Our pets are more likely to feel the effects of arthritis during the colder weather. Most of the signs of arthritis are subtle and you may not even realise your pet is in pain.
Arthritis is caused by the loss of the smooth cartilage that covers the bones at the end of a joint. This cartilage usually helps joints move freely and comfortably but over time, the ends of the bones become exposed and rub together.
Your pet may not necessarily have a limp and won’t yelp or cry out in pain. Watch out for the more subtle signs:
Dogs:
- Trouble or hesitation jumping up on to furniture or in to the car
- Stiff and sore especially noticable in the morning or after lying down
- Sleeping more and lying around for longer periods of time
- Not interested in playing as much
- Changes in behaviour such as being more grumpy than usual
- Lagging behind on walks
- Muscle loss along the spine and down the legs
Cats
- Hesitant to jump up onto your lap or furniture – often seen climbing up instead.
- Land in a heap when jumping down, or crawling down the side of the couch/bed.
- Reluctant to climb (may not jump the fence any more, but rather walk around to the neighbours)
- Spending more time at home/indoors
- Reduced grooming leading to a poorly kept coat and matted fur
Don’t be tempted to put these changes down to ‘just getting old’ as your pet may be in significant pain. There several very effective means of managing arthrtic pain, and the earlier they are started the more effective they are.
