It may surprise you to learn that nearly 40% of dogs have osteoarthritis (OA) pain, yet the chronic pain that comes along with OA often goes undetected.¹ That’s why it’s so important to separate fact from fiction. Misconceptions about OA pain can delay diagnosis and treatment, leading to unnecessary suffering and a decline in your dog’s quality of life. By understanding the truth behind these common myths, you can become a better advocate for your dog’s comfort, mobility, and long-term health.

Let’s look at some of the most common myths about OA pain in dogs and what you really need to know.

Myth 1: It’s Easy to Detect Osteoarthritis Pain in Dogs

You may think your dog will cry out if they’re in pain or limp if they feel discomfort, but that’s often not the case. Animals rarely vocalize or show visible signs when in pain.

Learning to look for subtle signs is ideal, but it can be challenging. Try using a pain checklist to identify your dog’s OA pain. Look for changes in behavior, such as activity level, having difficulty getting up or lying down, sleeping a lot or not sleeping well, licking or biting at a specific part of the body, or other changes in their normal behavior or routine.

Your dog may mask their pain at the veterinary clinic even more than at home, making it challenging to observe pain or gait abnormalities during the appointment.

Your veterinarian will do a thorough physical exam, possibly with X-rays. They might have your dog stay for a while to relax, making assessing their gate and mobility easier.

Myth 2: Osteoarthritis Only Affects Senior Dogs

Many think of arthritis as an “old dog” disease. The truth is, it can start early in a dog’s life, especially for large breeds.

One study shows that almost 23% of dogs between eight months and four years of age have clinically painful OA in at least one joint.²

You may consider “slowing down” to be a normal part of your dog’s aging process, which is understandable. We all move a bit slower in our golden years. That slowdown is often a sign of pain associated with osteoarthritis.¹ 34% of dog owners confuse signs of osteoarthritis with aging.³ That’s why it’s important to notice even small changes in your dog’s mobility and other habits and discuss them with your veterinarian.

Myth 3: OA Pain in Dogs Can’t Be Managed or Slowed

Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but the progression can be successfully managed. Beyond medical OA treatment, here are a few ways that OA pain in dogs can be reduced.

Diet and Weight Management

Weight management to decrease chronic inflammation and stress on joints. A diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids or other ingredients to support joint health. Daily OA exercises to improve and maintain muscle strength, joint mobility, and decrease pain and inflammation.

Physical and Alternative Therapies

Physical therapy, like underwater treadmills or swimming, and passive range of motion exercises, to maintain muscle strength and mobility. Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy.

Environmental Modifications 

Environmental modifications, such as orthopedic beds, ramps, and eliminating slick walking surfaces.

Myth 4: Dogs Don’t Experience Pain with Osteoarthritis

This degenerative condition causes loss of joint cartilage and a decrease in joint fluid, leading to changes in your dog’s bones, pain, and inflammation.

One study showed that 60% of dogs with radiographic OA (meaning it’s visible on X-ray) and clinical OA (meaning your dog has clear physical signs) had at least mild pain. 40% with clinical OA had moderate pain.²

To help your dog feel better, your veterinarian will consider pain management as part of their OA treatment plan.

Myth 5: Treating Osteoarthritis Pain with Medications Is Unsafe

You may be reluctant to use medications to control your dog’s OA pain, but there are safe, effective, FDA-approved options available.⁴

With veterinary guidance, proper screening, and monitoring, medications can slow OA progression and keep your dog’s pain from impacting their quality of life.

Myth 6: Dogs Only Need Medication When They Show Signs of Pain

Does your dog only need pain relief on “bad days?” Unfortunately, pets with OA suffer from chronic pain that doesn’t take a day off.

Just because your dog isn’t showing obvious signs of pain doesn’t mean they’re not in pain. We often miss subtle signs of chronic pain, like that caused by osteoarthritis. They aren’t as apparent as acute pain signs from something like a broken bone. That’s why monitoring your dog’s mobility and daily routine (and referring back to your checklist) can be helpful.

Myth 7: Dogs with Osteoarthritis Shouldn’t Exercise

While over-exertion and high-impact exercise should be avoided, dogs with osteoarthritis should get up and move. A sedentary lifestyle can cause stiffness, loss of muscle mass, and worsening signs of arthritis.

Regular, controlled exercise helps maintain joint health, improve mobility, increase blood flow to the joints and muscles, and decrease pain. Your veterinarian and possibly a veterinary physical therapist can help develop a plan.

Myth 8: Dogs with Osteoarthritis Don’t Live as Long

Even though osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive, and painful condition, dogs can live a normal life expectancy with effective supportive care, lifestyle adjustments, and medications.⁵ 

Myth 9: Osteoarthritis Is Inevitable as Dogs Age

OA has many causes, some of which you can’t control, like genetics and abnormal development. You can, however, avoid contributing factors, such as obesity or repetitive injury to joint cartilage, to minimize the risk. Maintain a healthy weight, be careful with high-impact activities, and talk with your veterinarian early about other ways to support your dog’s joint and muscle health.

Recognizing the early signs of osteoarthritis and establishing a management protocol with your veterinarian will significantly slow progression and reduce pain.

Myth 10: Your Dog Is Just Being Stubborn

Pain makes learning and performing cues harder. If your dog is suddenly ignoring known cues, like “sit,” “down,” or “come,” they may be trying to avoid discomfort, not misbehaving.

Myth 11: Your Dog Is Suddenly Reactive or Aggressive for No Reason

Pain can lower a dog’s tolerance for stress, making them more reactive or sensitive. Dogs with OA might lash out when touched, approached too fast, or overwhelmed, especially in tight spaces or on leash.

Myth 12: If Your Dog Is Wagging Their Tail, They Must Feel Okay

Dogs can be very stoic about pain and often mask it with “happy” behaviors. Tail wags and seeking attention don’t rule out pain. They can often be signs of a dog trying to stay connected despite arthritis pain.

Myth 13: Your Dog Is House-Soiling Out of Laziness

Changes in “potty” behavior can be a sign of pain or discomfort. Your dog may stop squatting due to leg or spine pain. It may be uncomfortable to balance walking on soft or uneven surfaces. The walk outside may just be too much if they’re feeling pain.

If you notice any of the above changes in your dog, it’s time for a check-in with your veterinarian.