Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs, affecting an estimated 20% of dogs over one year of age. Improved recognition and treatment can dramatically improve quality of life for millions of dogs worldwide.
Arthritis pain is chronic, continuous, and profoundly affects quality of life. Dogs with unmanaged OA show reduced activity, social withdrawal, altered sleep patterns, and behavioural changes that owners often misattribute to normal ageing rather than pain. The welfare impact of under-treated chronic pain in companion dogs is enormous given prevalence. Multimodal pain management combining NSAIDs, weight management, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and environmental modifications produces the best outcomes. Owner education on recognising subtle pain signs — reluctance to jump, altered gait, stiffness after rest — is the first step to ensuring affected dogs receive appropriate care. Regular pain reassessment ensures treatment remains adequate as the disease progresses.