Maintaining Your Pet's Joint Health
As our pets get older, it’s common for them to experience joint stiffness just as we do. While some conditions can't be avoided, a regular maintenance program can help.
Signs that your pet may be suffering from poor joint health include:
- Lameness
- Noticeable limp
- Hesitance to jump or climb stairs
- Joint stiffness
- Difficulty standing up or sitting down
- For cats, failure to use the litterbox
What Can Poor Joint Health Mean?
Degeneration of joints is caused by the breakdown of cartilage that protects and cushions the bones in joints. Decreased mobility is commonly seen in senior pets as the cartilage naturally erodes with age. But acute injury, genetic predisposition, and obesity can also be contributing factors.
Your pet could suffer from decreased mobility and lameness preventing them from doing basic activities. This can lead to depression, irritability, and weight gain.
You Can Help
There are things you can do to make your pet more comfortable and help maintain joint normal function. Cartilage supplements can increase joint function and flexibility. In addition, if your pet is overweight, dietary measures should be taken to help ease pressure on aching joints. See your veterinarian to receive medication and dietary regimens for your pet’s health.
