Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Senior dog sleeping more, struggling to get up. Is it aging or pain?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog seems to be sleeping more and having a harder time getting up from her bed. She's 7 years old, is this just part of getting older? Anything I can do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Amber W

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on December 11th, 2017

Hi there! Your dog may be getting sore and arthritic, which would make it harder for her to get up when she's laying down. There are many possible treatments for arthritis in dogs, including pain medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, Adequan injections, laser treatments, specially-formulated foods, and a variety of supplements.

It would be a great idea to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to determine if treatment is needed at this time and, if so, which treatment would be more appropriate. Please remember there are no safe over the counter pain medications for dogs, so you will need to have these prescribed by a veterinarian.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and best of luck to you and your dog!

228Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 3rd, 2017
Unfortunately you can't give her anything, pain killers that we use for us are toxic to dogs, if she needs pain meds you will need to get a prescription from your vet, in the meantime keep her rested, minimum walks and see hoe she is by the end of the weekend.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Witt, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 30th, 2018
Unfortunately there is no safe medications over the counter for pain. It sounds like she is having some arthritis flare-ups which is very common at this age in large dogs. I would get Bella on a good glucosamine/chondroitin supplement. It will take a while to reach good levels but after 4-6 weeks it should really help her out. You can talk to your veterinarian about a good brand they recommend. They can also prescribe her some anti-inflammatories to use for pain.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog struggles to get up after lying down. What's happening?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Pepper. Poor girl. It could be she has arthritis, hip dysplasia, or a problem with her back causing her difficulty getting up. Arthritis is common in middle aged to older dogs. I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose if she is suffering from arthritis, and can give her some pain meds for it. Rimadyl (an NSAID) is a good drug to give to help with the symptoms of arthritis. I also recommend giving her glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate supplements. They provide the necessary nutrients for cartilage repair and function. Use of them helps relieve some of the symptoms of arthritis, and you can use it in conjunction with Rimadyl to help maximize relief from her symptoms. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why is my senior dog suddenly in pain and struggling to get up?

Since he’s still eating this is most likely from pain not an internal organ problem. There is a good chance he over did it and he has arthritis pain. I recommend giving him a gentle massage, and getting him up for several short walks during the day. Once he’s up and moving a little he should feel better. Bring him in Monday for an exam and a senior work up if he hasn’t had one lately. They may do X-rays to check his joints. They can then tell you whether it’s arthritis or a more serious medical problem. There is prescription medication for his pain and he should be back to his old self in a few days. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Milo.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why won't my senior dog get up? She's limping, shaking, bloated.

Hello, while I am glad you have been using a good joint supplement, it sounds like your girl needs some more serious pain medication for her osteoarthritis. There are many to choose from, and they can literally give an aging pet a new lease on life. I have literally seen crippled dogs that owners wanted to euthanize become happy, active pets. The first thing to do is see your veterinarian for a thorough exam, blood work & possible x-rays & hopefully start your pet on a medication to ease her pain. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My old dog struggles to stand and seems in pain. What's wrong?

The most likely cause for your dog's pain would be arthritis based on her age and the description of the problem you provided. Arthritis is an extremely common condition in dogs. I suggest you take her to your vet for an exam. There are definitely good medications that can be used to make her feel better. ( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=8896028 )

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My older dog won't jump on furniture and seems slow. What's wrong?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Diamond is adorable! It does sound like she is somewhat painful as she is hesitant to do normal activities. This can be caused by arthritis - pretty much any joint can be affected as well as the spine. Your vet can perform a thorough orthopedic exam and x-rays to isolate the signs to a particular part of the body. Certain conditions such as Lyme disease and autoimmune disease also cause generalized joint pain and can be ruled out with bloodwork. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you have about Diamond!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog sleeping all day, won't get up, and randomly squeaking?

Poor Shaggy sound very lethargic! If he doesn't want to get up and is randomly squeaking, he could be in pain. Arthritis is very common in older dogs. I would take Shaggy into the vet for an exam first thing in the morning. The vet can diagnose if he is suffering from arthritis, and can give him some pain meds for it. Rimadyl (an NSAID) is a good drug to give to help with the symptoms of arthritis. I also recommend giving him glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate supplements. They provide the necessary nutrients for cartilage repair and function. Use of them helps relieve some of the symptoms of arthritis, and you can use it in conjuction with Rimadyl to help maximize relief from his symptoms.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my senior dog suddenly struggling to get up and climb stairs?

As a 16 year old dog it is almost a given that Nokie has some serious arthritis and that while she probably has been having pain for a few years now but did not show it, the pain now is so bad that she is afraid to jump up on the bed or climb stairs. In severe arthritis cases like that the quality of life can be significantly improved by giving NSAIDs which take inflammation away and therefore pain. Make an appointment with your vet for an exam and a blood test to verify that her kidneys and liver are working properly and then your vet can prescribe NSAIDs or pain medicine for Nokie. At the same time the vet can rule out other causes of weakness.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share