Companion Animals

Companion Dog Arthritis and Pain Management

Management of osteoarthritis in dogs, an underdiagnosed condition causing chronic pain in many older pets.

Key Facts

Arthritis affects an estimated 20% of dogs over 1 year old
Dogs often mask chronic pain, making arthritis underdiagnosed and undertreated
New monoclonal antibody treatments including Librela provide sustained pain relief
Weight management and physiotherapy are important adjuncts to medication
Gait analysis and pressure mats enable objective pain assessment

Welfare Considerations

Canine arthritis causes chronic suffering that is frequently unrecognised, and routine pain screening in older dogs is a welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Have older dogs screened for arthritis at annual veterinary check-ups
Learn to recognise subtle signs of canine chronic pain
Ask your vet about new monoclonal antibody pain treatments for dogs