Happy Sunday, Missians!
Thanks for joining us, on this lovely Sunday morning, (or whatever time of day it is in your neck of the woods). Today's topic is an important one. It's about Dog Mobility Awareness. Today is the last day of Dog Mobility Awareness Week, (it ran from May 27th through today); and though highlighted in this week, this subject is relevant for pet owners year round.
What is dog mobility, and why should we care?
It's your dog's ability to move about freely in regular, day to day activities, without having pain. Most dog owners assume they'd know if their pet was having difficulty getting around. They assume these issues only come with advancing age, or that their dog might whimper or howl to indicate its pain or discomfort; but these factors may not necessarily be present to show that your pet is suffering.
Check out these often overlooked indications of dog mobility discomfort from calenews.com for other signs that your canine friend may be having painful mobility issues:
SIGNS YOUR DOG MAY BE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR MOBILITY OR JOINTS
A change in the way they walk or run, often slower, limping and/or head nodding as they walk or trot
Reluctance to jump up or down (e.g. into the car or onto the sofa)
Reluctant or significantly slower on a daily walk
Slow to get to their feet from rest
Repeated attempts/reluctance to lie down, often turning in circles
Avoid/nervous on slippery surfaces such as laminate floors
Difficulty on steps/stairs and slopes
Licking at their joints
Newly developed fear of loud noises
Unexplained changes in personality, generally more ‘grumpy’
More defensive towards other dogs
Loss of muscle mass around legs, shoulders or hips, may increase size elsewhere to compensate
Reduced desire to play games
A ‘hunched’ posture
Unexplained ‘pacing’, often at night
Difficulty holding body position while toileting
Use the "PAWS" method to help you determine where changes in your dog's behavior could manifest:
Thanks for joining us, on this lovely Sunday morning, (or whatever time of day it is in your neck of the woods). Today's topic is an important one. It's about Dog Mobility Awareness. Today is the last day of Dog Mobility Awareness Week, (it ran from May 27th through today); and though highlighted in this week, this subject is relevant for pet owners year round.
What is dog mobility, and why should we care?
It's your dog's ability to move about freely in regular, day to day activities, without having pain. Most dog owners assume they'd know if their pet was having difficulty getting around. They assume these issues only come with advancing age, or that their dog might whimper or howl to indicate its pain or discomfort; but these factors may not necessarily be present to show that your pet is suffering.
Check out these often overlooked indications of dog mobility discomfort from calenews.com for other signs that your canine friend may be having painful mobility issues:
SIGNS YOUR DOG MAY BE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR MOBILITY OR JOINTS
A change in the way they walk or run, often slower, limping and/or head nodding as they walk or trot
Reluctance to jump up or down (e.g. into the car or onto the sofa)
Reluctant or significantly slower on a daily walk
Slow to get to their feet from rest
Repeated attempts/reluctance to lie down, often turning in circles
Avoid/nervous on slippery surfaces such as laminate floors
Difficulty on steps/stairs and slopes
Licking at their joints
Newly developed fear of loud noises
Unexplained changes in personality, generally more ‘grumpy’
More defensive towards other dogs
Loss of muscle mass around legs, shoulders or hips, may increase size elsewhere to compensate
Reduced desire to play games
A ‘hunched’ posture
Unexplained ‘pacing’, often at night
Difficulty holding body position while toileting
Use the "PAWS" method to help you determine where changes in your dog's behavior could manifest:
Posture – Seen any changes in your dog’s body shape, muscle strength, or simply in the way they walk?
Attitude – Has your dog unexpectedly changed the way they react to you, your family, or to other dogs?
Willingness – Is your dog still up for walks, for games, for bouncing in and out of the car and barking at every little thing?
Slowing down – Has your dog been slowing down lately – sooner than you hoped they might?
To find out more, read the rest of calenew's dog mobility article here:
This is a very important topic, and one that not only applies to dogs, but to any pet. Remember, don't assume that just because your pet isn't considered old yet, that it can't be having mobility issues. Always be on the lookout for changes in your pet's behavior and habits; and when in doubt, a vet visit can't hurt.
That's it for now, guys. I'll see you all back here on Friday for our Pretty Kitty of the week post.
Until then,
This is your host J,
signing off...
Until then,
This is your host J,
signing off...
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