Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Degenerative Joint Disease Management

Degenerative joint disease is one of the most common sources of chronic pain in dogs. Multimodal management can dramatically improve quality of life.

Key Facts

An estimated 20% of adult dogs are affected by degenerative joint disease
Many cases go undiagnosed because dogs hide pain
Weight management is the single most impactful intervention
NSAIDs provide significant relief but require monitoring
Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture offer complementary benefits

Welfare Considerations

Chronic joint pain profoundly affects dog wellbeing, limiting mobility, reducing engagement in play, and disrupting sleep. Early diagnosis and comprehensive pain management restore quality of life and allow dogs to enjoy their daily activities.

What You Can Do

Book a joint health assessment if your dog shows stiffness or reluctance to exercise
Maintain your dog at a healthy weight
Ask your vet about multimodal pain management options
Provide orthopedic bedding and ramps to reduce joint strain