Signs of Arthritis in Pets

Pets are fantastic companions, but taking care of them is often difficult. You need to take special care of older pets, and if you notice that your pet may not be as spry as they used to be, it could be that they are suffering from arthritis.

What is Arthritis in Pets?

Arthritis in pets is just as common as in people. For those in the Richmond area, Kindred Care Pet Hospital can help you learn if your pet has arthritis. Arthritis is an inflammation and damage of the joint and the surrounding tissue that causes daily pain and trouble for those pets that are suffering.

Signs of Arthritis in Pets

There are some signs you can watch for to see if you think your pet may have arthritis. One early indicator is if your pet slows down. Maybe they are not running anymore, maybe it takes them longer to get up the stairs, these can be early signs that are not the expected yelping or crying out in pain. You may also notice that their joints are displaced or swollen, are favoring one leg or one side more than the other, have trouble doing things that they could once do with ease, and are generally not as spry as they used to be. All of these could also be indicators of old age, but if your pet seems to be staying in one spot, having trouble moving around, or are yelping in pain, they may be suffering from arthritis.

How to Treat Arthritis in Pets

You can treat this illness quite simply. Medication and physical therapy can help your pet move with ease again. You can add supplements to their diet to help make their lives easier. Pets can be an incredible benefit to people, sometimes the emotional support they provide can be life-changing. We have to make sure that we take care of our pets just as much as they take care of us.  

Contact Us Today to Book A Wellness Checkup

Reach out to our veterinarian in Richmond at Kindred Care Pet Hospital to book a wellness exam appointment and determine whether your pet has arthritis. Call us today at 281-265-0009.