“She’s just getting older.”
It’s a phrase I hear often at Rouse Hill Family Vets. Many pet parents chalk up their dog’s slowing pace, stiff movements, or reluctance to jump as “just age.” But what if your dog is actually trying to tell you something more?
What’s Really Behind the Slowdown?
While age does bring natural changes, slowing down isn’t always normal. It can be a subtle sign of pain, joint disease, or other health concerns that are manageable — and in some cases, treatable.
I’ve recently seen several senior dogs whose owners thought they were “just getting old.” After a check-up, we uncovered arthritis, spinal discomfort, and even hidden injuries. With the right care, these dogs are now moving more freely — and enjoying life again.
The truth is, dogs are experts at hiding pain. By the time you notice stiffness, slower walks, or reluctance to play, they may have been coping quietly for months.
Why Ignoring It Can Hurt
Left unaddressed, stiffness and reduced activity can:
- Progress into chronic pain.
- Reduce your dog’s quality of life.
- Lead to muscle loss, making it harder for your dog to bounce back.
- Shorten the years they spend active and happy with you.
Slowing down doesn’t just affect mobility — it affects your dog’s whole outlook on life. Imagine how frustrating it would feel to want to run, play, or jump on the couch but your body won’t let you.
The Good News: Help Is Available
Here’s the positive side: with early intervention, many dogs get back to wagging tails and active walks. Advances in veterinary medicine mean we can:
- Manage arthritis and pain with targeted treatments.
- Create personalised rehab programs to improve mobility.
- Use acupuncture, laser, TENS and PEMF as a gentle, drug-free way to relieve pain and improve comfort.
- Offer weight and diet plans to reduce joint strain.
- Recommend at-home exercises that boost strength and flexibility.
One of my favourite cases recently has been Elsa who I have been treating with regular rehabilitation appointments. Since starting her rehab journey with me, we have been able to reduce her medication, improve her pain control and significantly improve her flexibility. Whilst we are not stopping the aging process, we are actively improving her quality of life.
The Myth of “Just Old Age”
A common misconception is that all older dogs must slow down. But stiffness, limping, or hesitation on walks aren’t simply “part of ageing” — they’re signs worth investigating. In fact, once pain is addressed, I often see dogs act years younger, with a spark in their step that their owners thought was gone forever.
How We Can Help at Rouse Hill Family Vets
At Rouse Hill Family Vets, we take mobility seriously. Our services include:
- Senior wellness checks designed to spot hidden pain early.
- Personalised rehabilitation programs run by our trained team.
- Acupuncture treatments to support pain relief and healing.
- Weight checks and tailored diet plans to support joint health.
- Fear Free visits to ensure your dog feels safe and comfortable throughout care.
Ready to Help Your Dog Move Freely Again?
If you’ve noticed your dog slowing down, don’t wait. Book an appointment today so we can uncover what’s really going on — and get your best friend back to enjoying walks, games, and cuddles.
I truly believe your dog doesn’t have to accept “just slowing down.” With the right care, they can rediscover the joy of movement — and you’ll get more of those happy, tail-wagging years together.
Warm wishes,
Dr Belinda
