The Nimble Paws A-B-C-D Pain & Mobility Assessment Guide
- Joey Ng
- Apr 14
- 4 min read
A simple, weekly check-in for your dog’s physical comfort and mobility
As pet parents, we know our dogs better than anyone — and often, the first signs of pain or discomfort show up in subtle ways. That’s why we created the Nimble Paws A-B-C-D Pain & Mobility Assessment Guide: a quick, easy-to-follow tool you can use weekly to keep tabs on your pup’s physical well-being. By doing this short check regularly, you'll get familiar with your dog’s “normal” and be able to spot any early changes that might point to soreness, mobility issues, or discomfort.
🐾 A and B rely on keen observation.
🐾 C and D involve light hands-on testing.
Let’s break it down:
A - Activity Level
Is your pet moving less than usual?
Slower on walks?
Hesitant to climb stairs or jump onto the sofa?
Taking more rest breaks or lying down earlier in the day?
Even without obvious signs like limping, a shift in activity is often one of the earliest clues that something may be wrong. You’re the best person to notice — especially if your pet’s routine hasn’t changed!
One common concern we hear from clients is that their dogs have started 'taking more breaks during walks', or 'no longer jump up onto the bed like they used to'. These changes might seem small at first — but they’re often your dog’s quiet way of telling you something isn’t right. It’s rarely about stubbornness or defiance. More often than not, they stop doing something because it hurts, or it just doesn’t feel as easy anymore.
B - Behaviour Changes
Is your pet’s personality a little “off”?
Are they suddenly more clingy or withdrawn?
Are they less playful or more irritable?
Are they suddenly hiding under furniture more often?
Excessive licking at a certain body part?
Unless your dog is still a puppy and is still discovering their personality, these shifts in behaviour can reflect discomfort, pain, or underlying stress. Got a puppy recently? Check out our post on Puppy Growth Journey and Puppy Joint & Muscle Health for tips on how to help your puppy grow into a strong, healthy adult dog!
We recently saw a client who brought her dog in for a physiotherapy assessment after noticing she was hiding in corners and under furniture — and even experiencing full-body tremors. It turned out she was having painful muscle spasms in her thigh! What seemed like “weird” behaviour at first was actually her way of coping with discomfort. This is a great reminder that behaviour changes are often the earliest red flags that something deeper is going on.
C - Contact Sensitivity
This part involves running your hands along your dog’s body to check for any areas of tenderness or discomfort to touch.
Here’s a simple sequence you can follow (refer to image below for a visual guide):
👉 Start at the (1) neck and (2&3) shoulders — use both hands to stroke or pat gently
👉 Move down each (4) front leg — include the elbows and wrists
👉 Sweep across the (5) chest and ribs
👉 Run your hands down the (6) back (spine area)
👉 Check the (7) hips and (8) each back leg — don’t forget their knees and ankles
👉 Finish with the (9) belly and underarms (if your dog is comfortable)
💡 Use light pressure and observe closely for:
Flinching or pulling away
Tensing up
Turning to look at you (or trying to move away)
Lip-licking, yawning, or subtle stress signs
If your dog normally enjoys being touched but suddenly reacts during this check, it might indicate a sensitive or sore area. Repeat the check after a few hours or the next day if you're unsure — consistent reactions are more meaningful than one-off flinches.
D - Dynamic Joints
This part involves gently moving your dog’s joints to check how freely they move. You don’t need to be an expert — you’re simply checking if their movement feels smooth, or if they show signs of stiffness, tension, or pain.
💡 Why this matters: Joints should move easily through their full range — same for us humans! Tightness or resistance can point to muscle tension, joint stiffness, or early signs of arthritis. Having restrictions in movement may lead to postural and gait changes if left untreated.
Here’s how to check your pet’s joints from head to tail:
Neck mobility
Use a treat to guide your dog’s nose:
Left and right (looking over each shoulder)
Up and down (nose to sky, nose to ground)
✅ Look for smooth, even motion on both sides.
⚠️ Difficulty turning in one direction or reluctance to look up/down could mean discomfort.
Legs (Forelimbs and Hindlimbs)
One leg at a time, use gentle, slow movements:
Stretch the leg forward (extension)
Bend the leg in (flexion)
Do this at the shoulder/hip, elbow/knee, and wrist/ankle
✅ A relaxed dog will let you move each joint smoothly.
⚠️ Signs like stiffness, pulling back, or jerky movement suggest the joint isn’t moving as freely as it should.
💬 Pro Tip: Use a calm voice and treats to help your dog stay relaxed. If you're unsure what's normal, you can always test the same motion on the opposite limb to compare both sides.
🙋♀️ Want to learn proper stretching techniques and when to use them?
Join our Canine Stretch & Massage Workshop — we’ll teach you safe, effective ways to support your dog’s mobility and comfort at home.
What if you notice something?
If your pet shows even one sign, simply observe them over the next 2–3 days. Many mild issues settle with rest. You can jot down what you noticed — this makes it easier for your vet or physio to understand the situation if needed.
But if things don’t improve or your pet gets worse, always err on the side of caution: Check in with your vet or book a canine physiotherapy assessment with us.
We’re just a paw away.
At Nimble Paws, we believe in empowering pet parents with the tools to support their pet’s health.Whether you’re unsure what you’re seeing or just need peace of mind, we’re here to help every step of the way.
📩 Send us a message on WhatsApp or book an assessment — let’s help your dog feel their best.
Comments