Hi everyone. I have no doubt several of you on here have had experience with a dog with arthritis at some point, so I thought I'd pick your brains. My eldest BC is just 10. He was a rescue at 16 months and didn't have the best, or healthiest start in life, but he has enjoyed an active (obedience/agility/flyball) life. I have noticed recently that if he runs too hard, he get stiff on his back legs after he has rested. 10 mins or so later he's fine again. He is also nibbling his front legs, mainly around the joints. He doesn't want to slow down, although I have made him, and mentally he is still 2. I still do elementary jumping at comps (jumps are 2') and that doesn't affect him at all. He has no problem with contact equipment either, although again, I don't let him. I have put him on glucosamine to help relieve any aches he may have. Do you think this is early arthritis, or just a dog getting older and stiffer? People at agility think I am being too paranoid and should let him run if he wants. I don't want to make him worse and so as he can't decide for himself, I have decided for him to slow down. Help!

Hi Claire

I would get him checked out by your vet as there are drugs that can be given if it is arthritis to keep him pain free

He had his yearly check up at the vets back in August and the vet pronounced him fitter than most dogs half his age, but I don't always trust vets, especially temporary ones. He didn't really seem to be listening to what I was telling him. There is a vet who goes to my agility club and I trust her, but don't like to ask as it's a bit of a busman's holiday for her!