Beat Your Pet's Arthritis This Winter

Tomorrow is officially the first day of winter, and that means that just like people, dogs and cats can experience more discomfort and pain from arthritis due to the cold weather.

Luckily, there are some simple ways to help pets with arthritis.

Prevention is always the first step in maintaining good health. Take a look at these five ways to prevent joint problems in your dog.Have you heard that glucosamine supplements can help with pets' joint health? Get the full story on glucosamine and chondroitin for pets.If your pet is already feeling a little (or a lot) stiff, take heart! We've found 23 great products to help cats and dogs who have arthritis.Moving comfortably is important for everyone, and it can seem even more necessary when it comes to our dogs and cats. Playing and running can bring them joy--and you'll be happy to be there right alongside them!

Arthritis in Pets: Signs you shouldn't Ignore

Our pets are our most loving companions. They accept us wholly and are always with us, even when the chips are down. If you ask any pet owner what they wished would be different, most of them will tell you that things would have been so much easier if their four-legged friends could talk.Since animals cannot necessarily communicate with humans, it’s up to us to keep our eyes and ears open to any changes in our pets’ well-being, especially regarding their health. Cats and dogs are affected by various health conditions, and we should always watch out for signs that not all is well.

Arthritis – A silent demon

One of the most common ailments to affect your pets is arthritis. As your dog or cat grows older, it becomes more susceptible to this bone disease. There have been cases where younger cats and dogs suffer from joint and bone issues.Arthritis is a painful condition that affects the health of your pets’ bones and joints. It causes weakened bones, swelling in the joints, and makes the animal more prone to fractured and broken bones. This condition is permanent and progressively becomes worse.When affected by arthritis, your pet will experience soreness, pain, lameness, and stiffness in its joints. It can make simple activities like walking, climbing, or standing a painful and exhausting exercise. The best way to deal with arthritis is to detect it early on.

Symptoms of arthritis in your pets

Clinical signs of arthritis do not appear suddenly. They are gradual and become worse over time. Primary symptoms are often subtle and easy to miss, but if you know what to look for, you can prevent your pet from developing serious arthritis.

Limping:

If your pet is favoring one of its legs more than the others or limping, it is because a joint may be affected. An animal would not want to put any weight or pressure on a limb that is weak or painful.

Tiredness:

Animals with arthritis become tired more easily. While cats normally spend most of the day asleep, you may notice that your feline friend has been recently spending more time napping. Your dog may not enjoy long walks anymore.

Difficulty moving:

If your pet is facing some issues with its joints, it may find previously easy tasks more difficult to accomplish. For example, your dog may be more reluctant about getting in or out of your car or your cat may start avoiding jumping onto perches or counter-tops.

Irritability:

Since arthritis causes pain and discomfort, it will make your pet irritable. Your otherwise docile dog or cat may start biting or scratching when you approach or handle it.

Muscle atrophy:

Due to decreased use or inactivity of muscles, they will start developing atrophy. This will cause their limbs to look thinner and weaker than the other healthier onesArthritis is an illness that is better prevented than controlled. Consult your veterinarian for more details on this condition.