Read your pet’s body language for signs of discomfort

As a veterinarian, I often hear remarks from pet parents like, “She’s slowing down. She’s not jumping on the couch like she used to.” These words reveal something deeper—the struggles pets may be facing when they feel pain. But even younger dogs, particularly those with genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, can develop arthritis and experience discomfort earlier than expected. They may show discomfort when touched in the affected area, exhibit bunny-hopping behaviour while navigating stairs, and even bunny-hop while running instead of using their hind limbs in a coordinated manner. It’s worth noting that many middle-aged cats develop osteoarthritis, similar to older dogs, but these small signs are often overlooked by pet parents, resulting in undiagnosed pain.