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How joint pain can change your pet's behavior

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Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

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These behaviors could mean joint pain

Pets with joint pain may:

Be slow to rise
Frequently lick joints
Lose interest in walking and playing
Snap when touched or picked up
Have household accidents if going for walks or using the litter box causes joint pain

Lethargy, weight gain, muscle atrophy and other health problems may also result. Joint pain can even take the fun out of life for your pet. Below are products that can increase flexibility and mobility or help with the pain.

Joint supplements increase movement

If your pet has joint damage or arthritis, joint supplements may improve his or her mobility. Key ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and perna nourish joints, support cartilage formation and may help restore joint flexibility. When pets are more mobile and flexible, the unwanted behaviors mentioned above may decrease.

Prescription medications for pain relief

In some cases, veterinarians prescribe pain medication to reduce the pain of arthritis. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like Rimadyl, Quellin, and Novox reduce inflammation quickly and help improve mobility. When your pet is pain-free, cuddling, playing and daily walks can be a source of joy again.

Healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise

Inactivity and weight gain can be detrimental to joint health. Your pet needs regular exercise and a diet that helps maintain a healthy weight. Choosing food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin can also help promote healthy joints, and regular walking or playing can help keep joints flexible.

Orthopedic beds for achy joints

Sleeping on a hard floor can make joints stiff and achy. Orthopedic pet beds help support your pet's bones, muscles and joints in comfort. Specially designed orthopedic beds for pets provide full body support, making it easier to rise, too. Heated pet beds are also available to provide comforting warmth to aching hips and joints.

Strollers, steps and ramps for easy accessibility

A lifetime of jumping on and off sofas and beds can cause joint damage. Pets with arthritis may become reclusive if going for walks is too painful, or it is difficult to get on or off furniture. Pet strollers are a great way to make sure pets with joint pain can still enjoy a stroll in the fresh air. Steps and ramps can help your pet reach a favorite comfortable spot with ease.

Tip

Pets can't tell you when they have joint pain. If you notice signs of arthritis and joint damage, have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.