Senior Dog Comfort & Care

If you happen to notice some crackles and pops from your senior as they get up from bed or when they are walking by, it’s time to have them checked by your vet for crepitus. This is the term vets use to describe when bones are rubbing together because of worn-down cartilage and a decrease in the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint. X-rays of the joints will determine the extent of the damage and determine what medications and supplements (Tip #40) will benefit your dog.

Though your dog may not show obvious signs of pain due to these changes — they aren’t wimpy like us and show pain all the time — they are likely feeling mild to moderate pain. Therefore, it is important to recognize the early signs.

Some signs include difficulty getting up or lying down, appearing stiff when moving, limping, having difficulty climbing stairs or jumping, trembling limbs, decreased activity, and behavioral changes. The sooner you have your dog seen by your vet, the sooner they can get back to enjoying life.