Senior Pointer joint stiffness & low energy advice

A 9-year-old Pointer losing his spark on hunts and stiffening up after walks — that combination is really telling. Senior dogs need adjustments in several areas — nutrition, joint support, dental care, and sometimes sleep — but how much and when depends significantly on breed and the individual dog. Pointers are working dogs with a lot of miles on their joints, so the stiffness you're seeing post-walk is worth taking seriously. A few quick questions: are there any diagnosed conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia, is he on any supplements or medications already, and what's the main thing you want to address first — the stiffness, the enthusiasm, or both?

That's a really sensible way to think about it, and you're probably right — a lot of that lost enthusiasm in working dogs is just them hurting a bit and learning to hold back. Before I suggest anything, do you know his current weight, and is he still eating well and drinking normally? I want to make sure there's nothing else going on that would need a vet check first.

Good weight, no red flags — this sounds like the classic onset of age-related joint inflammation in an active breed. The one product I'd go straight to is YuMOVE Joint Supplement for Dogs — specifically the PLUS version for dogs with existing stiffness. It's the UK's number one vet-recommended joint supplement and it's genuinely well-evidenced, not just well-marketed. The active ingredient is ActivEase Green Lipped Mussel, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties, combined with glucosamine and hyaluronic acid for cartilage support. At 28kg you'd give him two chews a day. Most owners see a meaningful difference in 4 to 6 weeks — reduced stiffness, more willingness to move freely. It won't reverse any underlying wear but it can make a real difference to day-to-day comfort, and that's probably the fastest route back to a more enthusiastic dog on the field.

Honestly, for what you're describing — gradual onset stiffness in a 9-year-old active breed, no sudden changes, eating and drinking normally — it's completely reasonable to start the supplement now and book a vet check within the next month or two rather than waiting. What I would say is: if the stiffness gets worse quickly, if he starts yelping when touched, or if he goes off his food, move that appointment up immediately. But gradual stiffness in a working dog his age? YuMOVE PLUS is exactly the kind of first step that makes sense, and a vet is likely to recommend the same thing anyway.