Guest Blog by Andrea Putt, DVM

Pet owners might not realize that their pet is in pain.  They might think that their pet is slowing down because of age, but this is not the case. They are in pain.

No matter what the pet’s age, play and activity should never stop.

One of my patients is a 10-year-old Golden Retriever named Murphy.  His owners noticed him having problems getting in the car. Murphy also did not want to go upstairs with them at night anymore. They assumed that it was because Murphy was getting older and that there wasn’t much that could be done.

After I had examined Murphy,  it was apparent that he had arthritis in his hips.  We discussed a plan to help his pain.  There are many options for control of pain: oral pain relief medications, “natural” medications, cold laser therapy, acupuncture, physical rehabilitation exercises at home or at a rehabilitation center, massage therapy, diet and exercise plans.  Following treatment, Murphy became more playful and engaged with his family.

Millions of dogs and cats have osteoarthritis. Our goal as veterinarians is to improve the quality of life of pets at every stage of life.

Come to Pain Doesn’t Have to Hurt on Thursday, November 19, part of Pawsitively Healthy: An informative series for the health & wellbeing of your dog or cat.  You will learn more about how to tell if your pet is in pain and options for helping your pet live the best life possible.

Find out about pet “comfort care” at Pain doesn’t have to hurt, our Pawsitively Healthy workshop on Thursday, November 19, 2015, at White Lake (Highland Rd.) Pet Supplies Plus store

Pain doesn’t have to hurt will be held Thursday, November 19, 2015, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the  White Lake Pet Supplies Plus store at 6845 Highland Rd.  Space is limited; advance registration required. Please remember to leave your pets at home.  Donation is $5 per workshop.  All proceeds go to Elizabeth Lake Animal Rescue.   Register at  http://www.nootersclub.org/PSPworkshops.htm

Guest blog by Dr. Andrea Putt, DVM

Note: This workshop has been rescheduled to October 15, 2015.

Are your furry friends “fluffy” or overweight?  We are here to help and not judge!

Over 55% of both dogs and cats are overweight, but only 45% of owners with overweight pets recognize their pet is overweight. We may be hurting our pets with kindness when were are overfeeding and overtreating them with food.

Overweight pets often have a shorter life span. Obesity can lead to joint pain, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

This informative seminar will help determine if your pet is overweight and give you practical feeding and exercise strategies to use to help overweight pets.

Are your furry friends too fat? will be held Thursday, October 15, 2015, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at my White Lake store at 6845 Highland Rd. Space is limited; advance registration required. Please remember to leave your pets at home. Donation is $5 per workshop. All proceeds go to Elizabeth Lake Animal Rescue. Click here to register at: http://www.nootersclub.org/PSPworkshops.htm.