Elderly dogs and cats often suffer from chronic pain which is often associated with arthritis. Affected senior pets may experience stiffness or intermittent pain after engaging in rigorous exercise or activity. The onset of signs of arthritis is quite subtle. You may notice that something is wrong when your pet seems to be having trouble getting up and down a flight of stairs, or getting up after sleeping. There may also be changes in your pet’s gait and mobility. Unfortunately, arthritis is a degenerative disease that cannot be cured once it has started. The good news is there are easy ways to slow down the deterioration of the joint tissues and improve your senior pet’s quality of life.
If your pet is carrying excess weight, getting rid of the extra pounds can significantly improve arthritis pain and discomfort. A moderate exercise regimen recommended by your veterinarian can keep your pet’s muscle moving which can go a long way in maintaining muscle tone and preserving the range of motion in the affected joints.
You can also ask your veterinarian San Antonio, TX about alternative or homeopathic treatment options, such as acupuncture, pet massage, laser therapy, etc.
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