As a survival tactic, animals have evolved into stoic creatures that rarely display any outward signs of pain or discomfort. Pet owners need to be aware of the subtle changes in behaviour that signal a deterioration in joint health and the accompanying pain. Typically, you may notice weight gain, sleeping more, less interest in playing and a change in attitude or alertness. If your pet becomes less excited to greet you when you come home or vacillates about jumping on the couch, or becomes overly-cautious when climbing stairs, these may be the first indicators of joint discomfort from arthritis.
Aside from joint problems, animals can also suffer from emotional problems and there are many individual remedies to counter the individual concerns.
