One of the most important things you can do when you are feeling cold, and your joints are stiff and sore is to keep moving. The quote – we don’t stop moving because we grow old; we grow old because we stop moving – has never rung truer and this not only applies to humans but also to our pets, says Dr Guy Fyvie, from Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
As South Africans we love basking in the heat, and this is why many of us choose to ‘hibernate’ indoors during the colder months meaning less exercise and overindulging on delicious food. “This behaviour not only affects us but also affects our pet’s mobility, as when we are moving less, so are they, and when we are treating ourselves, we tend to treat those we love too…our pets,” says Dr Fyvie.
Just like humans, our pets also suffer when they are inactive. Inactive pet parents and pets cause cartilage to shrink and stiffen, reducing joint mobility. Movement ensures the fluid around the joint’s flows, lubricating them and, the more you can exercise the muscles around the joint area the more stable they will become leading to less pain and stiffness.
Mobility issues and arthritis in your pet can be due to several reasons – joint cartilage progressively wears away because of ageing, while some breeds are more prone to developing arthritis, trauma to cartilage also leads to arthritis. If your pet is suffering from mobility issues or has been diagnosed with arthritis it is important to ensure they have an exercise routine in place throughout the year. Not only will this help maintain their mobility and enhance their quality of life, but it will also help to control their weight, as excess weight puts stress on joints and cartilage. The food your pet eats also influences their joint health and mobility. The Hill’s Prescription Diet Mobility range of foods has been extensively researched and developed to address a variety of concerns that may be affecting your pet’s mobility, from age and trauma to weight gain.
Dr Fyvie provides some easy ways to incorporate movement into to your and your pet’s life:
- Grab your winter coat and beanie and take your dog for a quick walk around your neighbourhood as you get home from work. It will be a great de-stress for you, and your pet will love it. There is no need to go far or fast, even 10 minutes a day will make a difference.
- If you have children, why not make it part of their ‘chore list’ to play with the pets for 20 minutes a day? The exercise is great for your pet and this time will be therapeutic for children.
- Your cat will love chasing a light around, whether it is a torch on the wall, or a small laser toy they will be entertained for ages, while getting a good dose of movement into their day.
- Create a fun and interactive indoor obstacle course for your pet using household items like cushions, cardboard boxes, and tunnels. Encourage your dog to navigate through the course or guide your cat to climb and explore. This not only provides physical activity but also stimulates their minds, keeping them engaged and entertained. You’ll love watching them make their way through the course, and running beside them while they do it will get some of your daily steps in too.
“Moving together with our pets encourages an active lifestyle, thereby fostering a strong bond and improved well-being for everyone,” Dr Fyvie concludes.
For more information on joint care for pets and to find out about Hill’s free bag offer visit www.HillsMobility.co.za
