Why our pets may be feeling the cold more than we think
While the cold weather may bring many positives such as TV series marathons in bed and an excuse to have just one more mug of hot chocolate, what it can also unfortunately bring with it is a lot of discomfort to our fur babies. Winter can exacerbate existing ailments our pets may have such as arthritis and, while we may be able to verbalise our pain, unfortunately our pets can’t. When it comes to cats it’s especially difficult for pet parents to acknowledge their pain as they’re absolute masters of disguise – a survival instinct. “Caused by the wear and tear of cartilage and bone of the joints, arthritis, if not managed properly can become extremely painful and debilitating,” says Dr Guy Fyvie, Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s veterinary advisor.
He explains that pets are more likely to develop arthritis as they age, but at times can occur in younger pets as a secondary ailment due to an inherited disease such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, or trauma to cartilage and ligaments.
According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), arthritis in pets is not a single ‘type’ of problem and presents differently in the growing, versus the middle-aged, versus the older cat or dog. Therefore, arthritis presenting at the different life stages requires a unique approach for optimal care. For example, in a growing dog surgical intervention may be the first line of treatment in an effort to limit the disease progression and the likelihood of pain in the future, whereas an older cat, for example, may require pain management and dietary changes. “We know arthritic cats are harder to diagnose, so signs pet parents should look out for is 1. sleeping all day, contrary to popular belief this isn’t normal. It’s called ‘slowing down,’ and is almost always pain related, and 2. look out for a scruffier coat especially around the tail area as they struggle to groom.”
It’s not all doom and gloom, however. Dr Fyvie says the good news is that there are plenty of things pet parents can do to reduce arthritis pain and improve their pet’s quality of life.
Weight management – Carrying a little extra weight can become a significant load on your pet’s joints and can increase the pain and stress on an already arthritic pet. Maintaining optimum weight should be a priority. If your pet’s weight is a concern, make an appointment with your vet. Your vet will objectively assess their weight, recommend nutritional and lifestyle changes if necessary, and prescribe pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication, as required. A food like Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility can also help to support pets’ joints while assisting them in losing those extra kilos and maintaining a healthy weight.
Regular exercise – It’s hard for all of us to get up and move in winter – it’s just so cold. However, it’s important to maintain regular gentle exercise with our pets to keep their joints healthy and moving. A brisk walk with your dog when the winter sun is high, or a play session with your cat and an empty toilet roll will do wonders for everyone’s physical and mental wellbeing and is critical in the management of arthritis.
Comfortable bedding – Make sure your pet has a warm and sheltered area that is out of the cold, wet and wind. Winter nights make joint pain worse and a snug comfortable bed with extra blankets will allow your pet to relax while they’re lying down and recuperating. Just make sure your pet’s bed isn’t on a high level or is difficult to get in and out of, as this can put added pressure on their joints.
Avoid stairs – By minimising access to stairs, where possible, for really arthritic pets, can reduce unnecessary trauma. If stairs are unavoidable you may have to carry small pets up and down or use ramps around the house, if space allows. If jumping in and out of the car proves problematic for your larger dog, then consider a portable ramp to make this transition easier. For cats specifically, lower their food and water bowls for easy access or, if this isn’t possible, ensure there is a halfway jump to get up to them.
Nutrition – The food your pet eats plays an important role in their overall health and well-being. Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d and mobility range of foods for dogs and cats are made with high levels of specific Omega-3 fatty acids, Glucosamine and Chondroitin, and is the only food clinically proven to improve mobility in as little as 21 days. For accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian and ask them to recommend the best food for your pet’s arthritis and joint health.
“Ideally, but unfortunately not in all cases, the management of arthritis should be a gentle one, involving a combination of the above approaches to optimise your pet’s comfort. The most important thing to remember though is to keep a close eye on your pet and if you notice any changes in their behaviour, make an appointment with your vet. Prevention is always better than cure,” Dr Fyvie concludes.
For more information visit the Hill’s website
Media contact Republic PR | Julia Rice | julia@republicpr.co.za | 083 379 4633
Other posts by Hill’s Science Plan
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Disclaimer: The information produced by Infurmation is provided for general and educational purposes only and does not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your vet or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you suspect that your pet has a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.
