Companion Animals

Dog Arthritis Early Detection and Pain Management

Arthritis affects the majority of older dogs and causes chronic pain, but is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated in companion animals.

Key Facts

Osteoarthritis affects over 80% of dogs over 8 years old
Dogs rarely vocalise from pain, leading owners to miss arthritis signs
Subtle signs include reduced activity, reluctance to jump, and altered gait
NSAIDs provide significant pain relief and improve quality of life
New biologics including anti-NGF antibodies (Librela) offer monthly injection-based pain control

Welfare Considerations

Chronic arthritis pain is a significant welfare problem affecting millions of dogs worldwide. The tendency of dogs to hide pain means many dogs suffer silently for years before receiving diagnosis and treatment. Routine screening for arthritis in dogs over 7 years old, using validated questionnaires and veterinary assessment, would identify and treat pain much earlier.

What You Can Do

Use the Canine Brief Pain Inventory questionnaire annually for dogs over 7
Schedule routine arthritis assessment as part of annual veterinary health checks
Ask your vet about modern pain management options if your dog shows any signs of reduced activity