Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions in older dogs, causing chronic pain. Modern pain management and environmental modification can dramatically improve quality of life.
Canine arthritis represents a massive hidden welfare burden. The instinct to hide pain means many arthritic dogs suffer in silence while their owners attribute behavioral changes — reduced activity, reluctance to jump, slower walks — to "just getting old." These behaviors are signs of pain, not aging, and deserve veterinary attention. Modern pain management has transformed arthritis welfare outcomes: multimodal pain protocols combining NSAIDs, gabapentin, and newer biologics like Librela (targeting nerve growth factor) can provide excellent relief. Hydrotherapy reduces joint load while maintaining muscle mass. The welfare cost of untreated arthritis is measured in daily pain experienced over potentially years of a dog's life — early intervention and consistent management are essential.