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As a pet parent, you spend time making sure that your furry family member is well taken care of every day. But as you take care of your dog or cat, it isn’t always easy to know when something is amiss. This is particularly true when it comes to your pet’s joint health.
After all, what is there to worry about if your dog or cat is not limping or showing any signs of pain, right?
The reality is that throughout the life of your dog or cat, their joint health will play an essential role in their overall quality of life and wellbeing. By taking a proactive approach to their joint health, you can help stave off potential joint issues, as well as tackle any joint problems your furry family member faces.
“Quality of life is really impacted when we have joint disease,” says Dr. Elyse Olechnowicz, Northeast Area Medical Director at Vetco Total Care . “Even the way our pets interact with each other and their pet parents. They are not as excited about walks, don't want to be pet as much, brushed as much—that's impacting the way they interact with the world.”
Joint health concerns for both dogs and cats center around a few common culprits.
One of the most common joint issues for both dogs and cats is degenerative joint disease, — also called osteoarthritis or simply arthritis. As your dog or cat ages, their cartilage degenerates, leading to the onset of arthritis. It's estimated that about 20% of dogs over the age of 7 and 90% of cats over age 12 will suffer from joint-related issues due to arthritis.
And while most joint health discussions revolve around osteoarthritis, there are other potential joint issues for your dog or cat. These include:
In addition to understanding what joint issues your pet might face, it is also important to note that certain conditions can predispose your furry friend to joint problems.
Common conditions that increase your dog’s or cat’s likelihood of dealing with joint issues include:
Certain breeds are more prone to joint issues than others. If you have a Himalayan, Persian, Maine Coon or Siamese cat, they be more likely to develop joint problems. Large dog breeds such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, Labradors, Retrievers, St. Bernards and Mastiffs may also be at an increased risk.
Unfortunately, it can be hard for pet parents to detect joint issues in your dog or cat. While some pets will show outward signs, this is not always the case, particularly with cats who are masters at hiding their pain.
However, regular vet visits are the best way to identify joint concerns in your dog or cat. Your vet can help ensure that your pet isn’t already struggling or at risk for future issues. “All dogs and cats should have annual examinations by their veterinarian and as they reach their golden years, we recommend bi-annual exams,” says Dr. Olechnowicz. The veterinarian may detect changes on a physical exam that identify signs of joint disease even if a pet has subtle or no signs at home.”
*Always partner with your vet if you start seeing any of the signs above. When you notice something more severe, such as limping, work to get your pet into a clinic right away so your vet can determine if additional treatment might be needed.
The good news is that in partnership with your vet, you can help your dog or cat maintain their quality of life. Depending on the type and severity of joint-related issue, your approach might include any of the following tactics.
As a pet parent, there are numerous ways to help contribute to your pet’s joint health. But of all the things you can do, helping your pet stay at a healthy weight is one of the most significant. If you are concerned that your pet’s weight might be leading to joint issues, learn more about how you can manage their weight.
