There's a moment many dog owners know well, though they prefer not to talk about it. It's that instant when you realize your dog hesitates before jumping onto the couch, or goes down the stairs more carefully than before, or no longer bolts at the sight of the leash with the same excitement as always. It's easy to think, "he's just getting old" or "he had a rough day." But often, there's more to those small changes.

Joint problems in dogs, especially osteoarthritis and hip or elbow dysplasia, are much more common than believed. And most importantly: their signs appear long before pain becomes evident. Learning to recognize them can completely change your furry friend's quality of life.