January is definitely one of the darkest and coldest (and can feel like the longest!) of winter months and can highlight or even exacerbate such problems as obesity and associated pain in your pets.
They may not have been as keen to get out for their regular exercise and may have succumbed to the odd treat over the festive period.
Equally, your pet may already have a chronic pain condition such as arthritis, which has become more apparent in the cold.
Is your pet struggling with their normal daily movements such as walking, running, jumping, climbing the stairs? Are they showing stiffness after getting out of bed or following exercise? This includes cats and rabbits too, who are often even more adept at hiding pain from you than our canine friends are.
Perhaps they have put on a few extra pounds too? This can in itself add to any joint or general pain issues but does not always go alongside it.
The good news is we are here to help and there are many options on offer for these issues. Our vets can examine your pet and prescribe a tailored pain regime, including acupuncture and hydrotherapy, where appropriate, alongside pain relief in the form of neutraceuticals, as well as prescription medicines.
Our Registered Veterinary Nurses can then embed into your pet’s plan a diet and exercise regime, if needed, to ensure we are targeting all areas of the problem, with the aim being to alleviate pain as much as we can.
Please do not hesitate to call if you feel your pet is showing signs of arthritic or other pain. It can be subtle and is often something we pick up on at annual boosters. Being proactive in diagnosis and treatment is the very best we can do for your pet.
Visit www.ryedalevets.co.uk for more information.
- Small Furries - May 26, 2023
- Acclimatising your dog to the Veterinary Practice - October 21, 2022
- It’s Never Too Early to Talk Fireworks… - September 23, 2022