Musculoskeletal conditions including arthritis, hip dysplasia, and spinal disease are among the most common sources of chronic pain in companion dogs.
Dogs with untreated musculoskeletal pain experience chronic suffering that limits their ability to exercise, play, and engage in normal behaviours. Pain is often underrecognised by owners as dogs compensate behaviorally for months before showing obvious signs. Early intervention including weight management, appropriate exercise, and pain medication significantly improves quality of life and slows progression.