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Winter Comforts: Helping Arthritic Pets Stay Happy and Mobile with Dr Kate
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Arthritis is one of the most common conditions our older canine companions. With winter well and truly here, you might notice they’re feeling the cold a bit more than usual. Arthritis is a degenerative condition in which the cartilage cushioning the joints breaks down over time and leads to bone changes causing inflammation and pain.
While we humans can recognise joint pain and seek help, our dogs rely on us to notice their discomfort and support them where we can. Some of the more recognisable signs of arthritis in dogs include:
- Stiff or limping, especially after rest or exercise
- Licking affected joints
- Loss of muscle mass (especially in back legs) or swollen joints
- Lagging behind on walks
- Sleeping in unusual places
- Aggression or irritability with family members or other pets
One of the upsides to arthritis in dogs is that we have many management strategies available, allowing for a multi-modal approach to care.
1. Weight loss: We might hate to hear it, but weight loss is the best thing we can do for our larger arthritic pets, and the best bit is that it is one of the cheapest and safest methods of treating arthritis! Reducing excess weight decreases the strain on joints, improves comfort, and slows further damage.
2. Regular exercise:Tailored, low-impact exercise such as lead walks or swimming, can help build/maintain the muscles needed for support, whilst providing valuable mental stimulation. Physiotherapy can also work wonders, and this is something you can learn to do yourself or we often recommend the lovely Kelly Ratcliff at Adelaide Animal Rehab & Wellness who does in-home consults and physiotherapy.
3. Supplements: Supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, rose hip, green-lipped mussel, and omega-3 fatty acids can be used safely to help reduce discomfort. At Gawler Animal Hospital the supplement we recommend most commonly (and use for our own pets) is 4cyte Epiitalis gel.
4. Modifications to your house/environment: These can make a huge difference for our patients with more advanced arthritis.
- Do you have slippery floors? Carpet runners or mats can improve traction. Some clients also have success with non-slip paw protectors.
- Could raise their food and water bowels so they don’t have to bend down so far?
- Would ramps into the car or onto furniture make moving around easier?
- Make sure your dog has a warm, soft bed that cushions their joints and keeps them off cold floors.
5. Medications as required: We're lucky to have a wide range of medications that can help when lifestyle changes and supplements aren’t enough. There’s no one-size fits all solution, so we’ll always taper our medication plans to your individual dogs needs.
If you suspect your canine friend might be struggling with arthritis and feeling the cold a bit more this winter, please don’t hesitate to give our team a call to organise a consult with a vet and help make a plan to keep them comfy!
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Feline confused? Spot the signs of brain ageing in cats
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Did you know that elderly cats can suffer from cognitive decline (brain health deterioration) too? Read on to learn more about feline brain health and how we can help maintain it in your pet.
What causes cognitive decline?
Classic cognitive decline occurs due to age-related brain deterioration. However, there are other medical issues commonly seen in older cats that can cause similar symptoms, such as hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland) or high blood pressure.
Symptoms of cognitive decline
Age-related brain deterioration often starts in cats around 10-12 years old and tends to progress gradually.
Common symptoms include:
- Increased vocalisation
- Altered interactions with people or other pets
- Changes to sleeping patterns or general activity
- Changes in toileting behaviours (such as house soiling)
- Disorientation or confusion
- Increased anxiety
Other neurological symptoms, such as circling or seizures, may indicate different brain health issues.
Can brain deterioration be treated?
Whilst age-related cognitive decline can’t be reversed or cured, there are therapies that can slow the progression of the disease - especially when started early, before significant damage is done. These include:
- Supplements or diets containing therapeutic levels of omega-3 fatty acids
- Certain vitamins and antioxidants
- Supportive nutraceuticals such as SAMe (S-Adenosyl-Methionine)
- Regular environmental enrichment and gentle exercise
Affected pets can also be supported with appropriate anti-anxiety treatments if needed.
Similarly, other common health issues affecting brain health, such as high blood pressure, are best detected and managed early for optimal outcomes. It’s recommended that cats ten years of age and above receive 6-monthly veterinary health checks to help detect any developing issues as early as possible.
For more information on the best health support for your senior feline, consult our knowledgeable veterinary team. |
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Bundle Up, Pup! Why Jackets Are More Than Just Cute
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As winter settles in across South Australia, many of us are rugging up, but what about our furry companions? While some pets cope well with the cooler weather, others can feel the chill just like we do. At Gawler Animal Hospital, we want to help you keep your pets safe, warm, and healthy throughout the cooler months. One easy and effective way to do that? A well-fitting pet jacket.
Do All Pets Need Jackets?
Not all pets need a jacket, but many can benefit from one, especially if they are a small breed, have a short coat, are senior or they're recovering from a procedure at Gawler Animal Hospital.
Breeds with thick or double coats such as Huskies or Border Collies are usually more cold tolerant, but individual needs can vary based on age and health.
Benefits of pets wearing jackets in the cooler months:
1. Maintaining Body Temperature:
Small, elderly or short coated breeds lose heat quickly, especially during the cold wintery days we have been experiencing recently. Even indoors, the temperature can dip so jackets help pets to retain their warmth and keep them toasty.
2. Protection from Weather Elements:
Jackets may provide protection from wind and rain, shielding pets skin and fur from moisture and chilly conditions. This can also help with reduced matting of fur, particularly for curly coated breeds such as Cavoodles.
3. Help pets during recovery after an anesthetic:
After a procedure, pets often struggle to regulate their temperature and to keep warm. Jackets in hospital help promote faster recovery by increasing circulation from keeping pets warm helping with healing and recovery after an anaesthetic. It also helps with stress, maintaining metabolic stability and providing comfort to your pet. Just like Archie, as pictured below. |
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If you are ever unsure if or when your pet may benefit from a Jacket this winter, please don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly Customer Care Team. |
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Animal News In Brief
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540 days later: Valerie the sausage dog makes her way home
Valerie the dachshund has finally been reunited with her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock, after going missing on Kangaroo Island for 540 days. “She ran straight up to me - I just burst into tears,” Ms Gardner said. Found safe by Kangala Wildlife Rescue, Valerie was described as “strong and healthy… healthier than we are, honestly.” The couple are now helping her adjust back to home life in Albury with crate training and support from a behaviourist.
Click here to read the full story at ABC News.
Meet the dog helping farmers sniff out footrot
Dog trainer Jo Griffiths has successfully trained her labrador cross, Leroy, to detect footrot in sheep by scent - a condition that’s typically slow to identify. “When he finds it he will sit down next to the sheep,” said Ms Griffiths, who’s been working on the project near Naracoorte, SA. The idea came from researcher Dr Colin Earl, who said, “This idea can work… I’m sure it could be used across Australia.” Trials on local farms are now underway.
Click here to read the full story at ABC News.
Pets preferred over partners for stress relief, study shows
A global survey of 30,000 pet owners found that 65% prefer to de-stress with their pets rather than with partners, family, or friends. “Reframing your pet’s daily ‘interruptions’ as loving reminders to pause, breathe and be present can be a powerful wellness tool,” said Dr Tammie King from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute. The study, by Mars and Calm, also found that 9 in 10 Aussies believe their pets have improved their mental wellbeing.
Click here for more tips at news.com.au. |
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Daisy’s issues “down there”
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(This fictional story has been created for educational purposes only and does not depict a real pet, owner or clinic.)
Daisy, the eight-year-old female pug, was not a fan of vets, even though she had always received excellent care (including successful airway-opening surgery as a young dog). This was because she took issue with nail clips, even with the kind handling and regular treats provided by the nurses. However, when Daisy’s owner, Megan, noticed the dog seemed irritated “down there”, she informed Daisy that a veterinary check was required.
At her appointment, Daisy huffed indignantly whilst the vet checked her back end. While her bottom appeared healthy, it was noticed that she had significant irritation of the skin fold around her vulva, which she had clearly been licking at excessively. Megan consented to a urine test for Daisy, which didn’t show any indications of a urinary tract infection. A swab of the irritated skin did, however, show evidence of bacterial infection when assessed under the microscope. Daisy was diagnosed with intertrigo (a skin fold infection), most likely due to her being overweight with excessive skin around her vulva that was trapping urine.
Megan was sent home with an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory skin cream for Daisy, and instructions on how to regularly clean and dry the area. Unfortunately, whilst Daisy responded well to treatment, the issue recurred a couple of months later. Once again, a urinary tract infection was ruled out.
At this time, Megan agreed to a program of prescription weight loss for Daisy, to see if this would help reduce her problematic skin fold. If not, Daisy would be recommended to undergo surgery to resolve the issue.
Fortunately, Megan was dedicated to getting Daisy back to her ideal body weight and instituted an effective program of exercise and a healthy diet. Six months later, Daisy was looking fantastic, acting like a puppy again, and hadn’t suffered from any more skin infections. She still, however, strongly objects to nail clips. |
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Helmeted honeyeaters return to Cardinia after 40 years
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For the first time since the Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983, helmeted honeyeaters have been released back into Cardinia Shire, Victoria. Twenty-one of the critically endangered birds, bred at Healesville Sanctuary, were set free on Bunurong Country as part of a long-term recovery plan. With fewer than 250 in the wild, threats like habitat loss and inbreeding continue to endanger the species. “Second to the problem of not much habitat, the remaining birds are actually quite inbred,” said breeding program lead Dr Kim Miller. Dr Nick Bradsworth from Zoos Victoria added, “This is really just the start,” noting that the team hopes to establish more colonies in the future. The birds will be closely monitored using radio trackers and coloured leg bands to study their movements and pairings.
Click here to read the full story at ABC News. |
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GOLPP in dogs: What every large-breed owner should know
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Whilst GOLPP is a common condition in some larger-breed dogs, many owners simply haven’t heard of it. Here’s a gulp of information on GOLPP - what it is, the symptoms it causes, and what can be done to help affected pets.
What is GOLPP?
GOLPP (geriatric onset laryngeal paralysis polyneuropathy) is a condition where pets slowly develop progressive nerve dysfunction, which appears to particularly affect nerves of the larynx (the airway opening in the throat), oesophagus, and legs.
GOLPP is most common in elderly Labradors but is also seen in other older large-breed dogs such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Greyhounds.
What symptoms does GOLPP cause?
Dogs with GOLPP develop paralysis of the cartilage folds in their throat that control air flow into the trachea (windpipe). This partially obstructs their airways, leading to symptoms such as:
- Noisy breathing, mostly when panting
- Breathing difficulties, particularly with excitement, exercise or hot/humid weather
- Reduced exercise tolerance
Many patients will also experience weakness issues with their oesophagus, which leads to symptoms such as:
- Regurgitation of food or water
- Episodes of gagging or throat clearing
Patients will usually go on to develop progressive nerve dysfunction affecting their legs (which can be difficult to differentiate from arthritis), leading to symptoms such as:
- An unsteady walk
- Leg weakness
- An abnormally wide stance
Can GOLPP be treated?
Unfortunately, GOLPP cannot be treated. However, pet's quality of life can be significantly improved with treatment of the symptoms. Depending on the severity of their issues, pets may be treated with:
- Specialist airway surgery to help hold open their larynx
- Medications and a special diet to help reduce regurgitation
- Physiotherapy to help maintain leg coordination and strength
- Treatment of any concurrent arthritis to help support comfort and mobility
Dogs affected by GOLPP should be kept cool during summer and never exercised in hot or humid weather.
For more information on supporting older large breed doggos, consult our veterinary team - we’re clued up about canines! |
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This email contains comments of a general nature only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Please always consult your vet for specific advice on your pet's individual needs.
All content © Petpack 2025 |
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