Like people, many dogs lose mobility as they age. The “slowing down” that so many pet owners witness can be due to several causes, and may occur gradually over years or more quickly over weeks to months. Eventually, some dogs reach a point where navigating daily life becomes a struggle.
Arthritis is the most common cause of a senior dog’s inability to walk, but neurologic problems, injuries, or chronic disease can also contribute. Treatment can help many of these dogs, but when mobility severely limits quality of life, it may be time to consider saying goodbye.
The Lap of Love team explains what mobility decline looks like in senior dogs, how it can affect your dog’s daily life, and how to know whether treatment, support, or end-of-life care is the best next step.
Causes of mobility decline in senior dogs
The most common cause of mobility decline in older dogs is arthritis. This degenerative and inflammatory condition causes a cycle of joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and damage that can make movement increasingly difficult over time. However, arthritis isn’t the only reason older dogs slow down. Other reasons a senior dog can’t walk or move normally may include:
* Neurologic diseases like degenerative myelopathy
* Hip or elbow dysplasia that affects body mechanics
* Spinal problems like intervertebral disc disease or tumors
* Muscle wasting from medications or illness
* Cognitive decline that affects coordination
Mobility issues can range from mild to severe. The problem usually starts with subtle signs that worsen over weeks or months, or slowly over years. Signs that your dog has a mobility problem include:
* Hesitating or missing jumps
* Taking longer to lie down
* Slipping or falling
* Limping
* Taking stairs more slowly
Mobility decline and quality of life
Mobility problems can affect nearly every part of your dog’s (and your) life. Basic activities like going to the bathroom, getting a drink of water, or greeting family members can become more challenging. And while some mobility issues are functional, others cause significant pain.
When a senior dog can’t walk, other issues affecting quality of life can develop. These may be symptoms of the underlying disease or may occur secondary to reduced mobility. Examples include:
* Incontinence or house soiling
* Soiled skin and fur
* Sores or skin infections
* Social withdrawal
* Injuries from falls
* Personality changes
Caring for a dog with mobility issues can be physically and emotionally draining for a pet owner. Lifting, cleaning, and assisting dogs through daily tasks can quickly become overwhelming. It’s important to consider quality of life for dogs with mobility issues, as well as your own, when deciding if and when to say goodbye.
Mobility issues and suffering
Dogs can’t tell us when they’re in pain, but they often show it. Generally, a change in mobility is likely to be accompanied by some pain, but it can be difficult to gauge the extent. Checking in with your veterinarians when mobility issues arise is the best way to understand how your dog might be feeling and how you can help them at home.
Aside from mobility decline, dogs in pain may show other, often subtle, symptoms. Look for:
* Panting or trembling
* Restlessness or pacing
* Tensing or flinching when touched
* Out-of-character growling or snapping
* Decreased appetite
* Disrupted sleep patterns
* Decreased play behaviors
Your veterinarian can take clues from a physical exam, imaging tests, and your dog’s behavior to determine pain levels and decide on treatment strategies to help. They may also provide a pain scoring chart or tool to help you assess pain levels at home.
Treatment and supportive care
In many cases, treatment and support can improve comfort and help restore some mobility for senior dogs. Common treatments include:
* Anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., carprofen)
* Pain medications (e.g., gabapentin)
* Joint supplements
* Long-acting injectable pain blockers (e.g., Librela)
* Rehabilitation therapies
* Acupuncture
* Laser therapy
* Mobility aids (e.g., slings, ramps, harnesses, carts)
* Rugs and runners
* Orthopedic beds
* Non-slip products (e.g., rubber nail caps, boots)
For some dogs, treatments work well. However, mobility loss or pain can worsen over time. When treatments stop working, your vet’s focus may shift from treating a condition to providing comfort through palliative care.
The goal of palliative care is to alleviate pain and discomfort when a dog’s quality of life has severely declined. A hospice and palliative care provider like Lap of Love can help you determine the best options to help your dog and may come to your home when mobility issues limit your pup’s ability to travel to the vet.
Supportive palliative care for mobility issues could include:
* Frequent bedding changes
* Bathing and hygiene help
* Hand-feeding meals
* Strong pain medications
When palliative care measures can no longer maintain comfort, your Lap of Love veterinarian may recommend humane in-home euthanasia.
When to say goodbye to a dog with mobility issues
Many dogs with arthritis or nerve damage reach a point where they are clearly suffering, but good days interspersed with bad days can make it hard to know if you’re doing enough, waiting too long, or considering euthanasia too soon.
There is no formula for knowing when it’s time. A good rule of thumb is that when bad days outnumber the good, it may be time to let go. You must also consider your physical, emotional, and financial ability to care for your pet as their condition worsens.
A Lap of Love veterinarian can help you determine if your pet’s condition warrants euthanasia. Each dog and family is unique, but quality-of-life scales and questionnaires provided by your vet can offer an objective view of the situation. These tools may include an assessment of:
* Appetite and hydration
* Ability to relieve themselves
* Hygiene and cleanliness
* Interest in people, toys, and surroundings
* Mental distress or anxiety levels
When mobility severely compromises your pet’s ability to do anything without pain or assistance, in-home euthanasia is a valid choice.
In-home euthanasia for mobility decline
For pets with mobility issues, travel is a significant challenge. In-home euthanasia eliminates the stress and logistical challenges of transporting a sick pet, especially a larger-breed dog. It also ensures your pet feels comfortable and is surrounded by loved ones when they pass.
During an in-home euthanasia, the provider comes to your home and will perform the procedure in your chosen spot. When you’re ready, they’ll administer a sedative to help your dog relax and fall asleep, then give a second injection that stops their heart.
You may hold or speak to your pet during the process, and have other family or friends there to support you and comfort your pet as they pass.
When it’s time to say goodbye
When a senior dog can’t walk or enjoy daily life without pain, loving pet owners may choose to say goodbye. Mobility issues are often manageable for a time, but when treatments no longer help and comfort declines, a peaceful goodbye is the kindest option.
Our network of veterinarians provides end-of-life care for dogs with arthritis, helping families navigate mobility decline and quality-of-life concerns. When the time comes, our providers also offer in-home euthanasia and expert pet loss support.
Find a Lap of Love veterinarian near you to help assess your dog’s quality of life and provide comforting care for mobility decline.
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