09/07/2025
๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐ง๐ข๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ โ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฅ๐โ ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐?
As our pets get older, itโs easy to assume that slowing down is just part of the ageing process. And sometimes it is. But other times, thereโs more going on beneath the surface, things we can do something about.
Stiffness, reluctance to jump or play, hesitation on stairs, or even just sleeping more. These are often brushed off as โjust age.โ But these can also be signs of pain, especially from arthritis or degenerative joint disease. The tricky part is that animals rarely vocalise pain the way we expect. Instead, they quietly adapt.
Thatโs why itโs so important to differentiate between โnormal ageingโ and conditions that can be managed.
The good news? We have tools to help.
Medications and supplements:
From anti-inflammatories to joint-support products like omega-3s, glucosamine, or more exotic remedies like green-lipped mussel extract, we can tailor a plan for your petโs needs.
Targeted nutrition:
Diets like Hillโs j/d for dogs or Hillโs Kidney + Mobility for cats are scientifically formulated to support joint health while meeting other senior needs.
Big picture thinking:
Senior pets often face a mix of mobility, cognitive, and organ-related changes. Looking at the whole picture helps us make smart, compassionate choices to improve their comfort and quality of life.
If your older dog or cat seems slower than usual, donโt just chalk it up to age. A vet check can help you catch early signs of arthritis or other mobility issues, often before they become a bigger problem.
Your pet may be getting older, but that doesnโt mean they have to suffer in silence. With the right support, they can stay mobile, comfortable, and happy for years to come.
~ Dr Matt
