Maintaining the health and fitness of our pets throughout their lives is such an important part of being a pet parent. From the food they eat, to the exercise they take, they are reliant on us to ensure they stay at a healthy weight and maintain a balanced level of fitness that doesn’t put unnecessary strain on their joints, hips, muscles, tendons or cartilage.
However, there are circumstances where no matter the care we give, our pets need extra support – whether that be down to genetics, injury, or the simple act of ageing.
Primary arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis (OA), is common in senior cats and dogs. As pets get older their cartilage naturally erodes through wear and tear, which can lead to inflammation, discomfort around joints and a reduction in smooth movement and mobility.
Secondary OA can occur at any age following joint trauma through injury and hip dysplasia. Certain breeds are more prone than others and it might not always be immediately obvious there is an underlying problem if it is a low-grade trauma that repeats over a period of time.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include limping, a stiffness in movement or reluctance to move, changes in behaviour and reduced activity levels. Often this is easier to identify in dogs than cats, who tend to try to hide the pain by altering their activities to protect themselves from discomfort. Signs to look out for are resistance to jump up or down, reluctance or difficulty going through the catflap or using the litter tray. They may rest more, not hunt as usual, nor groom as much, become less social (with humans and other animals) and sleep in less obscure, and more easily accessible, places.
If you have concerns about any of these symptoms then take your pet for a check-up at your vets to determine cause and plan the best course of treatment.
Arthritis is not curable, but discomfort and pain can be managed through medication, alternative therapies (such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy), lifestyle changes, diet and dietary supplements.
Managing Discomfort
Weight management is key. There is no direct link to obesity causing arthritis, but extra pressure on sore joints can only create more discomfort for your pet. It’s tricky, because if mobility is reduced, weight-gain can quickly follow, so adjustments to their diet will be necessary.
Be mindful of the weather. Just as in humans, cold weather can stiffen joints causing more pain. Ensure exercise is tailored to the weather conditions – consistent movement remains important when managing any discomfort, but let your pet dictate the pace.
Make changes around the house to accommodate their needs, such as moving beds to easy-to-access areas, tying open catflaps or introducing litter trays inside, placing mats on to slippery floors, raising food and water bowls and limiting the need to go up or downstairs. Groom them more frequently if they are struggling to groom themselves as before, paying close attention to hard to reach places and claw length.
Ensure their diet is joint-supportive throughout their lives by being rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3, glucosamine and anti-oxidants. A diet lacking in these nutrients can accelerate joint deterioration and inflammation. Maintaining a healthy gut also works wonders on their lifelong joint health too.
Supplementary Support
We care about supporting the health and vitality of your pet from the inside out and so have three completely natural supplements that can really help through all stages of life.
JOINT GURU provides essential ingredients that work fast to alleviate discomfort, reduce inflammation and provide all round support for the joints. Containing active ingredients such as Devil’s Claw, Milk Thistle, Liquorice Root, MSM and Glucosamine Sulfate. It is formulated to give support throughout your pet’s life: from young growing bones through to old creaky ones, this daily supplement can be administered orally or added to food.
PURE SCOTTISH SALMON OIL a rich source of Omega 3,6 and 9 essential fatty acids that are not only great for joints and stomach, but also for all round skin, coat, brain, heart and eye health. It tastes delicious too!
TUMMY GURU is a probiotic and pre-biotic powder supplement that ensures your pet has optimum nutrient absorption and maintains a healthy gut flora. It can help to provide a balance, or restore one, after an upset. Natural active ingredients include: Linseed, Psyllium Husk, Marshmallow Root, Banana, Papaya, Pumpkin Seed, Calcium Carbonate and Live Beneficial Bacteria. Simply sprinkle the recommended amount on to their food.