Think your dog is just "slowing down" because of age? It might be something more. New research reveals that many Australian dog owners might be unaware that their pets are suffering from the pain of osteoarthritis.
The Hidden Truth About Dog Pain
Despite their good intentions, dog owners may be unknowingly letting their pets suffer. While 85% of owners feel anxious about their dog being in pain, over a third (34%) wait until symptoms are obvious before acting.
"Most Australian dog owners (70%) believe pain affects a dog’s life as much as it does for humans, yet over a third (34%) admit waiting until symptoms are obvious before acting on their dog’s health."
This delay is a significant concern for veterinarians, as approximately two in five (40%) dogs live with osteoarthritis pain, but vets only formally diagnose it in 25% of their canine patients. This suggests a widespread issue of underdiagnosis.
What is Osteoarthritis in Dogs?
Osteoarthritis is a painful, progressive condition where the cartilage cushioning a dog's joints breaks down. This leads to painful bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and reduced mobility.
"Without appropriate treatment, osteoarthritis can impact a dog’s ability to do the things they enjoy, such as walk and play."A quarter of dog owners (25%) surveyed believe that pain is a normal part of a dog's life, which can further delay crucial intervention.
5 Signs Your Dog Might Be in Pain
Dr. Graham Lauridsen, a veterinarian, notes that two common misconceptions prevent owners from seeking help early: the belief that osteoarthritis is only an older dog's disease and that "slowing down" is a normal part of aging.
"Just like humans, dogs can also struggle with the pain associated with this condition. However, they can’t tell us when they’re in pain, so it’s up to us to recognise the signs as early as possible."
Vets urge owners to be vigilant and look for these common signs:
- Limping after walks or exercise.
- Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs.
- Lagging behind on walks.
- Stiffness or slowness when getting up.
- General slowness or reduced activity.
"The best thing we can do for our dogs is learn how to recognise the signs of pain. If you notice your dog lagging on walks, limping after walks or exercise, having difficulty jumping or climbing stairs, or they are a little slower to get up, they may be telling you they are in pain."
Partnering with Your Vet for Pain-Free Living
The research highlights that vets are the most trusted source of information for owners, with 81% trusting their vet's advice on new treatments. Vets and owners need to work together as a team to manage a dog's pain.
"While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are many ways we can help our pets live a better, pain-free life. Your vet is your best source of support if you suspect an issue with your dog’s health. It is through open conversations throughout your dog’s life that we can discuss osteoarthritis diagnosis, early intervention, pain management and treatment that is right for them," said Dr. Megan Lui, from Zoetis Australia.
The key findings in this article are based on an online survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Zoetis Australia between June 13-16, 2025. The survey included a nationally representative sample of 1,011 Australian dog owners aged 18 years and older. The data was weighted by age, gender, and region to accurately reflect the population of Australian dog owners. The survey was designed in collaboration with Palin Communications and Zoetis Australia.
References
1. YouGov. (2025). Zoetis Australia consumer research survey, osteoarthritis and joint pain in dogs. [data on file]
2. Wright A., et al. Identification of canine osteoarthritis using an owner-reported questionnaire and treatment monitoring using functional mobility tests. Journal of Small Animal Practice (2022),1–10 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.135001
3. Bio’sat -Study Report about osteoarthritis in 7 countries January 2025
4. Johnston SA. Osteoarthritis: joint anatomy, physiology and pathobiology. Vet Clin N Am Small Anim Pract 1997;27:699-723.
5. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Osteoarthritis. Available at https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/osteoarthritis (accessed July 2025)
6. Animal Medicines Australia. (2022). Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people. Available at AMAU008-Pet-Ownership22-Report_v1.6_WEB.pdf (animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au (accessed July 2025)
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