Quick answer: an older dog who is slowing down is often sore rather than simply old. Arthritis is a common reason, and the PDSA lists "slowing down on walks" as one of its signs. But heart problems, an underactive thyroid, weight gain and other illnesses can look the same, so the right first step is a vet check, not a supplement. If your vet finds stiff joints, a daily joint supplement alongside pain relief, weight control and gentle exercise can help keep your dog moving. Our recommendation: MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews, a soft chew with all six key joint actives and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Transparency note: this page is written by MedPaw, which makes a joint supplement. Sources are linked so you can check them. Checked 9 October 2026.
Why old dogs slow down
Dogs rarely cry out with long-term pain. Instead they do less: they lag behind on walks, stop jumping on the sofa, sleep more and get up slowly. That is why slowing down is so easy to put down to age. The common reasons include:
- Arthritis. The PDSA's list of arthritis signs includes slowing down on walks, stiffness after rest, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and being quiet, grumpy or sleeping more.
- Muscle loss. Dogs lose muscle with age and with inactivity, and weaker muscles make every walk harder. See the best supplement for a dog losing muscle.
- Weight gain. Extra weight puts more strain on joints and makes exercise tiring.
- Hormone problems. An underactive thyroid can cause low energy, weight gain and struggling to keep up on walks.
- Heart and breathing problems, and other illness. Tiring quickly, coughing or breathlessness on walks needs a vet.
- Eyesight, hearing or cognitive changes, which can make dogs hesitant and less keen to explore.
For the full symptom picture, read why is my dog stiff and slowing down? and spotting arthritis in older dogs.
When to see a vet
Book a check-up if your dog has been slowing down for a few weeks, even if it seems mild. Go sooner, or the same day, if you notice:
- Coughing, breathlessness, a blue or pale tongue, or fainting on walks
- Collapse, or sudden weakness in the legs
- Drinking or weeing much more than usual
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain, or a pot belly with thinning coat
- Limping, yelping, or not wanting to be touched
- Confusion, getting stuck in corners, or changes in sleep pattern
Supplements are not painkillers and won't treat any of these. If your dog is in pain, your vet can prescribe pain relief, and many owners are surprised how much "old age" lifts once pain is controlled. Our senior health check guide explains what to expect.
What actually helps, vet and lifestyle first
- Treat the pain. If your vet diagnoses arthritis, pain relief is the foundation. See what you can safely give a dog for joint pain.
- Get the weight right. Older dogs often need fewer calories. Ask your vet or nurse to body condition score your dog and set a target.
- Keep moving, gently. Regular short walks are better than a long weekend hike. The PDSA warns that a sudden increase in exercise can make an arthritic dog stiff and sore. See exercising older dogs safely.
- Hydrotherapy or physiotherapy. Both can build strength without strain. Ask your vet for a referral to a hydrotherapy centre or physiotherapist.
- Make home easier. A warm, supportive bed, rugs on slippery floors and a ramp for the car. Our guide to adapting your home has more.
What to look for in a supplement
A joint supplement won't give an old dog back its youth, and anyone who promises that is overselling. What it can do is support the joints so your dog stays comfortable enough to keep walking, which in turn protects muscle. Here is what the evidence says:
Common supplement actives, graded by the evidence
| Active | What the evidence says | In MedPaw? |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 (EPA and DHA, usually fish oil) | The strongest evidence for comfort in dogs with arthritis in the 2022 review of 72 trials (Barbeau-Grégoire et al.) | Not as a fish oil. Green-lipped mussel is a natural source, but MedPaw doesn't replace a fish oil your vet recommends |
| Green-lipped mussel | Some small positive studies; weaker overall than omega-3 | Yes, 70mg per chew |
| Glucosamine and chondroitin | Widely used for cartilage support, but did not relieve pain in that 2022 review | Yes, 170mg and 70mg per chew |
| MSM, Boswellia, hyaluronic acid | Few, small studies in dogs; evidence is limited | Yes: MSM 185mg, Boswellia 30mg, plus hyaluronic acid |
| Protein | The building block of muscle; it comes from your dog's food, not a joint chew | No |
For an older dog, the practical points matter too. Pick something your dog will eat every day without a fight, which often rules out large tablets for fussy seniors or dogs with worn teeth. And choose a guarantee that gives you at least six to eight weeks to see whether it suits your dog.
How MedPaw fits
MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews: the facts
| MedPaw | |
|---|---|
| Format | Soft chicken and bacon flavour chew, given like a treat |
| Joint actives per chew | All six key joint actives: MSM 185mg, glucosamine 170mg, chondroitin 70mg, green-lipped mussel 70mg, Boswellia serrata 30mg, plus hyaluronic acid |
| Also per chew | Vitamin C 33mg, vitamin E 24 IU, zinc 3mg |
| How much | By your dog's weight, doubled for the first three weeks (see the feeding guide) |
| Guarantee | 60 days from delivery, for any reason; email bark@medpaw.co.uk, nothing to send back |
| Allergens | Contains mollusc (green-lipped mussel) and gluten (brewer's yeast); not suitable for dogs with a shellfish allergy |
| What it isn't | A medicine or painkiller. It's a complementary feed that supports joint health |
Our recommendation: once your vet has checked your dog and stiff joints are part of the picture, start MedPaw alongside the vet's plan. It's a soft chew most dogs take like a treat, it has all six key joint actives, and you have 60 days from delivery to decide whether it suits your dog. Give it six to eight weeks, longer for older dogs, and keep a weekly note of walks, stairs and getting up. If your dog has a health condition or takes medication, ask your vet first. Try MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews.
Choosing for an older dog generally? See the best joint supplements for senior dogs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best supplement for an old dog that's slowing down?
First find out why your dog is slowing down, because heart, thyroid and other problems need treatment, not a supplement. If your vet finds stiff joints, look for a joint supplement with a broad set of actives in a format your dog will take every day. We'd recommend MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews, with all six key joint actives and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Ask your vet about omega-3 fish oil too.
Is it normal for an old dog to slow down?
Some slowing with age is normal, but a lot of it is pain. Signs like stiffness after rest, lagging on walks, not jumping up and sleeping more are also signs of arthritis, which your vet can treat. It's always worth a check-up rather than putting it down to age.
Can a supplement give my old dog more energy?
A joint supplement doesn't add energy. If stiff joints are why your dog is doing less, supporting the joints alongside pain relief can help them move more comfortably. Low energy can also be a sign of illness such as an underactive thyroid, so see your vet.
At what age should I start my dog on a joint supplement?
There's no fixed age. Many owners start when they first notice stiffness or slowing down, or when their vet mentions early arthritis. Larger breeds and dogs with a history of joint problems may benefit from starting sooner; ask your vet.
How long does a joint supplement take to work in an older dog?
Allow six to eight weeks, and up to three months for older dogs. Keep a simple weekly record of how your dog gets up, walks and handles stairs so you can judge it fairly.
Can my old dog take a joint supplement with their medication?
Many dogs do, but check with your vet first, especially if your dog has a condition such as kidney or liver disease or takes regular medication. Take the tub along so they can see the label.
