There comes a moment when we notice it before we're told: your dog takes a little longer to get up, hesitates before jumping on the sofa, or that crazy chase after the ball isn't so crazy anymore. It's not that they're "lazy." They might be in pain.
Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are two of the most common joint problems in dogs, significantly impacting their quality of life, mood, and rest more than we usually imagine. At Pethijos, we believe that caring for our four-legged companion starts with understanding what's happening to them, and continues with providing an environment that truly helps them feel better every day. Let us tell you everything you need to know.
What is osteoarthritis in dogs?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic and degenerative disease that affects the joints. Over time, the cartilage that protects the bones wears down, causing friction, inflammation, and pain every time your dog moves, gets up, or simply changes position.
It is not exclusive to older dogs, although it is much more common in them. It can also appear in young dogs who are overweight, have a history of joint injuries, or have a genetic predisposition to hip, elbow, or knee problems.
Most common causes of canine osteoarthritis
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Age: the natural wear and tear of joints over the years.
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Overweight: every extra pound is an additional load on the joints.
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Large or giant breeds: their own body weight generates more joint pressure.
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Previous injuries: fractures, sprains, or poorly recovered surgeries.
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Untreated hip or elbow dysplasia: over time, it degenerates into secondary osteoarthritis.
Symptoms you shouldn't ignore
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Difficulty or slowness in getting up, especially after sleeping.
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Intermittent lameness, especially after exercise.
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Reluctance to climb stairs, jump on the sofa, or get into the car.
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Less desire to play or go for walks.
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Mood changes: irritability when certain areas are touched, or more apathy than usual.
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Excessive licking of a specific joint.
If you recognize two or more of these signs in your dog, the first step is always to visit your trusted veterinarian. Only a professional can confirm the diagnosis and, if necessary, indicate medical treatment (anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy, weight control, joint supplements, etc.).
Aging shouldn't hurt: a good rest makes a difference in your pet's daily mobility.
What is hip dysplasia in dogs?
Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the coxofemoral joint: the head of the femur does not fit correctly into the hip socket. This generates abnormal friction that, over time, wears down the joint and usually leads to osteoarthritis.
Unlike "classic" age-related osteoarthritis, dysplasia has a strong genetic component and often manifests during the growth stage, although sometimes the symptoms are not evident until adulthood.
Most predisposed breeds
Although it can occur in any dog, it is especially common in large and giant breeds with rapid growth:
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German Shepherd
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Labrador and Golden Retriever
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Rottweiler
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Saint Bernard
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Great Dane
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Bulldog
Warning signs in puppies and young dogs
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"Bunny hopping" gait (moving hind legs together when running).
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Difficulty climbing stairs from a young age.
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Unusual tiredness after exercise.
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Reduced muscle mass in the hindquarters.
Again, the definitive diagnosis is made by veterinary radiography. The earlier it is detected, the more options there are to slow its progression and prevent it from leading to severe osteoarthritis at an early age.
The role of rest (and the bed) in joint well-being
This is where many families are surprised: medical treatment is essential, but the place where your dog sleeps and rests every day directly influences their joint pain. A dog with osteoarthritis or dysplasia spends many more hours lying down than a healthy one, precisely because moving is more difficult for them. And if those hours are spent on a hard, thin, or poorly designed surface, every pressure point on their hips, elbows, or spine becomes an extra source of pain and inflammation.
Why a "normal" bed is not enough
Conventional beds are usually filled with fiber or low-density foam. With use, they flatten and lose their shape, allowing the dog's weight to fall directly onto the floor or base. For a healthy dog, this may go unnoticed. For a dog with osteoarthritis or dysplasia, it's like asking someone with back pain to sleep on the floor.
What a bed truly designed for this should have
Not all "orthopedic" beds are truly orthopedic, and there's a nuance here that very few brands explain well. These are the characteristics that make a real difference:
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Memory foam combined with high-density HR (high resilience) foam: this combination is the key to authentic orthopedic support. Memory foam alone adapts well to the body's shape, but if it's not supported by a high-density HR foam base, it eventually sinks and loses its support capacity under the dog's weight. It is the HR foam that withstands the real weight and prevents the bed from "bottoming out," while the memory foam is responsible for distributing pressure on the surface. Without this combination, all the promised orthopedic benefits are not met.
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Real quality certifications, such as CertiPUR-US® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, which guarantee that the foams do not lose their shape over time and that the materials are safe for your dog.
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Washable and anti-mite outer cover: dogs with reduced mobility spend more time in their bed, so hygiene is even more important.
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Non-slip base: so that the bed does not move when your dog leans on it to get up, a critical moment if they have joint pain.
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Size appropriate for their body, neither too small (forces uncomfortable postures) nor disproportionate (does not offer correct support at key points).
Our Pethijos orthopedic beds are designed precisely with this combination of certified memory foam and high-density HR foam, intended to relieve pressure on the joints and genuinely improve the quality of rest, not just superficial comfort.
Two foams, one goal: that support does not give way under weight nor sacrifice adaptability.
👉 If you want to see the model specifically designed for this, you can discover our Pethijos Memory Foam Orthopedic Bed and find the ideal size according to your dog's weight and size.
How to choose the ideal bed if your dog has osteoarthritis or dysplasia
1. Choose the size according to their actual weight, not just their breed
An overweight dog needs more support surface, not less. Always check the measurement chart (length, width, and height) before buying, and if your dog is between two sizes, always opt for the larger one.
2. Prioritize the combination of foams, not just the thickness
A very thick bed but with soft, low-density foam will sink just the same. What really makes a difference is combining memory foam (to adapt to the body) with a high-density HR foam base (to support the weight without sinking). This combination maintains its support capacity for years, while conventional filling flattens in a few months.
3. Place it in an accessible location
Place the bed in an area without steps or slippery surfaces around, so it is easy and safe for your dog to get in and out of it, without needing to jump or make additional efforts.
4. Maintain hygiene without compromising support
Look for beds with a 100% removable and machine-washable outer cover, and a waterproof interior. This way, you can maintain impeccable hygiene (essential if your dog has reduced mobility) without having to replace the entire bed.
Other habits that help care for their joints
In addition to the bed, there are small daily habits that make a difference in the daily life of a dog with osteoarthritis or dysplasia:
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Weight control: every extra pound is an additional load on the joints.
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Moderate and regular exercise, avoiding sudden jumps or very hard surfaces.
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Natural anti-inflammatory supplementation, such as turmeric, always under veterinary supervision. (We tell you more about this in our article dedicated to turmeric for dogs and its joint benefits).
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Regular veterinary check-ups, especially in predisposed breeds.
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Avoid slippery floors at home, using non-slip rugs in common areas.
Rest is also a form of love
As a multispecies family, we know there's nothing we wouldn't do to see our pet happy and pain-free. Sometimes the most important care isn't the most visible: it's that bed they lie on every night, the one that allows them to wake up with less stiffness and enjoy each walk a little more.
If you suspect your dog may have osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia, the first step is always to see your veterinarian. The second is to ensure their rest meets their needs.
Want to give your pet the rest they deserve? Discover the Pethijos Memory Foam Orthopedic Bed, designed with certified memory foam and high-density HR foam, to relieve joint pressure and improve their quality of life, night after night.