Dogs are living longer due to advances in veterinary care and nutrition, making geriatric welfare an increasingly important focus for owners and veterinarians.
The welfare of ageing dogs has received growing attention as pet populations age alongside advances in veterinary care. Chronic pain from osteoarthritis is the most prevalent unaddressed welfare problem in senior dogs; many owners and some veterinarians interpret reduced activity as normal ageing rather than pain-limited movement. Validated pain assessment tools and the availability of effective analgesics including NSAIDs and newer monoclonal antibody treatments have transformed the management of canine osteoarthritis. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome, the canine equivalent of dementia, causes disorientation, altered sleep-wake cycles, and anxiety that can be improved with dietary supplements, environmental modification, and medication. The ageing dog welfare agenda includes both identification and treatment of reversible conditions, and compassionate end-of-life care when quality of life declines irreversibly.