Zoetis UK has launched “A Joint Effort”, a nationwide education campaign to support early and effective management of canine osteoarthritis (OA) pain by encouraging collaboration between veterinary professionals and pet owners.
With up to 40 percent of dogs experiencing OA at some point in their lives, “A Joint Effort”, developed in partnership with UK veterinary experts, sets out to empower vets and dog owners to act early to minimise avoidable OA pain. The A Joint Effort digital hub offers knowledge, tools, and real-life stories to raise awareness of the subtle signs of OA, encourage early intervention, and build trust in science-backed professional expertise – to ultimately improve quality of life for dogs and those who care for them.
Louise Turley BVM&S MRCVS, vet and director of Mulberry House Vets (an independent vet practice in Wokingham), and A Joint Effort campaign ambassador, said: “As vets, we know that, given the painful and progressive nature of canine OA, acting quickly and decisively can make a world of difference. Yet lack of awareness around early warning signs, combined with a wealth of online information – some of it misleading – can result in delays in care, and missed opportunities to minimise pain and disease progression. A Joint Effort empowers pet owners to recognise the subtle signs of arthritic pain and seek professional help sooner.”
The campaign launches in September to coincide with Pain Awareness Month. If you are a vet in the UK treating dogs with OA, visit the A Joint Effort hub to explore the resources and consider sharing them with your clients. Campaign resources include myth-busting Q&As, heartfelt stories from real-life pet owners, and practical tools to help pet owners prepare for vet visits, track symptoms and explore treatment options.
