With Winter on its way we want to help our oldies be a little more comfortable through the colder months.



4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 8 years old have arthritis

Many pets are mistakenly described as  ‘just old’ when really, they are in pain.

Signs of pain/discomfort in dogs and cats – your pet doesn’t need to vocalise or ‘cry’ to be in pain, it can be as subtle as a change in behaviour.

• Reduced activity, stubborn, slow/stiff getting up
• Sleeping more, lethargic, lazy, unwilling to play
• Clingy/separation anxiety, unsettled/general anxiety
• Change in character, aggression when approached or stroked
• Weak back end, unsteady, limping
• Difficulty with steps/stairs, unable to jump up/down
• Toileting ‘accidents’ inside, difficulty using dog/cat door to get outside
• Self-inflicted damage – persistent licking at a specific area
• Cats can sometimes develop matts in their fur as unable to groom properly

Arthritis – Tips for senior dogs and cats

1. Weight Management

• The biggest thing you can do for your pet to help with its arthritic pain is help maintain a normal healthy weight.
• We know those ‘puppy dog eyes’ are hard to resist but know you are providing more pain-free years for your pet by being strong. (as well as saving money buying less food/treats and spending less money at the vets on treatment)
• Some tips to help reduce weight
• Measure amount of dry food currently feeding and reduce, or alternatively there are many light/senior or satiety types of food as alternatives.
• Reduce treats, cut them in half or offer half the amount
• Reduce bones, especially marrow as it is very fatty
• Where there is a few people in the house who may feed your pet you may set out a tray on the bench with his daily allowance each morning so everyone knows what he can have for the day.

2. Surfaces

• Flooring should be non-slip – especially around lounge/chairs where your dog is most likely to sleep or jump down onto.
• Flooring around dog doors should also be non-slip.
• Dog doors should be correct size so pet doesn’t scrape its shoulders or have to arch its back to get through.
• Can be easily achieved by placing cheap non-slip yoga mats in high traffic areas or where your pet likes to sit.
• Steps up/down from bed/lounge, in/out of car to help reduce pressure on joints, especially jumping down.

3. Trim hair/cut nails

• Trim hair around feet to help with traction of the pads
• Keep nails short to reduce the pain in the toe joints from pressure of long nails on the ground.
• Short nails also provide correct contact for the pads for better traction.

4. Bedding and warmth

• Don’t let them get too cold
• If outside may need a coat in winter
• Avoid swimming/bathing in cold water in winter
• Thick supportive mattresses to support those old and tired joints
• Warm sheltered position inside, or out of the wind if outside, such as a kennel.

5. Pain relief

• There are many nutraceutical supplements that can be purchased ‘over the counter’, most containing a combination of natural ingredients such as fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, green lipped muscle, abalone and shark cartilage.
• 4cyte – our most popular supplement (AKA ‘magic green beads’)
• Contains epitalis, green lipped muscle, abalone and shark cartilage providing joint support as well as pain relief as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
• Original granule supplement and now available in a more palatable gel
• Covered by the 4cyte money back guarantee. 
• Fish oil – regular fish oil capsules can be administered at a dose of 1000mg/10kg/day
• Premium commercial diets such as Royal Canin Mobility, Hills JD.
• Arthritis injections – Zydax
• A course of injections given weekly for 4 weeks and then repeated every 6 months
• Targets 2 key signs of Osteoarthritis – cartilage degeneration and inflammation
• Click here for more information on Zydax
• Prescription medications
• Usually we reserve these for when all else is not maintaining comfort.
• Various NSAIDS (eg. Meloxicam) are most commonly used as provide best results as a pain killer and anti-inflammatory.
• Regular blood tests to assess organ function are recommended if your pet is needing these medications long term
• We sometimes use a combination of other medications depending on the individual requirements and health status of your pet

6. Exercise

• Accept your dogs needs and exercise capabilities and requirements have changed as they have aged, they may not be able to do what they used to. Some dogs actually need reduced exercise, while others need increased but gentle exercise.
• Controlled Leash walking
• This is really one of the simplest and most beneficial thing you can offer
• Ensure your dog is not pulling on the lead to make sure it is using all muscles effectively. If you have trouble with pulling we suggest using a head halti with the clip attaching behind the ears.
• Try up/down hills and different surfaces like long grass or sand to help keep muscles strong in younger dogs to help prevent arthritic changes
• Always stick to what your dog is capable of, sometimes 5 minutes on level even ground is enough for older weak dogs.
• Restrict rough and tumble play
• your dog won’t limit itself as it is fun but will become more sore afterwards.
• Restrict ball chasing or fast paced exercise with sharp turns
• We know they love chasing a ball, but this is really hard on their joints and muscles
• Dogs won’t limit themselves even if painful as the ball becomes so obsessive and their excitement overrides pain.
• Fetching into water is not as hard on joints
• Brain games
• Take some of daily food out on walks to make fun, hide and seek games
• Some off-leash time provides stimulation
• Hide the ball or treats under blankets at home
• There are many dog and cat puzzles available
• Consider taking old/painful dogs out in a trolley/pram so they can still get stimulation even if they can’t walk all the way.
• Warm up and cool down
• Walking for 5-10 minutes before vigorous exercise and allowing a slow cool down afterwards, ie dry off after swimming or put a coat on if outside in the cold.
• Physio/Rehab therapist
• Consider an examination with an animal physiotherapist who can provide better guidance on what specific exercises and activities will suit your pet to help maintain or strengthen certain areas and keep your pet in the best shape possible.