Osteoarthritis affects the majority of dogs over seven years old and is a leading cause of chronic pain and reduced quality of life that is vastly undertreated.
Canine arthritis is a hidden epidemic of chronic pain. Most affected dogs continue to function and eat normally while experiencing significant ongoing joint pain that owners miss because they attribute slowing to age rather than recognizing it as suffering. The prevalence is staggering: the majority of older dogs live with undertreated arthritis. Modern pain management including nerve growth factor inhibitors that directly block pain signaling can dramatically improve quality of life. Combined with weight management and physiotherapy, dogs with well-managed arthritis can maintain activity and comfort for years. The barrier is recognition and treatment, not availability of effective options.