Vet Pete on Osteoporosis in Pets: Here’s what you should pay attention to and what you can do

In the broadcast of the program “Eigen Huis & Tuin: Lekker Leven”, veterinarian Pete Hellmann’s dog Roxy was included. Roxy is a young shepherd still searching for a loving owner. Fortunately, Rocks himself does not suffer from osteoarthritis, but unfortunately, he is a breed in which osteoarthritis often occurs later in life.

When do pets get osteoarthritis?

The age at which a dog develops osteoarthritis is often related to the size of the animal. For example, young dogs often develop symptoms between the ages of 10 and 12 years. For older people, it starts earlier, at the age of 6 to 7 years. Pete explains that this usually happens in cats later in life, around the age of 12 to 14 years.

Signs of osteoporosis

The signs of osteoporosis are subtle and therefore sometimes difficult to notice. As a dog or cat owner, you see your animal every day and it is sometimes difficult to notice small differences in behavior. Pete explains the signs you can notice in dogs and cats:

• In one dog You can find out by “lame start”. If your dog has difficulty waking up when lying down or while sleeping and has difficulty moving around, this is a sign of osteoarthritis. You often see this in people, as you get older everything becomes a bit more rigid. If your joints are lubricated and you walk for a while, everything will go more smoothly.
• bee the cats It is a signal when they cannot do certain jumps. If your cat has always been jumping smoothly to and from the table, and suddenly this no longer happens or rarely happens, it may be due to osteoporosis.
• A sign that you both agree on dog like the cats You see it when you are Shorter steps will take. The four-legged friend usually steps with its hind leg into the footprint of the front leg. If they no longer achieve this step and take shorter steps, it is often due to osteoporosis

What can you do about this?

Arthritis is painful. With osteoarthritis, your joints have less room to move, and the joints rub against each other, causing friction. Unfortunately, this is something that comes with aging, according to Pete. “It’s hard to prevent it, but you can slow it down. The main cause of osteoarthritis is obesity, which is something you often see happening in pets. So make sure you don’t give your pet too much food. You can also give supplements, just as with Humans. This can support flexibility in the joints. If you notice that your pet is really suffering or in pain, you can switch to pain relievers through your vet.

Want to adopt Roxy (or another pet)?

Are you thinking about bringing a dog into your home? Then definitely consider adopting a dog. Roxy the dog is also available for adoption. It is a young, gentle and curious sheepdog. She had a difficult period: she arrived at the shelter very emaciated and neglected. She is very gentle with people, but still finds other dogs interesting. She needs an experienced owner who can give her the right kind of guidance. Are you curious about Roxy? Looking at here Her story, desires and other requirements, or her opinion verhuisdieren.nl For more pets looking for a new home.