Spaniel Training and Dog Care

Joints, Mobility and Pain in Spaniels: Limping, Stiffness and What to Do

Spaniels are athletic dogs. They run hard, jump without thinking, twist at speed, crash through cover, and often ignore discomfort until it becomes impossible to hide. That’s why joint and mobility issues are so important to understand — not just in older spaniels, but in young, active dogs too.

A spaniel that is slowing down, limping, stiff after rest, or reluctant to jump isn’t being lazy. It usually means something hurts, something feels unstable, or something has become inflamed. This hub will help you spot the early signs, know what to do immediately, and understand when to seek veterinary help.

Key guides in this section

Start here: limping and sudden changes

Stiffness, slowing down and reluctance to jump

Arthritis support and comfort at home

Prevention: reducing flare-ups and injury risk

Related health hubs

Related training support

Injury prevention and long-term mobility

Related health hubs

Related training support

Important: This page provides general guidance. If your spaniel is in pain, cannot bear weight, or symptoms worsen quickly, contact your vet.

Common signs of joint or mobility problems in spaniels

Many spaniels show subtle signs long before a dramatic limp appears. Watch for:

  • limping or favouring one leg
  • stiffness when getting up (especially after sleep)
  • slowing down on walks
  • reluctance to jump into the car or onto the sofa
  • hesitation on stairs
  • bunny hopping (often back leg discomfort)
  • “warm up” effect (stiff at first, then better once moving)
  • licking a specific joint or paw
  • yelping when turning sharply or jumping
  • changes in posture or back arching
  • struggling to settle comfortably
  • reduced enthusiasm for play or recall games

If your dog has become more irritable, clingy, or restless at night, pain can sometimes be the hidden cause.

When limping needs urgent vet advice

Some mobility issues are mild and improve quickly with rest. Others should be treated as urgent.

Contact your vet urgently if your spaniel:

  • cannot bear weight on a leg
  • has sudden severe pain (yelping, shaking, panting)
  • has swelling around a joint
  • has a wound, bleeding, or suspected puncture
  • seems unwell (lethargy, fever, refusal to eat)
  • shows signs of spinal pain (arched back, weakness, wobbling)
  • has paralysis, dragging limbs, or loss of coordination
  • has a limp that worsens over 24–48 hours

If in doubt, it’s always safer to get advice early.

Why spaniels are prone to mobility issues

Spaniels can run through injury, which means problems often develop quietly before they become obvious.

Common contributing factors include:

  • high energy + sudden bursts of speed
  • slippery floors at home
  • too much repetitive ball throwing
  • jumping out of cars or off furniture
  • rough play with other dogs
  • overexercise in young dogs (growth plates still developing)
  • being overweight (extra strain on joints)
  • poor warm-up before hard running
  • old injuries that never fully settled

Some joint issues are “wear and tear” and some are acute injuries that need rest and treatment.

The most common causes of limping and stiffness

Mobility issues can have many causes. These are the most common patterns in spaniels.

1) Soft tissue strains and sprains

These are extremely common and often happen after:

  • sudden sprints
  • skidding
  • twisting turns
  • jumping awkwardly

Often improves with rest, but can worsen if the dog keeps running.

2) Paw injuries and foreign bodies

Before assuming “it’s a joint”, check:

  • pads for cuts
  • cracks or torn nails
  • grass seeds between toes
  • debris lodged under fur

Spaniels commonly pick up small injuries in rough terrain.

3) Arthritis and chronic inflammation

Often seen in older dogs, but can appear earlier if:

  • the dog has had injuries
  • there’s underlying joint weakness
  • the dog is overweight

Arthritis often shows:

  • stiffness after rest
  • improved movement after warming up
  • reduced willingness to jump
  • slower pace on walks

4) Hip, knee or elbow problems

Limping can originate from deeper joints.

Signs often include:

  • recurring lameness in the same leg
  • difficulty sitting squarely
  • bunny hopping
  • reluctance to go upstairs
  • changes in gait

5) Back pain (sometimes mistaken for limb pain)

Some dogs look “lame” when the problem is spinal discomfort.

Signs include:

  • arched back
  • reluctance to bend or turn
  • yelping when lifted
  • tightness through the body
  • wobbliness or weakness

Back issues should always be treated seriously.

The 48-hour mobility plan (what to do first)

If your spaniel is limping or stiff, the best early plan is simple.

Step 1: Reduce activity immediately

No chasing, jumping, off-lead running, or rough play.

A common mistake is:
“My dog seems fine after 10 minutes”
…then they sprint, flare it up again, and the healing clock resets.

Keep walks short and calm.

Step 2: Check paws and nails carefully

Look for:

  • torn claws
  • cuts
  • swelling between toes
  • grass seeds
  • tenderness

Many limps are paw-related.

Step 3: Track the pattern

Ask:

  • is it worse after rest?
  • worse after exercise?
  • one leg or shifting?
  • does it improve through the day?

These details matter if you speak to your vet.

Step 4: Prevent slipping at home

Slippery floors can worsen strains fast.
Use rugs or limit access temporarily.

Step 5: Book vet advice if it doesn’t improve

If there is no clear improvement in 24–48 hours, or your dog is in pain, it’s time for proper assessment.

Preventing joint flare-ups in active spaniels

You don’t need to stop your spaniel being a spaniel. You just need to reduce the injury triggers.

Build controlled fitness (not chaotic fitness)

Spaniels often get fit by:

  • sprinting
  • twisting
  • launching
    Which is the highest injury risk style of movement.

A better plan includes:

  • calm lead walks for baseline conditioning
  • structured off-lead time
  • short training drills instead of endless ball chasing
  • rest days after heavy activity

Reduce repetitive ball throwing

Constant stop-start sprinting is hard on joints and soft tissues.

If your dog loves retrieving:

  • throw fewer reps
  • vary direction
  • use controlled releases
  • add rest between throws

This protects joints and builds steadier behaviour too.

➡️ Related: /spaniel-training/impulse-control/

Keep your spaniel at a healthy weight

Even small weight gain increases strain on hips, knees, and elbows.

➡️ Related hub: /spaniel-health/weight-management/

Support safe jumping habits

If your spaniel launches off furniture or out of the car:

  • teach a pause
  • add a step or ramp if needed
  • reward calm exits

Warm up before hard running

A few minutes of walking and gentle movement before sprints reduces strain risk.

Common questions spaniel owners ask

“My spaniel limps but still wants to run — what do I do?”

Most spaniels will keep going even when hurt. Treat the limp as real and restrict movement. If you allow running, you can turn a mild strain into weeks of recovery.

“It comes and goes — does that mean it’s nothing?”

No. Recurring lameness often means:

  • underlying inflammation
  • instability
  • joint weakness
  • incomplete healing
    It’s a common pattern with joint problems.

“How do I tell stiffness from laziness?”

A dog that looks reluctant at first, then “loosens up” after moving is often stiff. Laziness doesn’t usually improve dramatically once moving.

Where to go next

Joint and mobility issues are often supported by lifestyle pillars too:

  • injury prevention: /injury-prevention/
  • preventative health: /preventative-care/
  • weight control: /spaniel-health/weight-management/