Pets with arthritis struggle with pain and mobility issues as their joints worsen over time. When the cartilage in your pet’s joints wears away, it creates inflammation. Though there’s no cure for this degenerative joint disease, it is treatable. This means we can help manage your pet’s pain so it doesn’t negatively impact their quality of life.
What causes arthritis in pets?
There are a few risk factors that increase the chances of your pet developing arthritis. Even pets who aren’t seniors yet can end up struggling with arthritis if they are:
- Obese
- Dealing with previous injuries
- Improperly fed
- Genetically predisposed
- Larger breeds like Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds
Is arthritis preventable?
Your furry friend is more likely to develop arthritis if they’re predisposed to it. However, there are steps you can take to ensure we diagnose them early enough to slow down the progression of the disease and create a pain management plan. Ensuring your pet maintains a healthy weight and exercises regularly can support joint health. It’s important to schedule regular wellness exams so we can stay up-to-date on any changes in their health. Please book an appointment with our team particularly if you notice any signs of arthritis, like limping, weight gain, reluctance to do physical activities or flinching when touched.
How can I support my pet?
If your pet has been recently diagnosed, we will work together to create a pain management plan. Most likely, your pet will be prescribed a combination of pain medication, weight management plan supplements and therapeutic treatments like acupuncture or physiotherapy. You’ll also need to make changes to your home to make it more accessible, like moving their food dish for ease of access or placing objects they use daily in easier to reach places.
