Osteoarthritis is the most common source of chronic pain in dogs, affecting a majority of middle-aged and older animals. Recognition and management significantly improve quality of life.
Osteoarthritis causes chronic, often under-recognised pain in dogs. Because dogs adapt their behaviour to manage pain — moving more slowly, avoiding activities that hurt — owners frequently attribute signs to normal ageing rather than treatable disease. This means many dogs live with inadequately managed chronic pain. Welfare-centred osteoarthritis management starts with recognition: pain scoring at every vet visit, owner education about subtle signs, and proactive discussion of management options. The goal is not disease reversal but effective pain control enabling the dog to maintain the activities and social engagement that define quality of life.