, the car or the couch.
• Shorter strides or a slightly stiff back end on walks.
• Sitting down partway through walks they used to love.
• Licking or nibbling at a leg or joint.

What helps

Gentle, regular movement usually beats occasional long walks. A few minutes a day of stretches and slow balance work can make a real difference. Always talk to your vet first, especially if anything seems painful.

Our 30-Day Joint Mobility Plan has ten-minute sessions you can do in the lounge room, with a photo for every exercise.