with vet Dr Rachele Lowe

As well as being a painful condition for humans, arthritis can also cause great discomfort to dogs and cats. It can affect any joint, commonly the hip, knee, elbow and ankle.

Indications of the condition are lameness, muscle wasting, reluctance to exercise, difficulty rising, licking a joint, vocalising and aggression. But all's not lost, there are a number of ways you can help your pet:

Healthy environment

Having the right environment for your pet can help it cope with joint disease. A soft, padded bed away from drafts and concrete or tiled floors helps. Keep its bed, food and toilet area close to each other.

Fight the pain

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication offers pain relief and can improve quality of life, especially in the later stages of arthritis. Supplements can help repair cartilage.

Lighten up

Joint problems are aggravated by excess weight. Don't overfeed your pet, limit snacks and keep table scraps to a minimum. See a vet about what your dog or cat's ideal weight should be. Keeping young dogs healthy and slim will also help delay the onset of arthritis.

Muscle up

Non-jarring exercise is vital, as it helps maintain muscle mass and reduces the load on joints. It also keeps weight down and improves strength and range of motion. Exercise keeps muscles and joints supple so they don't stiffen and make pets less active.

Pet therapy

Purpose-built pools provide a safe, controlled swimming environment for dogs. They are ideal for giving your pet low-impact exercise to boost joint-supporting muscles. Animal physiotherapy can also help keep joints flexible.

Click here for more Life and Style