Joint Care Feature image

Pain-free pets: getting joint care right for older dogs and cats

Is your pet getting on in years?

Just like people, pets can have physical issues as they age. This is why the right joint care for dogs and cats is vital for your beloved pal to continue living a fulfilling life.

Take a look at some information about older domestic animals and find out how to make sure their knees, hips and shoulders don’t give them too much grief as they age.

When is a pet considered senior?

The senior years arrive at different times for different species and breeds.

Generally speaking, the following are the ages when dogs and cats are considered ‘over the hill’:

  • Toy/small breed dogs – 8 years
  • Medium breed dogs – 7 years
  • Large/giant breed dogs – 6 years
  • Cats – 8 years

Of course, all animals are different and will show signs of ageing at different times, depending on their overall health and lifestyle. Make sure to talk to your vet if you are unsure about whether your pet has a health issue or is simply getting older

See more:

Signs of joint issues in older dogs and cats

Sore joints can make life difficult and pets unhappy. Here’s what to look out for.

Risk factors for joint issues

The first step to ensure the health of your pet is to know when they are likely to experience joint pain and if they are in an at-risk group.

As explained by the RSPCA, there are risk factors in dogs that make it more likely they will develop joint issues such as osteoarthritis. The first is obviously age. Others include:

  • Weight/obesity
  • Size (joint issues are more common in larger breeds due to their natural weight)
  • Past injuries
  • Excessive exercise and repetitive stress activities
  • A prior diagnosis of hip or elbow dysplasia
  • Poor nutrition
  • Genetics (if your pets’ parents had joint issues, yours might too)

There are similar risk factors of joint issues for cats.

The RSPCA also shares signs that your dog is beginning to suffer from joint-related issues.

Keep an eye out for the following:

  • Stiffness, lameness, limping or difficulty getting up
  • Lethargy
  • Reluctance to run, jump, or play
  • Weight gain
  • Irritability or changes in behaviour
  • Pain when petted or touched
  • ‘Bunny hopping’ instead of walking
  • Hesitating before moving

Cats will be the same, with the additional symptom of altered grooming. You may notice your cat is grooming less frequently or overgrooming and is becoming matted and scruffy and it could be caused by joint pain. Their claws may even grow too long because your cat can’t scratch properly to maintain them.

Senior Cat

Preventative care for healthier joints 

From the risk factors, several preventative steps to maximise joint care for dogs should already be evident:

  • Watch your pet’s weight: The heavier your pet is, the more strain is put on their joints.
  • Provide proper nutrition: Nutrition is vital to overall health, and joint health is not exempt. We’ll talk more about nutrition for joint health shortly.
  • Exercise carefully: All pets need exercise to stay healthy. The tricky part is not too much. Repetitive exercises like agility, flyball or diving can put a strain on joints, so should be enjoyed in moderation.

Nutrition and medication for joint health

Just in case you still didn’t believe they are just like us (although if you’re a pet owner, you do know already), many of the foods that are good for human joints are also excellent for pets.

In addition to a balanced, joint-friendly diet, additional joint care supplements for dogs may be recommended. Take note: before you introduce any new foods or supplements, it is wise to talk to us about ingredients and portion sizes.

The other option to help minimise the discomfort of sore joints may be vet-prescribed medication. The newest to the market are Beransa for dogs, and Solensia for cats. These regular treatments work by targeting and neutralising the protein that stimulates pain in animals with arthritis.

The pain-relief benefits of an injection can last for a month and the treatment can be used in conjunction with other vaccinations and flea/tick treatments.

Senior Dog Joint Care

Caring for a dog or cat with joint pain

Unfortunately, joint issues like osteoarthritis are degenerative and will not go away on their own. The good news is that with the right nutrition and treatment, your pet doesn’t need to suffer.

Here’s what to keep in mind if your older dog or cat is struggling with joint pain:

  • They are senior now. They can’t play with you like they did when they were a puppy. Play sessions and walks should be shorter and less intensive. Talk to us about what will work for your pet.
  • The winter months can also be particularly difficult for pets. Make sure to keep them warm and comfy.
  • Regular visits to the clinic will help make sure your pet’s discomfort or joint issues do not go unnoticed.

See more: Senior pet care in winter

Joint care for dogs and cats requires a little forethought, the right combination of diet and exercise, and the right surroundings. Your relationship with your vet and a clear treatment plan are also key to keep the discomfort at bay.

Want to make sure your pet is ageing well or find out more about joint care for dogs and cats? Book a senior pet consult at Ark Veterinary Hospital today.

en_AUEnglish (Australia)