A guest post from Dr Chris Brown.
Our pets play hard! But that doesn’t mean they’re not susceptible to arthritis. Over 80% of dogs and cats will be affected by arthritis at some stage.
Here’s how you can get ahead of the aches and pains and sneakily spot the very first signs of arthritis that they're trying to keep secret. By spotting it early, you can slow the deterioration process and keep your pets mobile for longer.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is the condition that occurs when wear and tear on the joint cartilage (that soft, spongy lining to the joints) results in a loss of this layer. As a result, joints lose their cushioning, leading to bone rubbing on bone. This causes soreness, swelling and limping.
If you can spot the warning signs, then you can take action to prevent it from progressing to the next serious, debilitating stage.
The early warning signs of arthritis
Warning Sign 1: The Exercise Hangover
You had a big park or beach play session with balls, frisbees and frantic play and, the next day, they don’t seem their typical exercise-loving selves. They may even look a little stiff and sore. In this situation, their joints may be experiencing inflammation: the precursor to arthritis.
Warning Sign 2: The Stair Off
The interesting thing about running up the stairs, jumping into the car or even leaping up onto the sofa is that all this activity is driven by the hind legs. That means loading up the hips and knees - the two big hot spots for arthritis. So, if they lose their desire to do any of the above, they may be experiencing joint soreness.
Warning Sign 3: Get Up and Slow
Next time your dog gets up after a sleep, watch how they walk. If they spring back into action, no problem. If they move with a very upright ‘Tin Man’ walking style, however, start paying more attention. Major joints (like elbows, shoulders, hips, and knees) stiffen when they’re swollen and take some time to loosen after sleep – so if your pet appears stiff after sleeping it’s another sign of impending arthritis.
If you’ve noticed any of these early warning signs, then it’s time to protect the joints from any further irritation.
Treatment for pets in early stages of arthritis
Encouraging weight loss, limiting high-intensity exercise like ball chasing, and providing supplements can make a huge difference. These steps can help protect precious joint cartilage and keep that niggling arthritis at bay.
Ready to support your pet's joint health? Explore Petstock's dog joint care and cat joint care collections today.
Dr Chris
Brown
Dr Chris Brown
Dr Chris Brown is an Australian Vet, television presenter and author. Best known for his television series Bondi Vet, he is also the founder of Drool, a company which champions quality ingredients and hand-picked supplements for healthy pet treats.