What Your Pet Can’t Tell You

Mobility issues in pets are common, with one in five adult dogs suffering from pain and stiffness. This is even more prevalent in older dogs, and although it may be less noticeable in cats, research shows that about six in ten cats are affected as they age. Dr Guy Fyvie, Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s Veterinary Affairs Manager, says that our pets can’t tell us when they are in pain, but there are some behaviours which can indicate joint pain. “If joint pain is diagnosed and a treatment plan is put in place soonest, damage to the joints can be limited and aggressive treatment programmes can be avoided or postponed.”

Some signs pet parents can be on the lookout for with their dogs or cats are:

• Difficulty getting up after lying down for extended periods of time, stiffness, limping, just slowing down and ‘slipping’ on smooth floors
• Increased irritability and general grumpiness
• Reluctance to climb up or down the stairs or jump in the car
• Swollen joints and excessive licking of a sore joint
• Loss of muscle mass (especially on the affected limb)
• Not expressing usual enjoyment when playing or going for walks
• Sleeping more than usual
• Grooms with difficulty

Dr Fyvie adds that while arthritis is a painful and debilitating condition, it can be managed successfully. “With early detection and the correct treatment, including nutrition, the pain and inflammation your pet is experiencing can be reduced and further joint degradation can be prevented.”