pet care & health
Arthritis is not“ just old age”
Many pet owners will dismiss this increased stiffness and decreased mobility as mere“ old age”. This is unfortunate, as old age in itself is not a disease, but old age does predispose our pets to many diseases, one of the most common being arthritis.
The onset of symptoms from arthritis can be very subtle and insidious, which can make it difficult to notice that your pet is struggling. This becomes even more challenging with bouncy breeds that always aim to please their owners, such as Boxers and Labradors.
Subtle signs to watch for
It is essential to look out for subtle behaviour changes. Your first clues may be that they’ re taking longer to get up from lying down, hesitating before jumping onto the couch, slowing down on walks, struggling with stairs or avoiding them altogether. Sometimes the signs are even more understated – a normally friendly dog who seems a little grumpy, or a dog who sleeps more than usual.
Practical ways to keep them comfortable
The good news is that there is a lot we can do to help.
Firstly, warmth matters. Make sure your older dog has a wellpadded bed that is not on cold tiles or concrete. Orthopaedic beds are excellent for providing extra joint support. In very cold homes, consider moving their bed to a draught-free area or even using a safe heating pad designed for pets. Older dogs should not be left outside in colder months.
Keep them moving, but gently.
Regular, controlled exercise is one of the best things you can do for arthritic joints. A fiveminute daily walk is far more beneficial than an hour-long run on the weekend. Swimming in a heated pool is also a wonderful way to maintain muscle strength without putting undue stress on the joints. Movement also helps maintain muscle strength and keeps joints flexible. However, avoid high-impact activities like jumping or chasing balls excessively if your dog is already showing stiffness.
The importance of weight control
Weight control is critical. Even a small amount of extra weight significantly increases pressure on painful joints. If your dog is carrying a bit of extra condition, a tailored feeding plan can make a dramatic difference in their comfort levels.
Medical support makes a difference
There are also excellent medical options available. Joint supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, or undenatured type II collagen can support joint health. For dogs with more advanced arthritis, anti-inflammatory medication or newer painmodulating treatments can greatly improve quality of life. Many owners are surprised at how much brighter and more playful their dog becomes once their pain is properly controlled.
Senior pets should be visiting the vet every 6 – 12 months for an all-round check-up. This allows us to look for underlying agerelated diseases and arthritis. As a vet, one of the most rewarding things to see is a grey-faced dog get a new lease on life once we are controlling and managing their chronic pain.
Our senior dogs have given us years of loyalty, love, and companionship. As they age, they rely on us even more to notice the small changes and respond with kindness and proactive care. With the right support, colder days do not have to mean uncomfortable days. www. petpals. co. za 23