“We may smile at an older dog’s greying muzzle, the new cloudiness of ‘old dog eyes’ or give a knowing nod to how getting up from the floor with any semblance of grace has become an accomplishment. We often tell people of how they are ‘slowing down’ in their old age,” says Lydia Sullivan, DVM, at EverLoved Veterinary, who does in-home appointments for pets in Mobile and Near Eastern Shore, Alabama. “Many accept this slowing down in pets without question and don’t seek veterinary guidance as to whether their difficulties are normal or due to pain.”

Common observations that Sullivan hears from pet parents about their older pets include: “He can’t walk as far as he used to. She doesn’t play with toys anymore. She hasn’t climbed onto the couch in months. He used to run down the steps. It takes her a long time to sit down. He has weakness in his hindlimb. She slips a lot on the tile floor.” But what some pet parents don’t realize, Sullivan points out, is that they’re describing the symptoms of arthritis, a painful inflammatory condition.

Older dogs and cats don’t need to suffer with arthritis pain. While it cannot be cured, the pain can be managed with medications, physical therapies and acupuncture. Unlike medications, acupuncture has no adverse effects, so it can be safely used on dogs who have other chronic conditions such as liver or kidney disease. Acupuncture not only reduces the pain associated with arthritis, but it also helps slow the progression.

“If your pet has been having trouble navigating stairs, slipping, walking slower or is slow in getting up or sitting down, please consider a consult for in-home acupuncture services,” says Sullivan.