Osteoarthritis affects the majority of dogs over 8 years old, causing chronic pain that is frequently underrecognised and undertreated, significantly compromising senior dog welfare.
Senior dog arthritis welfare represents one of the most widespread and undertreated sources of chronic pain in companion animals. The scale of the problem - affecting the majority of aged dogs - means that arthritis pain is normalised as an inevitable part of ageing rather than recognised as a treatable welfare problem. Dogs' tendency to hide pain, combined with the gradual onset of arthritis, means owners often attribute behavioural changes to 'slowing down with age' rather than recognising active pain signals. Validated pain assessment tools including the Canine Brief Pain Inventory and Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs scale enable objective pain assessment, but are rarely used in routine practice. Effective treatment exists and is accessible: weight reduction in overweight dogs reduces joint loading and pain significantly; NSAIDs provide effective analgesia; newer medications with different mechanisms offer alternatives for dogs that cannot tolerate NSAIDs. Environmental modifications - orthopedic beds, ramps instead of stairs, non-slip flooring - reduce pain from getting up and moving. The welfare improvement available from treating arthritis is substantial and the barriers are primarily educational rather than medical.