Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic pain condition in dogs, and modern multimodal management combining multiple approaches provides far better welfare outcomes than single-drug therapy.
Osteoarthritis causes chronic, progressive pain that owners frequently underestimate because dogs adapt their behaviour gradually rather than suddenly becoming lame. Dogs with OA reduce activity, have difficulty rising, are reluctant to use stairs, and show reduced engagement in play — all welfare indicators that normalise without notice unless owners are actively monitoring. Multimodal management combining NSAIDs, targeted pain medications, joint supplements, physiotherapy, and environmental adaptation (ramps, warm beds, non-slip flooring) produces welfare outcomes far superior to NSAIDs alone. The welfare investment of comprehensive OA management is repaid in increased activity, play, and positive affect in affected dogs.