Column

With the advances in pet care over the past years many pets are living much, much longer. As these pets grow older their chances are much greater that they will become affected by some form of arthritis.

Arthritis is an inflammation in your pet's joints. This inflammation causes stiffness and pain within the joints making it hard to move. The severity of the arthritis varies with each pet but it can be a very painful condition.

The cold, damp weather of fall and winter often make the pain much worse so it is important to try and make your pet as comfortable as possible during this time. Arthritis can occur in dogs and cats often manifesting itself in joints that have been injured before. Just as with people age takes it's toll on the joints of your pet and the heavier a dog or cat is the more likely the stress on the joints will be greater.

Arthritis needs to be diagnosed by your veterinarian before a course of action is decided upon but there are a few things you can do on your own to keep your pet comfortable.

Give your pet some type of soft bed to lie down on. Constant exposure to a cold, hard floor will cause your pet's joints to stiffen up and make movement difficult.

Try keeping your pet in a warm, comfortable area. Heating pads or hot water bottles will help to keep your pet's muscles warm.

Keep your dog fit and trim. Excess body weight will add to the stress on your pet's joints.

Ask your veterinarian about exercising your pet. Mild exercise can help keep your pet's joints from stiffening up. Swimming is one the best exercises an arthritic pet can do. Swimming provides fluid motion in the joints without any stress or shock.

Talk to your veterinarian about the use of anti-inflammatory medication to help relieve some of the discomfort. Arthritis is not a curable disease but the symptoms can the pain can be controlled with a little forethought and a little preparation. Your pet will definitely thank you for it.