Canine osteoarthritis affects millions of dogs but is frequently underdiagnosed because dogs hide pain. Modern pain assessment tools and treatment options significantly improve welfare outcomes.
Canine osteoarthritis represents one of the most widespread and underappreciated welfare harms in companion animals. Millions of dogs live with chronic pain that their owners mistake for 'slowing down with age' and accept as normal aging rather than recognizing as treatable suffering. The welfare improvement potential is enormous - dogs in pain that receives appropriate treatment show dramatic improvements in mobility, engagement, and apparent happiness. The barrier is recognition: both owners and primary care veterinarians need better tools and training to identify the subtle signs that dogs use to signal chronic pain.