Companion Dog Osteoarthritis: Managing Chronic Joint Pain in Ageing Dogs

Osteoarthritis affects a large proportion of companion dogs — particularly older and larger breeds — causing chronic pain that significantly reduces quality of life when undertreated.

Key Facts

Studies estimate 20-35% of companion dogs have some degree of osteoarthritis
In dogs over 8 years old, the prevalence may exceed 80% in some large-breed studies
Dogs commonly mask pain from chronic conditions — subtle behavioural changes are often the only signs
Large and giant breeds are at elevated risk, as are dogs with prior joint injuries or hip/elbow dysplasia
Multi-modal pain management — combining NSAIDs, joint supplements, physiotherapy, and weight management — is most effective
Newer treatments including anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies (e.g., bedinvetmab) offer improved pain control

Welfare Considerations

Canine osteoarthritis causes chronic, progressive pain that significantly reduces quality of life in affected dogs. Because dogs evolved to hide weakness, owners frequently normalise subtle signs — reluctance to jump, slower rising from rest, reduced play interest — as "just getting older," delaying treatment. Without pain management, dogs with significant arthritis endure daily discomfort with every movement. Weight management is one of the most impactful and under-utilised interventions — even a 6-8% body weight reduction significantly reduces joint loading and pain. Regular gait assessment and annual pain scoring by veterinarians for dogs over 7 years enables earlier intervention and sustained quality of life.

What You Can Do

Have dogs over 7 formally pain-assessed at annual veterinary visits using validated scoring tools
Maintain healthy body weight in dogs — excess weight dramatically worsens arthritic pain
Provide joint-supportive modifications: ramps, orthopedic beds, non-slip flooring
Discuss multi-modal pain management with your vet rather than relying on NSAIDs alone