6 tips to stave off your pet’s arthritis this winter
Winter can exacerbate existing ailments, such as arthritis, and while human beings may be able to verbalise their pain, unfortunately pets are unable to do so.
WHILE the cold weather may bring many positives such as having the chance to binge-watch your favourite TV series in bed or being able to indulge in just one more mug of hot chocolate, it can also unfortunately bring with it is a lot of discomfort to your fur babies.
Winter can exacerbate existing ailments, such as arthritis, and while human beings may be able to verbalise their pain, unfortunately pets are unable to do so.
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Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s veterinary advisor, Dr Fyvie said when it comes to cats it’s especially difficult for pet parents to acknowledge their pain as they’re absolute masters of disguise, a survival instinct.
“Caused by the wear and tear of cartilage and bone of the joints, osteoarthritis, if not managed properly, can become extremely painful and debilitating,” said Dr Fyvie.
Dr Fyvie explained that pets are more likely to develop arthritis as they age.
“At times it can occur in younger pets as a secondary ailment. This could be due to an inherited disease such as hip or elbow dysplasia, or trauma to cartilage and ligaments,” he said.
According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), arthritis in pets is not a single ‘type’ of problem and presents differently in the growing, versus the middle-aged, versus the older cat or dog.
Therefore, arthritis presenting at the different life stages requires a unique approach for optimal care.
“We know arthritic cats hide their discomfort very well, so signs pet parents should look out for are sleeping all day, contrary to popular belief this isn’t normal. It’s called ‘slowing down,’ and is almost always pain related,” he added.
The doctor said pet owners should also look out for a scruffier coat especially around the tail area as they struggle to groom.
“Other signs include battling or are reluctant to jump and having problems negotiating a high sided cat litter box,” added Dr Fyvie.
It’s not all doom and gloom, Dr Fyvie said the good news is that there are plenty of things pet owners can do to reduce arthritis pain and improve their pet’s quality of life.
Weight management – Carrying a little extra weight can become a significant load on your pet’s joints and can increase the inflammation, pain, and stress in an already arthritic pet. Maintaining optimum weight should be a priority.
Regular exercise – It’s harder to get up and move in winter, it’s just so cold. However, it’s important to maintain regular gentle exercise with your pets to keep their joints healthy and moving. A brisk walk with your dog when the winter sun is high, or a play session with your cat and an empty toilet roll will do wonders.
Comfortable bedding – Make sure your pet has a warm and sheltered area that is out of the cold, rain and wind.
Avoid stairs – For pets with severe arthritis, minimising access to stairs, where possible, can reduce unnecessary trauma. If stairs are unavoidable you may have to carry small pets up and down or use ramps around the house, if space allows.
Anti-inflammatory medication – Be sure to consult your vet for the correct pet medication – cats especially do not tolerate human medicines, which can be fatal.
Nutrition – The food your pet eats plays an important role in their overall health and well-being.
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