Pet Evidence PROJECT

Canine Arthritis Screener

This quick questionnaire can help you recognize signs of arthritis in your dog. Early detection and management can improve your dog's comfort and quality of life.

This educational screening aid cannot diagnose arthritis or any other medical condition and directs owners to seek veterinary evaluation.

Senior golden retriever resting on a cream rug at home
  • Quick & Easy Takes about 2–3 minutes
    to complete.
  • Evidence-Based Based on published
    veterinary research.
  • Private & Secure Your responses stay on
    your device.

Important: This screening tool is not a diagnostic test and does not replace veterinary consultation. Similar signs may be caused by orthopedic, neurologic, muscular, or other medical conditions. Only a veterinarian can determine the underlying cause.

Tell us about your dog

In the past 7 days, has your dog...

Select one answer for each question.

Question 1: Does your dog limp or appear stiff after exercise?
Question 2: Do you think your dog shows signs of pain?
Question 3: Is your dog reluctant to climb stairs or jump?
Question 4: Does your dog have difficulty rising from a resting position?
Question 5: Have you noticed a change in your dog's behaviour?
Question 6: Does your dog tire easily or lag behind during walks?

0 of 6 questions answered.

Your privacy: The information you enter into this screening tool stays on your device. Pet Evidence Project does not collect, transmit, or store your pet’s information or screening responses.

About This Screener

  • Six owner-reported questions adapted from published veterinary research.
  • Intended to identify mobility signs that may warrant veterinary evaluation.
  • Not a diagnosis; many conditions can cause similar signs.
  • Final content medically reviewed before publication.

The score is an educational screening aid, not a validated diagnostic cutoff.

Reference:

This screening tool was adapted from published veterinary research. For further information, owners may review the source publication:

Wright A, Amodie DM, Cernicchiaro N, Lascelles BDX, Pavlock AM, Roberts C, Bartram DJ. Identification of canine osteoarthritis using an owner-reported questionnaire and treatment monitoring using functional mobility tests. Journal of Small Animal Practice. 2022;63(8):609–618. doi: 10.1111/jsap.13500. PMID: 35385129.

View source on PubMed

We're here to help you give your senior dog the best life possible.

Explore evidence-based resources to support joint health and overall well-being.

Explore Joint Health Articles Back to Senior Dog Corner
Ask your veterinarian about formal mobility assessment tools

Veterinarians may use validated questionnaires and clinical assessments to evaluate and monitor dogs with suspected osteoarthritis. One example is the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire. Owners may ask their veterinarian whether a tool such as LOAD is appropriate for their dog.