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Always remember that age is not a disease. Even though pets may develop age-related issues, good veterinary and at-home care allows them to live active, happy, healthy, and pain-free lives well into their senior and geriatric years.
Arthritis in Older Pets
As our beloved pets age, we can easily spot the greying coat of fur – but it’s essential to know that their joints are also changing as time passes.
If your cat or dog seems to be in pain and isn’t as active, they may be suffering from arthritis. Older pets, especially large dogs, are prone to arthritis and other similar joint disorders. Common signs of arthritis include:
- Sleeping more
- Difficulty standing or sitting
- Hesitancy to run, jump, or climb stairs
- Favoring a limb
- Decreased play time and activity
- Weight gain
These signs of arthritis are very similar to typical signs of an aging body, so it’s important to monitor your fur baby each and every day. If they appear to have any of these symptoms for longer than two weeks, it’s time to schedule an appointment with the Westfield Veterinary Group.
Treating Arthritis in Senior and Geriatric Pets
If your pet is diagnosed with arthritis after a thorough examination with one of our veterinarians, we will work together to develop a treatment plan that is right for you and your pet.
Arthritis treatment for cats and dogs is quite similar to human treatment and may include:
- Diet changes to maintain a healthy body weight
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
- Over-the-counter pet treatments with omega fatty acids or glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
- Exercise changes to lose weight and to keep the aging body active
- Rehabilitation consultation to manage your pet’s pain using a multi-modal approach
Keep a Spring in Their Step with Rehabilitation
Thanks to pet rehabilitation, aging does not necessarily have to mean pain. Rehab for older cats and dogs is much like physical therapy for humans – and offers many of the same benefits.
The Rehabilitation Department at Westfield Veterinary Group in our Union location offers several rehabilitation services and treatment modalities including:
- Laser therapy
- Hydrotherapy tank (underwater treadmill)
- Massage
- Range of motion (ROM) and stretching exercises
- Core strengthening and body awareness exercises
- Acupuncture
- Weight management strategies
- Various other pain management modalities
For detailed information on our rehab services and how they can help your senior or geriatric pet, please visit here.
If your pet is showing signs of arthritis, call us today at (844) 937-4424 to schedule an appointment at either our Westfield or Union location. We will make sure your furry family member continues to age gracefully and without pain.
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