Have you noticed your aging pup or kitty slowing down? Is he slower to rise in the morning or after a nap? 

Maybe your elderly cat can't quite jump up on the window sill like she used to? 

These are signs your pet may be suffering from arthritis. Also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, this common disease is caused by simple wear and tear of the joints over time.

The signs of arthritis can range from mild discomfort (this might not be obvious to an owner or vet) to debilitating joint pain that severely limits the animal's mobility. Cold and damp winter days can make arthritis worse.

If you are not sure if your pet is  pain, the veterinarian can examine its limb joints and spine to detect pain.

There are many things that can be done to help slow the progression of arthritis in pets. These include:

1. Special prescription diets: Hill's JD and Royal Canin Mobility are just two examples: they include supplements and nutrients proven to improve and support joint health.

2. Good nail and foot care: keeping the toe nails clipped properly  and the hair trimmed so the pads dont slip,  to  help ensure a normal gait and remove stress on the joints.

3 Soft bedding and carpeting over slippery floors: added traction can also prevent paws form slipping and legs from splaying out and stressing sore joints. 

4. Pentosan injections: The veterinarian can  administer a once-weekly injection over three weeks which has meany beneficial actions. Just a few actions are that pentosan acts to thicken joint fluid, increases activity of young joint cartilage cells and helps improve mobility of all joints.  

5. Oral supplements such as 4cyte may reverse cartilage damage and decrease pain in the joint. There are many brands and types of supplements to suit even the fussiest  sore pet.

 6. Heating: keeping pets warm with heated beds and blankets can definitely improve mobility.

7. Drugs:  Just like you and me, sometimes our pets need some anti-inflammatories and pain-relief medicines, to get them through their bad days. The veterinarian will help you choose the right drug for your pets requirements