Rise, run, jump

Struggling to rise from resting or seeming stiff after a long snooze can indicate joint issues in your pet, particularly in the hip and elbow. Did your cat have a favourite snooze spot in their younger days? Cats love high places, but you may notice they now use a chair to jump up or reach down slowly before leaping. They may even pick a new spot. These are signs that the jump is difficult and your pet needs some help.

Tiredness + inactivity

It might seem like your pet is lazy as they are getting older, but if they struggle to keep up on walks or avoid hitting the garden, it’s time to think about supporting their mobility. Cats normally sleep for around 15 hours a day, but if that is creeping up, they may be hiding that they are finding it hard to get around. Dogs and cats of all ages should be keen to play. If they’ve lost their get-up-and-go, it’s your job to help them find their inner puppy or kitten again.

Lameness

This might seem obvious, but the signs of lameness can be subtle, especially if it is on both sides of your pet’s body. Notice if your pet is favouring one leg over the other. Are they nodding their head as they walk? This could signal an issue in their front legs. Resting one limb more than the other when standing, or sitting off to one side rather than straight, may also indicate an issue.

Stairs

Stairs are a great test of your pet’s mobility. As a youngster, your pet would zoom up the stairs. Watch closely; how do they move now? Are they slow, tentative or awkward? As they come down, do they hunch their back or favour one leg over the other? Being aware of how your pet moves up and down stairs is an excellent way of keeping an eye on their long-term mobility.

Self-care

With stiff joints, self-care tasks can be challenging. Grooming those hard-to-reach spots is difficult, and they may start to look untidy. But, if your pet grooms one joint more than others, it could indicate a problem in that spot. Cats can find squatting in the litter tray becomes a challenge, and they may have accidents or go in unusual places. Your dog may struggle to squat or lift his leg. Toilet trouble can also lead to urinary tract problems, so if you notice these signs, please get your pet a checkup with your veterinary surgeon.

Behavioural changes

No one wants to be pulled about when they’re feeling stiff. If your pet is unusually grumpy or becoming aggressive when petted, they may be telling you they’re struggling. Are they more vocal or avoiding their usual cuddles? Any changes in behaviour could indicate that your pet needs your help.