Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Arthritis Advanced Pain Management

Canine osteoarthritis affects the majority of older dogs and requires multimodal treatment combining medication, physiotherapy, and lifestyle management.

Key Facts

Arthritis affects approximately 80% of dogs over 8 years old with varying severity
NSAIDs are effective but require regular bloodwork monitoring for organ toxicity
Bedinvetmab (anti-NGF monoclonal antibody) offers effective pain control with different safety profile
Weight management is the single most effective non-pharmacological intervention
Hydrotherapy and physiotherapy maintain muscle mass and joint mobility

Welfare Considerations

Chronic arthritis pain profoundly reduces quality of life in older dogs. Under-treated arthritis is common because dogs mask pain so effectively. Proactive pain assessment and multimodal treatment enables senior dogs to maintain active, comfortable lives for much longer.

What You Can Do

Use validated pain assessment tools like the CBPI or CDRCI for arthritic dogs
Ask your vet about anti-NGF antibody treatments for dogs not tolerating NSAIDs
Implement weight management as a primary arthritis intervention if your dog is overweight