Canine Arthritis Symptom Tracker

Weekly Pain & Mobility Log

Managing your dog’s arthritis is a journey that requires careful observation and attention. This printable tracker is designed to help you monitor your dog’s symptoms week by week. By recording these small changes, you can identify patterns, assess the effectiveness of a new treatment, and provide your veterinarian with clear, detailed information during your next visit.

Download via this link: https://goldenpawscare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Canine-Arthritis-Symptom-Tracker.pdf

How to Use This Tracker:

Observe Consistently: Fill out this sheet once a week, preferably on the same day and at the same time (e.g., every Sunday morning). Stiffness is often most noticeable after a period of rest.
Use the Scoring System: For each activity, rate your dog’s ability on a scale of 1 to 5. Be as objective as possible.
Take Notes: The “Notes” section is crucial. Use it to mention anything relevant, such as “Seemed stiffer after a long walk yesterday,” “Started a new joint supplement,” or “Weather was very cold and damp.”

Weekly Tracking Sheet

Week of: ___________________

Activity / Symptom to Observe	Score (1-5)	Notes (e.g., time of day, specific struggles)
Getting Up from Lying Down
Walking / General Gait
Climbing Stairs
Jumping (onto the couch/into the car)
Willingness to Play or Walk
General Mood / Behavior

Scoring Key

Use this guide to rate each of the activities listed above.

1 = Excellent: No visible stiffness or sign of pain. Moves with ease.
2 = Mild: Slight stiffness or hesitation that quickly disappears with movement.
3 = Moderate: Noticeable stiffness, limping, or slowness. Reluctant to perform the activity.
4 = Severe: Significant difficulty performing the activity. Obvious limping and signs of pain.
5 = Very Severe: Unable or unwilling to perform the activity at all. May cry out in pain.

⚠️ When to Call Your Veterinarian

This tracker is a tool for monitoring, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your vet immediately if you observe:

A sudden and dramatic negative change in mobility.
Crying out in pain when moving or being touched.
Inability to get up or support their own weight.
Dragging one or more limbs.
A complete loss of appetite alongside worsening mobility.