A Career of Compassion

Does Your Pet Have Joint Issues?

Have you noticed that your pet is struggling to walk, run, or jump like they used to? Your furry friend's personality and quality of life can be negatively impacted by joint health issues, and as a pet parent, it is up to you to notice when something like this is happening. This is particularly true the older your pet gets, which is when joint conditions are more likely to start to occur. Here are a few symptoms that you should be on the lookout for so that you can get your pet the help they need.

Difficult Moving or Limping

One of the most obvious signs that your pet is having joint health issues is difficult moving or limping while walking. You may notice that your dog is finding it difficult to climb the stairs, needs help to get into the vehicle, or falling behind during your afternoon walks. Your dog may also not be enjoying that game of fetch in the evening as much as usual. If your furry friend is struggling with day-to-day activities, then this is a sign that something is wrong.

With cats, pain can be concealed far better than with dogs. Therefore, you may not notice a limp or any outward signs of issues. However, you may notice that your feline is not jumping onto furniture as often, finding it difficult to get into the litter box, or just has a different posture than usual when they are dealing with joint issues.

Change in Sleeping Habits

When you are not feeling very well, it can be hard to get yourself out of bed. Well, the same is true for your pets when they have achy joins. Your dog may find it more difficult to recover after their walks, or they may get worn out faster than usual. Tender or sore joints can make it much more difficult to move around, causing them to also wear out faster. As a result, your pets will fatigue quicker, sleep more, and be reluctant to exercise or play like usual.

Change in Behavior or Irritability

If you notice that your furry friend just isn't themselves lately, it could be their way of letting you know that something is amiss with them. For instance, if your cat bites or scratches more easily or your dog growls or bites quicker than usual, this is a sign that something is wrong. When your furry friend has joint discomfort, it could result in inappropriate behavior on their part. This is particularly true if you pet the affected area.

For information on how to detect joint issues and what steps can be taken to treat it, contact a veterinarian in Phoenix, AZ.