Companion Animals

Dog Osteoarthritis Pain Recognition

Osteoarthritis in dogs is often underdiagnosed because dogs conceal pain and owners mistake signs of discomfort for normal ageing.

Key Facts

Osteoarthritis affects an estimated 20% of dogs over 1 year and 80% over 8 years
Dogs rarely vocalise pain from arthritis but show behavioural and mobility changes
Validated pain scales include Helsinki Chronic Pain Index and CBPI
Multimodal treatment combining NSAIDs, joint support and physiotherapy is most effective
New monoclonal antibody treatments offer monthly injectable pain relief

Welfare Considerations

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic, unrecognised pain in pet dogs. The gap between actual prevalence and diagnosis represents millions of dogs living with untreated suffering. Owner education about subtle pain signs and regular mobility assessment are the most impactful interventions.

What You Can Do

Learn the subtle signs of arthritis in dogs beyond obvious limping
Ask your vet for a pain assessment if your dog seems slower or stiff
Explore multimodal pain management including physiotherapy and weight control