Arthritis is a painful condition that affects many pets. While there's no cure for arthritis, you can reduce pain and discomfort by seeking treatment early on. At Pasquotank Animal Hospital in Elizabeth City, NC, we provide senior pet care and treatment for many pets with arthritis.
Signs of Pet Arthritis
If your pet deals with joint pain and stiffness, you'll likely notice changes in its behavior. Talk to our veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Pacing or shaking
- Frequently changing positions
- Difficulty moving
- Quickly tiring during physical activity
- Limping
- Refusing to go up or down the stairs
Preventing Arthritis in Pets
While there's no guaranteed way to prevent arthritis, there are steps you can take to keep your pet's joints healthy as it ages. Pets are significantly more likely to develop arthritis if they're overweight. By feeding your pet a healthy diet and ensuring it gets the exercise it needs, you can avoid joint stress caused by excess weight.
You should also be proactive about seeking treatment for your pet if it shows signs of illness or injury. When injuries don't heal correctly, they can cause damage to cartilage, which can lead to arthritis later on. Infections can also damage joint tissue and cartilage, which is why regular vet checkups are so important.
How to Help Your Pet with Arthritis
If your pet is diagnosed with arthritis, there are several things you can do to minimize pain and keep your pet comfortable. Since extra weight puts more stress on your pet's joints, you should keep your pet at a healthy weight. Feed your pet an appropriate amount of food. Short spurts of activity throughout the day can help prevent joint stiffness.
You should also ensure your pet has a comfortable place to sleep. Ideally, the pet bed you choose should provide plenty of cushions and be large enough for your pet to stretch out its limbs. Orthopedic pet beds can be an excellent choice for pets with arthritis.
Finally, make sure your pet has regular wellness checkups. Checkups are a vital part of senior pet care. Our vet will examine your pet during these visits and provide recommendations. For example, if your pet's arthritis symptoms become more severe, our veterinarian may recommend alternative treatments to relieve your pet.
Visit Our Veterinarian in Elizabeth City, NC
Arthritis can be painful for pets, but thankfully, there are plenty of ways to make pet arthritis symptoms more manageable. Pasquotank Animal Hospital can treat arthritis and provide preventative care. Call (252) 264-3371 to schedule a wellness checkup or another appointment for your pet.