Lane Cove Veterinary Hospital are passionate about your pets, and share some more information with us about pets and cold weather. Thanks Lane Cove Vet!
It’s the middle of winter ! Let’s give Arthritis a warm un-welcome!!
The cold weather affects both us and our pets. We tend to want to stay close to the heater, away from the cold, and (for me) refrain from doing any exercise! For our older and heavier pets however, colder temperatures and inactivity may aggravate underlying painful joint conditions more commonly known as arthritis.
Did you know that dogs and cats show signs of pain and discomfort differently? Arthritis in dogs can range from reluctance to walk and climb stairs, to crying out if unable to get up. In cats, signs can range from playing less frequently, to urinating and doing number two’s outside normal areas.
Noticing these changes in behavior is the first step in arthritis prevention, particularly if your pet is overweight or older than seven years. It is important to pick up arthritis early given that the disease is progressive and the earlier the intervention, the better chance of reducing pain and discomfort.
The best way to confirm if your pet is to come in to see your Vet for a health check. If your pet is suffering from arthritis, a management plan is the next step. This is something that your Vet will create for you, and you and your pet will be supported throughout it’s implementation.
Generally, a plan consists of addressing:
- Weight – reducing your pet’s excess weight can significantly decrease the burden on load bearing joints and therefore reduce pain. Weight loss alone can provide improvement! There are specific weight control diets we recommend at our clinic for controlled weight loss over time. This makes the job of the pet owner so much easier, as they know their pet is receiving a delicious and balanced diet all in one bag.
- Exercise – Moderate, controlled exercise has been shown to decrease arthritis progression, as it burns fat, strengthens and maintains muscle mass whilst also improving circulation.
- Bedding – We are not the only ones who like to curl up in the warmth during Winter. Making sure that your pet has access to warm bedding and environment does wonders for stiff joints.
- Medication and supplements- Reducing pain through medication and supplements will allow for easy movement of joints and can reduce joint degeneration. In older pets, a blood test may be required to rule out kidney or liver disease before starting on medication. It can have a dramatic and positive affect on your pet’s quality of life.
Here at Lane Cove Veterinary Hospital, we are your partner in petcare. We do all we can to ensure that you and your pet remain happy and healthy year round. Please do not hesitate to call us on 9428 1174 or pop into the clinic if you have further questions about Arthritis or any other pet care queries or concerns. We are here for you and your pet!
Address: Corner of Pacific Highway and Rimmington Street, Artarmon NSW 2064
Phone: 02 9428 1174
Website: Lane Cove Veterinary Hospital
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