Arthritis in dogs is more common than many owners realise and is frequently mistaken for a normal part of ageing, according to veterinary surgeon Dr Hannah Capon.
Dr Capon, 47, founder of Canine Arthritis Management and creator of The Pain Vet, says the condition can begin much earlier in life and is not confined to older dogs.
With more than 20 years’ experience in clinical practice, she believes early recognition is key to changing the course of the disease. Arthritis remains one of the major causes of elective euthanasia in dogs in the UK and worldwide.
“Way back when, my understanding of arthritis was very limited, and it took quite a heartbreaking event, two dogs, in back-to-back consults, who were otherwise healthy, being put to sleep, having ‘gone off their back legs’, for something to click in my brain,” she said.
“If they show signs when they are two don’t turn a blind eye until they are ten as it is a lot harder to manage”
“It was not uncommon for me to have to euthanise a dog due to collapse, but this day was different. For some reason, a lightbulb went off, and I knew something had to change!
“Osteoarthritis and other chronic musculoskeletal conditions are as, if not more, prevalent in dogs as they are in people, but in dogs, it is not only related to age. Arthritis is very common in young dogs. If we can help caregivers identify a problem when their dog is two years old, then they have the potential to change the trajectory of the disease progression.
“If they show signs when they are two don’t turn a blind eye until they are ten as it is a lot harder to manage.”
Dr Capon established Canine Arthritis Management in 2015 following that experience and her own dog Holly’s diagnosis. The veterinary-led online resource supports caregivers and professionals with evidence-based advice on early identification and multimodal management of canine arthritis.
Dr Capon believes arthritis is often overlooked because owners misread subtle changes. Slowing down, reluctance to jump, stiffness after rest, reduced tolerance, increased frustration and loss of interest in play can be early indicators of pain but are frequently dismissed as signs of ageing.
Later this month, she will speak at the Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference 2026, taking place on March 30 and 31 at The Imperial Hotel overlooking Torbay. The two-day event will examine the difference between welfare and wellbeing and features speakers including Dr Robert Falconer-Taylor, Dr Amber Batson, Chloe Scoones, Daniel Shaw, Victoria Stilwell and Andrew Hale.
“I’m really looking forward to the conference,” said Dr Capon. “It’s so important that we bridge the gap between physical health and emotional well-being. Pain doesn’t just affect the body; it affects behaviour, relationships and quality of life. The more we understand that connection, the better lives we can give our dogs.”
