How to Recognize Discomfort in Dogs and Cats

Your pet has been your best friend for a long time. You've had adventures together, whether camping in the mountains or teaching your cat to walk on a leash. As your pet ages, you may notice your furry companion isn't as active as he once was.

Outside of physical changes to your pet's coat, like whitening around his face or milky eyes, your pet may display less obvious signs he's getting older. Spotting the sometimes subtle signs of "aging aches" may improve your pet's quality of life. By noticing these signs, you can take steps to ensure your dog or cat stays comfortable and happy for as long as possible.

Discomfort Signs in Dogs

If only your dog could talk. It would be much easier to know when he's in distress. However, your dog will tell you how he's feeling — if you're paying attention. You just have to know what to look for. Some signs to watch for include:

1. A reluctance to move. Your dog may hesitate to jump on the couch or bed, walk up or down stairs, or rise from a lounging position.

2. Limping or stiffness. Your once energetic pup may begin moving more slowly or limping while walking.

3. Irritability. Your dog may suddenly seem grumpy or withdrawn.

4. Fatigue. Your pup may appear tired and prefer resting or sleeping instead of playing.

5. Painful vocalization. Your dog may yelp when touched.

6. Excessive licking, biting, or chewing. Your hurting pup may lick, bite, or chew a tender area.

7. Changes in sleep habits. Your dog may find old sleeping positions uncomfortable, causing him to stir and appear restless while sleeping.

8. Muscle atrophy. You may notice muscle loss around a joint. (Muscle loss often makes one limb appear smaller than normal.)

Signs of Discomfort in Cats

Did you know approximately 90% of cats over 10 years old experience issues in at least one joint? Knowing what signs to look for is important in helping your cat to thrive as she ages. While cats share some of the same signs as dogs, pay attention to a few that are more cat-centric, including:

1. Decreased activity. Your cat's normal routine seems out-of-character and less active.

2. Reluctance to jump or climb. While your cat may continue jumping and climbing as usual, a kitty will often keep movement to a minimum, avoiding higher perches she previously enjoyed.

3. Grooming changes. Cats may stop grooming, often leaving their fur matted and dirty. A cat may also overgroom, causing hair loss or discoloration.

4. Litter box issues. Some issues may cause cats to avoid the litter box altogether. If you notice your cat suddenly using the bathroom outside the litter box, it might be because it's uncomfortable to climb in and out of her box.

Help Comfort Your Pet

Making your pet more comfortable is essential for his overall health. Some simple ways to help a pet include:

• Making your pet's space accessible. To support strain on your pet's joints, keep food and water bowls at a comfortable height or use pet stairs to help him reach his favorite spots.

• Helping your pet maintain a healthy weight. If your veterinarian has concerns about your pet's weight, it's best to follow any dietary guidelines provided. Extra weight puts unnecessary pressure on joints.

• Helping support joints with a cooling bed. The K&H Coolin' Comfort Bed offers orthopedic support for any dog or cat suffering from hip dysplasia. This self-cooling indoor/outdoor mat requires no electricity and uses water as its cooling source.

  

• Trying an elevated bed to help reduce pressure on joints. Elevated beds, like the K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot, feature a plush bolster for ultimate comfort. An elevated bed's firm and even surface helps distribute weight, reducing pressure on joints. And because it's elevated, it also makes getting in and out of the bed easier for your pet.

  

• Letting your pet soak up the sun. The warmth of the sun may help. For dogs, consider moving his bed to a sunny spot during the day. For cats, think about getting a window bed, like the K&H EZ Mount Deluxe Bolstered Window Kitty Sill Cat Perch with Cat Grass Grow Station. This perch offers a relaxing and comfortable place to rest while being exposed to the sun's warming rays. As an extra perk, it also comes with a cat grass planter, ensuring your cat can enjoy a fresh snack right from their favorite spot.

  

• Introducing a heated bed. Heated beds can help with stiffness and muscle spasms and support circulation. The K&H Thermo-Snuggle Cup Heated Cat Bed is ideal for any cat or smaller dog. Its 4-watt removable heater warms to your pet's body temperature and is safety-certified, addressing concerns that many heated beds on the market may pose due to unsafe temperatures.

  

• Adding bed warmers to any pet bed for a therapeutic touch. The K&H Pet Bed Warmer - Gray is a low-wattage, thermostatically controlled warmer designed for both cats and dogs. When inserted into your pet's bed, it adjusts to your pet's natural body temperature, which can help soothe muscles. Remember, always check that heated items for your pet meet electrical safety standards. K&H electrical products are safety certified, surpassing UL requirements and ensuring your pet is comfortable.

  

Why Recognizing the Signs of Discomfort in Your Pet Matters

If you think your dog or cat is experiencing discomfort, it's important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Together, you and your veterinarian can develop a plan to minimize discomfort and help your pet enjoy his senior years. Remember, you know your pet better than anyone. So trust your instincts!