It is an unfortunate fact of life that dogs and cats will age faster than we do. Generally, large dog breeds will have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs.
Usually, pets are considered seniors when they are seven years and older – but this is breed and size dependent.
Signs that your pet may be experiencing the symptoms of arthritis:
- A decrease in their usual activity level
- Reluctance to move
- Difficulty in getting up after lying or sitting down
- Walking stiffly after sleeping or a long walk
- Struggling to navigate stairs
- Difficulty getting in and out of the car
- Night-time prowling around the house (this can be because of joint pain)
It is important that if you observe any of these symptoms or suspect that your pet is in pain, to make an appointment with your vet.
There are some simple ways to help ease the discomfort of an arthritic pet
- Maintain their ideal weight with a balanced diet. Extra weight on their joints can exacerbate the problem.
- Provide well-padded bedding (ideally, off the floor) that is placed away from cold drafts
- Consider investing in a ramp to help your pet get in and out of cars, up and down stairs, or on and off beds or couches.
- Give dogs supplements such as Omega 3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin that can help with joint diseases and mobility issues. Your vet can recommend the best brands.
Schedule regular check-ups with your vet every six months so they can monitor your pet for changes and address any problems early. If your pet is due for a senior’s check-up, please contact one of our team so we can arrange a telemedicine or non-contact consult appointment during COVID. It will help in addressing issues before they become unnecessarily painful, and more expensive to treat.
If you have a pet emergency please call us on (07) 3878 9766