THOUSANDS of dog owners in Yorkshire and Humber may be unable to identify signs their dog is suffering from painful mobility issues, a study has found.

The signs a dog could be struggling with mobility issues include being slow to get to their feet after a rest, or showing difficulty going up and down stairs.

But while a nationwide poll of 2,000 dog owners, by Lintbells, found that one in five dog owners in Yorkshire and Humber are confident they know what to look out for, one in ten admit they have no idea.

And 76 per cent believe their dog slowing down is nothing more than a sign of old age.

Even worse, 14 per cent of unsuspecting dog owners polled in Yorkshire and Humber have been informed their dog was struggling with joint pain or mobility issues they knew nothing about.

Vet Rachel Hylton, speaking on behalf of Lintbells, said: “Mobility issues can develop at any time in a dog’s life.

“If the change is gradual, you may not notice it happening at all, so it is important to continuously assess their mobility.

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“A reluctance to go on walks or a decline in how quickly they move could be a tell tale sign your dog could be experiencing problems with mobility.

“Other things to watch out for include repeatedly turning in circles before lying down, or a newly developed fear of loud noises.

“They may also have difficulty holding a body position when toileting, and pacing for no reason, especially at night.”

The study also revealed only a fifth of owners recognise that becoming more fearful or defensive towards other dogs can be a sign their pet is starting to experience problems.

And 86 per cent of dog owners say it upsets them to think their beloved pooch could be suffering because they are unable to spot the signs.

The survey discovered nearly 40 per cent of dog owners in Yorkshire and Humber believe their pet could be struggling with mobility or joint stiffness.

The results also show, out of the owners who have diagnosed their dog with joint stiffness or mobility issues, only 12 per cent have reduced play time as a result.

Forty-one per cent have cut the distance of their walks, and a quarter have made changes to their homes such as adding ramps or non-slip mats.

National Dog Mobility Awareness Week, runs from May 27 to June 2. Visit yumove.lintbells.com.