Help avert arthritis in your pet this Christmas
20/12/2007
With the festive season upon us, the charity is calling for pet owners to avoid over-feeding their animals - as obesity is one of the main contributory factors in making the debilitating condition even worse.
Figures released on December 19th by the PDSA shows that over 30% of dogs and 10% of cats UK-wide were prescribed tablets primarily used to treat problems like arthritis.
The worst affected region of the UK is the South East where around two in five dogs seen by PDSA vets were prescribed drugs to combat the pain - whereas in the Midlands, the condition seems to be most prevalent in cats.
Although PDSA's figures suggest that dogs are three times more likely to be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) tablets in their lifetimes than cats, the charity believes the actual number of cats suffering from arthritis could actually be much higher because owners might be missing symptoms.
The PDSA believes that pet owners can play a vital part in preventing arthritis and alleviating arthritic symptoms, especially through weight reduction and changes to a daily routine, such as including more exercise. In fact, when it comes to arthritis control, the same rules apply to pets as they do to people. Obesity puts a major strain on joints, so a healthy balance between sensible eating and regular gentle exercise from an early age is a fantastic way of keeping pets in good shape.
Sadly, the highest incidence of the condition is found in the country's pet pensioner population and those with weight problems.
To find out the addresses of PDSA PetAid practices in your area or to find out if you are eligible for free veterinary treatment please call 0800 731 2502, visit the link below.