This is a guest post by author Tina Clark.
We love our pets and treat them just like family members. And the adoration and attention we give to them is beyond reciprocated, as any pet owner will attest. When we walk in the front door, Fido greets us with more focused energy than the most ambitious doorman at the Ritz Carlton and with an equal amount of enthusiasm, whether we've just gotten back from a ten-minute jaunt to the post office or returned from a 21-day Mediterranean cruise. Moreover, studies have shown that pet owners live longer than their "petless" counterparts.
One of the saddest truths of pet ownership, however, is seeing our furry friend come to the end of its life much sooner than we expect and, certainly, much earlier than we care to acknowledge. It's crucial that we, as caretakers of our beloved pets, do our utmost to ensure that the health and happiness of our animals is maximally tended to during their short stay in our homes and hearts. One very common ailment that our pet may experience during its lifetime is arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, here are 9 signs that your pet may be suffering from this degenerative disease:
1. Difficulty sitting or standing
2. Favoring a limb
3. Weight gain
4. Decreased activity or less interest in play
5. Sleeping more
6. Hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs
7. Being less alert
8. Attitude or behavior changes
9. Seeming to have stiff or sore joints
If you feel your pet is exhibiting any of these signs or symptoms, a visit to your veterinarian for an arthritis evaluation would be well-advised. The best thing you can do for your pet is to get a diagnosis and begin a recommended treatment plan as soon as possible. In so doing, you just may be extending the life and/or quality of living for your pet. And for that, they will be eternally grateful.
To learn more about how you may help your pet achieve better health, visit http://www.healthypet.mobi
Comments