the buddies mobility guide

Know what is slowing your dog down, and what actually helps

Mobility is our whole focus. Here are the three conditions UK dog owners come to us about most often — with real dog photos, symptom checks, and a 2-minute questionnaire to find the right support for your dog.

Take the 2-minute questionnaire → See conditions

80%of dogs over 8 show signs of arthritis

1 in 4dogs develop hip or joint issues

10–12×Dachshund IVDD risk vs other breeds

UK sources drawn from: PDSA Blue Cross RVC VetCompass

Hip joint pain typically here

Hip dysplasia

rear legs

A loose hip joint wears down cartilage over years. A 6-year-old Labrador who used to bound up the stairs starts pausing at the bottom, or swings both back legs together like a bunny hop.

Typical onset4–8 yrs

ProgressionGradual

Vet urgencyRoutine

Breeds most affected German Shepherd Labrador Golden Retriever Rottweiler St Bernard

3 signs to watch for

1Bunny-hop gait when running
2Stiffness after lying down
3Reluctant to jump into the car

How Buddies helps

A rear-support wheelchair takes weight off the hips on walks, so your dog stays active without grinding the joint further.

See the Buddies wheelchair →

Further reading: PDSA UK — Hip dysplasia in dogs →

Rear joints often worst first

Front joints stiffness & inflammation

Arthritis

joints

Cartilage thins with age and the joint becomes inflamed. A 9-year-old Staffy takes longer to settle after a walk, or seems fine in the garden but stiff first thing in the morning.

Typical onset8+ yrs

ProgressionSlow

Vet urgencyRoutine

Breeds most affected Staffie Border Collie Labrador Spaniel Any dog 8+

3 signs to watch for

1Slow to rise from bed
2Limping that warms out with movement
3Less interest in stairs or jumping

How Buddies helps

Support harnesses and wheeled assistance reduce joint load during exercise — a form of what vets call controlled exercise. Speak to your vet about pain management alongside.

See the Buddies wheelchair →

Further reading: Blue Cross UK — Arthritis in dogs →

Mid-spine disc pressure zone

IVDD (slipped disc)

spine

A disc bulges and presses on the spinal cord. It can come on suddenly — a dog yelps getting off the sofa, then cannot stand on its back legs by evening.

Typical onset3–7 yrs

ProgressionSudden

Vet urgencySame day

Breeds most affected Dachshund Corgi French Bulldog Shih Tzu Beagle

⚠ Same-day vet visit. Do not fit a wheelchair or harness before the vet has assessed the disc.

3 signs to watch for

1Yelping when picked up
2Paws dragging or knuckling
3Sudden back-leg weakness

How Buddies helps

After veterinary treatment, many dogs regain partial function but not full. A rear-support wheelchair often becomes long-term daily support at that point.

See the Buddies wheelchair →

Further reading: PDSA UK — IVDD / slipped disc in dogs →

the 2-minute questionnaire

Which mobility support does your dog need?

Five quick questions. We match your answers to the right Buddies product. No email required.

Question 1 of 5

1. How big is your dog?

Ready to give your dog their walks back?

The Buddies rear-support wheelchair — 8 sizes, adjustable, ships from the UK.

Shop the Buddies wheelchair →

This guide is for information only and does not replace veterinary advice. Buddies is a specialist UK pet mobility retailer, not a veterinary practice.