Osteoarthritis affects the majority of older dogs and causes chronic pain. Multimodal management approaches significantly improve quality of life throughout the disease course.
Canine osteoarthritis causes chronic, progressive pain that substantially reduces quality of life. Because dogs evolved to mask vulnerability, owners frequently underestimate the degree of suffering their dog experiences — a dog that is "slowing down" may be in significant daily pain. Untreated OA pain causes reduced engagement with life, social withdrawal, sleep disruption, and increasing immobility that accelerates the disease. Pain management is not optional — it is a welfare necessity. The availability of effective multimodal treatments means most dogs can be managed well. The welfare challenge is ensuring owners recognise OA early, access appropriate treatment, and maintain consistent management throughout the dog's life.