Degenerative joint disease (DJD or osteoarthritis) is extremely common in older dogs and causes chronic pain. Multimodal management combining medication, physiotherapy, weight control, and environmental adaptation improves quality of life.
Chronic DJD pain profoundly affects dog welfare but is frequently underrecognised. Dogs do not vocalise pain in ways owners easily identify — instead showing subtle signs including reluctance to jump, slower rising, stiffness after rest, reduced play engagement, and behavioural changes such as increased irritability. Studies using validated pain scales show that owners consistently underestimate DJD pain severity. The chronic nature of DJD means that welfare is determined not by any single episode but by the cumulative burden of daily discomfort over months and years. Optimising multimodal pain management, maintaining healthy weight to reduce joint load, and adapting the home environment are the most impactful welfare interventions for dogs with DJD.