Senior dogs require proactive veterinary monitoring and management adjustments to maintain quality of life as age-related conditions accumulate.
Senior dog welfare is undermined by two widespread failures: under-recognition of pain (particularly from osteoarthritis) and over-attribution of behavioural changes to normal aging rather than treatable disease. Dogs with chronic arthritis pain adapt their behaviour gradually — they rest more, play less, and avoid stairs or jumping — changes owners observe but frequently attribute to the dog simply getting older. Effective multimodal analgesia for canine osteoarthritis, including NSAIDs, gabapentin, physiotherapy, and newer anti-NGF therapies, can dramatically improve quality of life for arthritic seniors. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome, the canine equivalent of dementia, is similarly under-recognised and undertreated despite veterinary pharmacological options having demonstrated efficacy. Proactive senior health screening enables earlier intervention at a point when treatments are most effective.