Dog Senior Arthritis: Multimodal Pain Management

Osteoarthritis affects most dogs over 8 years of age. Multimodal pain management using licensed and complementary approaches significantly improves quality of life.

Key Facts

Over 80% of dogs over 8 years have radiographic signs of osteoarthritis
Clinical signs are often missed by owners — gait changes and activity reduction are subtle
NSAIDs remain the most effective first-line analgesic for canine arthritis
Monoclonal antibody treatments targeting nerve growth factor provide novel pain relief
Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and weight management complement pharmacological treatment

Welfare Considerations

Arthritic dogs experience chronic pain that owners frequently normalise as ageing. Validated pain assessment tools including the Liverpool OA in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire help owners recognise subtle signs. Multimodal management combining NSAIDs, joint supplements, weight management, physiotherapy and environmental modification produces better outcomes than any single approach. The licensed anti-NGF monoclonal antibody bedinvetmab provides an additional pain control option. Regular monitoring of liver and kidney function is essential for dogs on long-term NSAIDs.

What You Can Do

Complete the Liverpool OA in Dogs questionnaire to assess your senior dog pain level
Ask your vet about long-term NSAID prescription with appropriate monitoring blood tests
Maintain lean body weight — each kilogram of excess weight significantly worsens joint load
Install ramps, non-slip mats and raised food bowls to reduce joint stress
Attend hydrotherapy sessions to maintain muscle mass and joint range of motion