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Vets Urge Action As Dog Arthritis Misconceptions Persist
2 weeks ago 
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New research from Zoetis UK reveals that many pet owners are missing the early signs of canine arthritis, delaying diagnosis and disease management, and turning to potentially unreliable online sources instead of professional advice. The data highlights the worrying gaps in understanding among pet owners about arthritis - a painful and progressive condition affecting at least 2.98 million dogs in the UK – as only 16% of vets report that dogs are brought to them at the early stage of disease[i], leaving many pets suffering in silence for months or even years.
Despite arthritis being one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs, 40% of pet owners admit they are not confident in recognising its early signs, while nearly half (45%) mistakenly believe it is simply a normal part of ageing, and more than a quarter (28%) wrongly believe dogs will always show obvious signs of pain. This misconception has been identified by 69% of vets as the most common misunderstanding amongst pet owners, and 46% of vets believe it is the most harmful misunderstanding. This lack of awareness means that the majority dogs (78%) are only brought to the vet once their arthritis has progressed beyond the early stages.
The research also highlights the growing impact of online misinformation. Two-thirds (66%) of owners are worried about inaccurate pet healthcare information online, while 94% of vets believe that misinformation is eroding trust between vets and pet owners. More than half (53%) of vets report seeing pets’ health decline due to delayed treatment linked to misleading online advice.
Vets have stressed that early intervention is key. Arthritis cannot be cured, but early diagnosis and management of arthritic pain in dogs can greatly improve their quality of life. However, vets face significant challenges, including limited owner knowledge (54%) and reluctance to commit to long-term treatment (59%).
Often on the frontline of veterinary treatment charity StreetVet, which provides veterinary care for pets of people experiencing homelessness, is backing the call for earlier recognition and management of canine arthritis.
Jade Statt, Clinical Director and Co-Founder of StreetVet says: "As vets, we see firsthand how much pets mean to their owners – they’re family, and for many of our StreetVet clients, their entire world. Arthritis is incredibly common and affects dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages, yet so many suffer in silence because the signs are missed or owners are afraid they can’t afford treatment. Early intervention can make a huge difference, not just for the dog’s comfort, but for the emotional wellbeing of the owner too. It’s vital that people feel supported to seek proper veterinary advice rather than relying on misinformation online because when we help the dog, we’re helping the person as well."
Zoetis UK and StreetVet have united to highlight the profound impact of the human–animal bond. Through this partnership, StreetVet, a national charity that provides free veterinary care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness is supported by Zoetis, ensuring these pets receive essential and accessible veterinary care to manage their arthritic pain, helping them stay healthy, happy, and continue to offer vital companionship to their owners.
Dr Jayne Clark, Vet and National Veterinary Manager Pain Portfolio from Zoetis says: “Arthritis in dogs is far more common than many owners realise, and the early signs are often subtle - such as a reluctance to jump, slowing down on walks, or hesitating on stairs. While these changes are sometimes dismissed as normal ageing in older dogs, younger dogs can also be affected, and their signs may be even more understated for example, adapting how they move or perform certain activities rather than stopping them altogether. The good news is that there are effective options available to manage pain which can be put in place with guidance from your vet. By recognising the signs early and seeking professional advice, you can make a real difference to your dog’s comfort and quality of life.”
To help tackle these misconceptions and encourage earlier intervention, Zoetis UK has recently launched A Joint Effort – a nationwide education campaign designed to empower pet owners and veterinary professionals to work together in recognising and managing canine arthritis pain. The campaign offers practical tools, expert insights, and real-life stories to support early diagnosis and effective treatment. Visit www.zoetispets.com or https://www.zoetispets.com/en-gb/dog-healthcare/a-joint-effort/ to learn more and join the effort.
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