Welcome to Pet Peeves, a monthly series that aims to provide pet care solutions and expert advice for difficult scenarios involving your beloved animal companions.

Anyone who owns an elderly pet knows that watching your dog or cat age is a privilege. But as your pet ages, in addition to seeing their fur become adorably frosty, it’s likely that you’ll also notice changes in their mobility. Perhaps they might start jumping out of bed a little slower for their morning walk, for example, or seem generally slower than in their younger years.

“As pets age, the most common factors affecting their mobility include osteoarthritis, degenerative joint diseases, and muscle atrophy,” says Dr. Lisa Lippman, veterinarian and director of virtual medicine at Bond veterinarian. “Other issues such as spinal problems, hip dysplasia and obesity can also contribute to reduced mobility. In some cases, neurological disorders or systemic diseases can further complicate mobility.

To help you deal with an aging pet with mobility issues, I consulted three veterinarians to get their advice on how to keep your older dog or cat as comfortable as possible during this phase of his or her life. life. While some degree of slowing down is inevitable, there are many ways to ease your dog or cat’s pain as they become less mobile, even if they are affected by any of the above problems. -on it as it ages. And as someone who recently adopted a 13-year-old dog (and who has lived with several older cats and regularly volunteers at my local animal shelter), I’ve had my share of experience dealing with arthritis and learned to identify the signs of pain. From supplements and prescription medications to arranging your home to make it easier for them to get around, here’s how to be there for your aging pet.

Discuss any behavioral changes with your veterinarian

While common questions like osteoarthritis affects 20% of dogs over a year old, they affect 80% of dogs over eight years old, according to various studies. And it’s a similar story with cats: 60% of cats six years or more and 90% of cats over 12 years old may be diagnosed with osteoarthritic pain. “Signs of pain can be subtle and include changes in behavior, such as reluctance to move, hiding, or decreased interest in favorite activities,” says Lippmann. “You may also notice changes in posture, such as stiffness when getting up, reluctance to jump, or walking more slowly.” Other indications of pain in dogs, she adds, may include licking or chewing on a specific joint, decreased appetite, or becoming irritable or withdrawn.

Cats, on the other hand, are particularly adept at hiding their pain, meaning it’s not always so obvious. “Pain can negatively impact cognitive functions, sleep patterns, sensitivity to environmental stimuli, and disrupt relationships with humans and other pets,” says Dr. Tracey Deiss, a veterinarian at an animal health company. . Zoétis who specializes in feline pain. “Cats tend to manifest osteoarthritic pain differently than dogs, often not showing typical signs like lameness and their ability to mask joint pain during examinations.” This is why it is essential to consult your veterinarian regularly, especially if you notice any changes in behavior.

Dr. Courtney Pierce, a Zoetis veterinarian specializing in canine pain, notes that “many dogs are not diagnosed with osteoarthritis until the disease is quite advanced and significant pain is present.” . This means it can make effective treatment much more difficult; it also highlights the importance of annual physical exams and other routine preventative measures. Additionally, she points out that vocalization (such as crying, moaning, or whining) is not a common way for animals to communicate that they are feeling pain, especially if it is chronic, often making it difficult to identify. by dog ​​guardians.

Your veterinarian may recommend prescription medications like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), gabapentin. or injectables to help treat your pet’s specific issues and manage their pain. But just remember that what works for some animals doesn’t always work for others, so you may have to do some trial and error. Physical therapy options may also be beneficial, such as hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill walking), massage, laser therapy, acupuncture and more.

Make sure they maintain a healthy weight

Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is important throughout their life, but it is especially crucial as they age, as unnecessary weight can put more strain on their joints and affect their mobility. “Studies have shown that when animals stay lean, the onset of osteoarthritis is delayed compared to overweight dogs,” says Pierce.

Make sure they eat a balanced diet and have a caloric intake appropriate for their ideal weight. “Diets formulated for joint health, especially those containing omega-3 fatty acids, can support joint function,” says Lippman, who recommends supplements like fish oil, glucosamine and the green-lipped mussel. I’ve had good experiences using over-the-counter joint supplements like Movoflex And Dasaquin for my geriatric dog, but it’s always best to consult your veterinarian for their recommendations before starting anything new with your pet. In addition, there are many dog food delivery services which you can personalize to target your pet’s specific needs.

“When it comes to exercise, regular but moderate activity is important: short, frequent walks rather than long ones, adjusted based on how your pet feels,” adds Lippman. “Avoid overexertion and always watch for any signs of discomfort.” Pierce also advises gentle, consistent activity to keep joints flexible and muscles strong and suggests interactive play sessions that promote movement without putting too much stress on the joints.

Create a comfortable home environment for them

Unfortunately, there is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are many steps you can take to ensure your home best meets the needs of your senior pet, whether they suffer from arthritis or other joint problems. “Provide ramps to help them access their favorite places, make sure litter boxes have low sides for easy entry and provide soft bedding to cushion their joints,” suggests Deiss. You may also consider covering any hard surfaces with rugs, rugs, or rugs to aid traction.

For more recommendations, take a look at our list of best ramps for dogs and the best orthopedic beds for dogs. I also use this stroller for large breed dogs for my senior dog when we walk to the vet; we walk for as long as she’s comfortable, and once she gets tired, she takes it up and we keep it going. Additionally, an elevated feeding station (I use this one from Trot Petswhich also comes with a slow feeding bowl) can help them eat and drink more easily, so they don’t need to lower their heads all the way to the ground.

With cats, observe their behavior and ask yourself if they should have access to a cat tree; If he’s undergoing treatment and seems to be rehabilitating, “don’t let your cat access a cat tree until he’s ready to jump from those heights,” says Deiss, who recommends gradually adding levels. as it progresses.

Meet the experts

Lisa LippmanDVM, is a New York-based veterinarian and director of virtual medicine at Bond veterinarian who completed his veterinary medicine degree at Western University of Health Sciences. She also serves on the board of directors for Animal Lighthouse Rescue, whose mission is to help homeless dogs in Puerto Rico. She is co-host of the podcast We don’t deserve dogs and has been presented as a veterinary expert on Hello America, Dr. Oz, Inside edition and more.

Courtney PierceDVM, MBA, is a Virginia-based small animal veterinarian who earned her veterinary degree from North Carolina State University. She is the Medical Lead for Canine Pain at Zoetis and has a particular interest in surgery and pain management.

Tracey DeissDVM, is Zoetis’ medical lead for feline pain and anxiety, as well as a general practitioner veterinarian who received her degree in veterinary medicine from Texas A&M University. In her spare time, Dr. Deiss provides emergency veterinary services to several clinics and serves on the board of directors for two veterinary medical organizations.

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