Dog Senior Joint Health: Arthritis Management

Osteoarthritis affects the majority of older dogs, causing chronic pain that significantly reduces quality of life. Modern multimodal management approaches can substantially improve mobility and comfort.

Key Facts

Osteoarthritis affects an estimated 80% of dogs over 8 years old to some degree
Pain from arthritis is chronically underdiagnosed — owners often attribute changes in behaviour and activity to normal ageing
NSAIDs such as meloxicam and grapiprant are the cornerstone of arthritis pain management in dogs
Adjunct analgesics including gabapentin, amantadine, and paracetamol (with care) provide additional pain relief in refractory cases
Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and therapeutic exercise improve joint function and muscle support
Weight loss in overweight dogs produces significant improvement in arthritis pain scores — often more than medication alone

Welfare Considerations

Arthritis pain is the single most common source of chronic suffering in companion animals. The stoic nature of dogs means many owners do not recognise that their elderly dog is in significant pain — they see a dog that is slowing down, sleeping more, and less enthusiastic, not a dog that is hurting continuously. Education on pain recognition and proactive management starting before clinical signs are obvious can substantially improve the quality of life across millions of elderly dogs.

What You Can Do

Monitor your dog for subtle pain signs: reluctance to climb stairs, difficulty rising, reduced play interest
Use the Canine Brief Pain Inventory or similar validated tool for quarterly assessments in dogs over 7
Seek veterinary pain assessment and begin NSAID therapy promptly when arthritis is confirmed
Maintain your dog at lean body weight — weight loss is the most effective arthritis intervention
Provide orthopedic bedding and ensure sleeping areas are warm and draught-free
Consider veterinary physiotherapy and hydrotherapy referral for dogs not fully responding to medication