Arthritis affects the majority of dogs over age seven and causes chronic pain that profoundly affects quality of life. Recognizing and treating this condition is one of the most impactful things owners can do for older dogs.
Arthritis is simultaneously one of the most common and most undertreated sources of chronic pain in companion dogs. The stoic nature of dogs means that many owners do not recognize the behavioral signs of pain until disease is advanced, and some veterinarians do not routinely screen for arthritis in older dogs. An arthritic dog that is not receiving pain management may be experiencing daily discomfort for years. The existence of highly effective treatments makes this an especially tractable welfare problem — identifying and treating canine arthritis is a direct and accessible way to dramatically improve the daily quality of life for a beloved animal. Owner education about the subtle signs of arthritis is the first and most critical step.