New free app helps owners spot early signs of joint pain in their dogs

Gourley Veterinary Surgeons in Ashton-under-Lyne has launched a pioneering new campaign this autumn to help local dog owners identify the often-missed signs of arthritis in their pets.

Running throughout November and December, the initiative aims to raise awareness of arthritis, one of the most common yet overlooked conditions affecting dogs, and to introduce owners to DogMA, a free, easy-to-use app designed to help monitor dogs’ mobility from home.

Arthritis is a chronic joint condition that can affect dogs of all ages. Arthritis causes pain, inflammation and stiffness of the joints. When people talk about Arthritis, they are usually referring to Osteoarthritis, the most common type. Other types of Arthritis can occur less commonly in our pets, such as Septic Arthritis due to infection, or Immune-Mediated Arthritis.

 Research shows that by the age of eight, four in five dogs are living with some level of chronic joint pain. But younger dogs aren’t immune, factors such as excess weight, previous injuries, high-impact exercise, and breed type can all contribute to early-onset arthritis, particularly in larger breeds.

Recognising arthritis can be tricky. In younger dogs, joint pain may appear as reluctance to play, changes in behaviour, or difficulties with training. In older pets, signs are often mistaken for simply “slowing down” with age.

Symptoms of Arthritis can, therefore, be subtle, but include:

• Lameness
• Unwillingness to walk/reduced enthusiasm
• Reluctance to climb or descend stairs
• Difficulty getting comfortable
• Sleeping more than usual
• Changes in temperament or behaviour
• Seeming lethargic or depressed
• Licking the joints
• Pacing at night
• Weakness of the hind-limbs
• Difficulty toileting
• Changes to posture or appearance

The newly launched DogMA app, developed by the University of Liverpool, provides a simple and scientifically validated way for owners to assess their dog’s mobility at home. The app guides users through a structured questionnaire, tracks changes over time, and offers personalised advice on when to seek veterinary support.

Additional features include medication diaries, exercise tracking, and reminders for follow-up assessments. Owners can also share their app reports directly with their vet, enabling more coordinated and proactive care.

Amanda Smith, Clinical Director at Gourley Veterinary Surgeons Ashton-under-Lyne, explained: “Just like people, dogs can develop arthritis at any age. But unlike people, they can’t tell us how they feel. Many dogs are experts at hiding pain, and the signs can be subtle - especially if more than one leg is affected.

“The great news is that early detection makes a real difference. With the right treatment, we can slow down arthritis and help dogs stay active and comfortable for longer. We encourage all dog owners, whether their pets are young or old, to use DogMA for routine monitoring, especially before their annual check-ups.”

By completing the guided assessments, owners also contribute anonymised data to the University of Liverpool, helping to advance veterinary research into canine mobility across the UK.