Chronic pain in dogs, particularly from musculoskeletal disease, requires multimodal management combining pharmacology, physical therapy, and environmental modification.
Key Facts
Osteoarthritis affects up to 80% of dogs over 8 years; many cases are undiagnosed
Multimodal analgesia combining NSAIDs, gabapentinoids, and adjuncts outperforms single drugs
Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture have evidence bases in canine pain management
Weight management is one of the most effective interventions for orthopaedic pain
Home assessment tools including Liverpool OA Score help owners monitor response to treatment
Welfare Considerations
Undertreated chronic pain is one of the most significant and preventable welfare problems in companion dogs; multimodal approaches and owner education dramatically improve outcomes.
What You Can Do
Learn to recognise the subtle signs of chronic pain in dogs
Work with a vet or veterinary physiotherapist on a multimodal pain management plan
Use validated pain assessment tools to monitor your dog's progress