Companion Animals

Companion Animal Arthritis Management

Arthritis is the most common cause of chronic pain in older dogs and cats, and effective management significantly improves quality of life.

Key Facts

Arthritis affects 80% of dogs over 8 years old
Cats are estimated to show arthritis in 90% of individuals over 12 years old
Many animals are inadequately medicated because pain expression is subtle
Multiple treatment modalities including medication, physiotherapy, and laser therapy can help

Welfare Considerations

Undertreated arthritis causes chronic pain that affects mobility, sleep quality, and social interaction in companion animals. The high prevalence of undertreated arthritis in older pets reflects a gap between veterinary knowledge and owner recognition of chronic pain signs.

What You Can Do

Learn the subtle signs of arthritis pain in your older pet
Request a formal pain assessment at every senior wellness visit
Discuss multimodal pain management with your vet including medication and physical therapy
Adapt your home environment with ramps, non-slip surfaces, and lower access points