Senior Dog Stiffness: Signs to Record Before a Veterinary Appointment

Owners often describe an older dog as slowing down, but slowing down is a general impression rather than clinical information. Recording specifics turns that impression into something your veterinarian can assess. This article is preparation guidance only and does not diagnose or recommend treatment.

General education only. This article does not diagnose conditions, recommend treatments, or provide dosing. Every medication decision must be made with your veterinarian, who knows your pet's history and current health.

What to record

Movement

• Difficulty getting up from lying down, and how long it takes.
• Stair use, jumping into a vehicle, or getting onto furniture.
• Whether stiffness is worse first thing in the morning or after rest.
• Slipping on hard floors.

Activity

• Walk length compared with six months ago.
• Whether the dog lags behind or wants to turn back.
• Recovery after activity, including the following day.

Behaviour

• Changes in sleep position or where the dog chooses to rest.
• Reluctance to be touched in certain areas.
• Changes in mood, appetite, or interaction with the household.

Alberta specific factors worth noting

Cold snaps, icy sidewalks, and long winter stretches with less activity can all change how an older dog moves. Note whether the pattern tracks with the weather, because that is useful context for your veterinarian in Calgary or Edmonton.

Questions to ask

• What did the examination find, and which joints or areas are involved?
• Do you recommend imaging or bloodwork?
• Could anything other than joint changes explain this?
• What should I be tracking between appointments?
• If medication is prescribed, what monitoring goes with it?

If a long term prescription follows

Ongoing medication for an older dog is a recurring cost, so it is reasonable to ask your veterinarian about the expected monthly commitment. Once a prescription is sent to VetFaster, delivery across Alberta within 72 hours, and you may save up to 40% on eligible prescribed pet medications compared with typical clinic pricing.

How ordering works with VetFaster

VetFaster is a prescription coordination and delivery service. It is not a veterinary clinic and does not decide what your pet is prescribed. Your veterinarian writes the prescription and sends it to VetFaster directly by fax at +1 825-256-5399, then the order is filled and shipped to you.

• Your veterinarian examines your pet and issues the prescription.
• The clinic sends the prescription to VetFaster on your behalf.
• You can create a VetFaster account and review your order online.
• Delivery across Alberta within 72 hours.

You can read the full process on the How It Works page, browse what is stocked on the pet medication catalogue, or check coverage on the Alberta service area page.

Next step

For senior dog prescriptions your veterinarian authorizes, VetFaster can handle ongoing refills. Sign up with VetFaster and ask your veterinary clinic to send the prescription over by fax. Questions first? Use the contact page or read the frequently asked questions.

Related reading

• What to ask when your dog is limping
• Librela for dogs in Alberta
• Metacam vs Rimadyl: cost and access differences