Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is the most common source of chronic pain in dogs. It affects approximately 25% of all dogs and over 80% of dogs over 8 years old, yet it is frequently under-diagnosed and under-treated.
Chronic pain from osteoarthritis profoundly diminishes quality of life for millions of dogs who cannot communicate their suffering in ways owners easily recognise. A dog that moves more slowly, is reluctant to climb stairs, or is less playful may be dismissed as "getting old" rather than experiencing constant pain. The disease progresses over years and pain compounds. Effective management exists and can dramatically improve wellbeing — but it requires the owner to recognise subtle signs, seek veterinary assessment, and commit to long-term multimodal treatment. Weight management alone can substantially reduce arthritic pain in overweight dogs. Under-treatment of this condition represents one of the most widespread welfare failures in companion animal medicine.