Canine osteoarthritis affects millions of dogs worldwide. Modern multimodal pain management significantly improves quality of life and mobility.
Chronic pain from arthritis profoundly compromises dog welfare, reducing mobility, social interaction, and willingness to engage in pleasurable activities. Pain is often underrecognized by owners who attribute behavioral changes to normal aging. Validated pain scales such as the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) and Helsinki Chronic Pain Index help clinicians and owners track progression. Multimodal approaches combining pharmacological treatment with environmental modifications, weight control, and physical therapy deliver better outcomes than single-agent approaches. Dogs on long-term NSAIDs need regular blood and urine monitoring to detect organ effects early. Quality of life assessment should guide treatment decisions throughout the disease course.