Do hormones affect joint health in spayed female dogs?

The oestrogen-joint health link in dogs is real — oestrogen has a protective role in joint tissue, and spaying removes that protection. It doesn't cause immediate arthritis, but it can accelerate the progression of existing wear over time, particularly in large breeds. When was she spayed, and is the stiffness new since the spay or pre-existing?

The timing is consistent with the hormonal change — it doesn't mean the arthritis wasn't already developing, but the oestrogen withdrawal may have accelerated its presentation. This is actually a case where starting supplementation promptly makes a lot of sense, because you're at the stage where supporting cartilage quality now can have the most impact before the degeneration goes further. Start her on YuMOVE Senior — the anti-inflammatory and joint lubrication support is directly appropriate for this presentation. Given she's 7 and this is new, the response should be meaningful within 6–8 weeks.