If your senior dog hesitates at the stairs, struggles to rise after naps, or has lost their enthusiasm for walks, you're witnessing changes that millions of older dog owners face. This episode explores the progressive mobility challenges that transform energetic companions into cautious, sometimes painful versions of themselves. Whether your aging pup is a large breed showing early signs at five or a smaller dog entering their golden years, understanding what's happening inside those joints can help you provide the comfort and quality of life they deserve.

• Osteoarthritis affects approximately one in five adult dogs, with prevalence increasing significantly in geriatric populations—and it develops so gradually that many owners don't notice until the condition has significantly progressed.

• The classic "old dog stif ...