Dogs are living longer than ever due to advances in veterinary care, and supporting their welfare as they age requires proactive pain management, environmental adaptation, and understanding of the behavioral changes that accompany normal and pathological aging.
Chronic pain from arthritis is the most widespread and underrecognized welfare problem in senior dogs. Because dogs mask pain and behavioral changes develop gradually, owners often attribute arthritis signs to 'slowing down with age' rather than recognizing treatable pain. Regular veterinary assessment with pain scoring, combined with owner education about subtle pain signs, enables earlier treatment and significantly better welfare outcomes. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome causes disorientation, sleep disturbance, and anxiety that can be managed but not cured. Supporting senior dogs' welfare requires proactive rather than reactive veterinary care, and thoughtful end-of-life decision-making when treatment no longer maintains quality of life.