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Slowing Down Doesn't Have to Be an Inevitable Part of Aging


old dog laying down

Age is relentless for us all. Somedays you just wake up and start your day feeling like a truck hit you, and others you jump out of bed like a forest nymph. It’s no different for our furry pets. But if it’s an on-going issue, it may be time to think about issues like osteoarthritis plaguing your pet. Spoiler: it’s not always a condition that hits older pets.



 

Arthritis VS Osteoarthritis

By definition, arthritis is the medical term for inflammation of the joints, while osteoarthritis is the term referring to a form of chronic joint inflammation caused by deterioration of joint cartilage. Both can be debilitating and a major hindrance to your pet’s quality of life, but osteoarthritis does tend to affect older pets in general.


These are some key factors that can predispose your pet to both arthritis and osteoarthritis.

  • Large or giant breeds, such as German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers

  • Obesity

  • Age, particularly middle-age to senior dogs

  • Repetitive stress from athletic activities such as agility, flyball, or dock diving

  • Injuries such as fractures or ligament tears

  • Infections that affect the joints, such as Lyme Disease

  • Improper nutrition

  • Poor conformation

  • Genetics


 

But what does it look like? How can you tell if your pet is affected? Unfortunately, osteoarthritis can be pretty sneaky and hard to detect in its early-stages but there are some key changes to keep an eye out for to get a jump on treatments.





  • Stiffness, lameness, or difficulty getting up

  • Lethargy

  • Irritability or changes in behavior

  • Pain when petted, picked up, held or touched

  • Avoidance of running, jumping, or playing

  • Weight gain

  • Difficulty posturing to urinate or defecate, or having accidents in the house

  • Loss of muscle mass over the limbs and spine


If you suspect your pet, regardless of age, may be exhibiting some of these symptoms it’s important to schedule a vet visit to be sure you get a handle on it as soon as possible. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the scenario and prognosis for a happy, fulfilling life will be.


dog getting red light therapy session

There are a number of ways that your veterinarian will suggest you help your best friend become pain free. From medicines to therapy and even diet regulation. But one of the best, and most prolific ways is acupressure and red light laser therapy. These holistic approaches help heal in lieu of just masking the problem with a slew of medications. Poll to Pastern offers both of these options to your pets and even offers at-home red light laser kits.


Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can get your horse, pup or kitty feeling better and back to their old playful selves.


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