🩺 My Pet Is Moving Less – Vet‑Led Guide 2025 🐾

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Hi! I’m Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc, founder of Ask A Vet. If your pet is suddenly moving less—whether limping, avoiding stairs, or seeming reluctant to walk—it could be due to pain, illness, age, or emotional changes. This guide explores causes, diagnostic steps, and how to support your companion’s comfort at home. Let’s get them feeling like themselves again! 🐶

📌 Common Reasons Pets Slow Down

• Arthritis / Degenerative joint disease (DJD): Most frequent culprit—cartilage loss leads to pain, stiffness after rest.
• Injury / Trauma: Strains, sprains, fractures—from recent falls, rough play, or overexertion.
• Pain (other sources): Muscle disease (polymyositis), spinal issues (IVDD, DLSS), hip dysplasia, stenosis, neurological disorders like wobbler syndrome.
• Systemic illness: Heart, respiratory, kidney, liver, endocrine (e.g. hypothyroidism), infections—often accompanied by lethargy, appetite changes.
• Age‑related changes & cognitive dysfunction: Older pets naturally slow down, sleep more, lose muscle mass. Dementia may reduce activity due to confusion.
• Obesity & deconditioning: Excess weight or inactivity reduces stamina and increases discomfort.
• Behavioral / emotional: Anxiety or depression can manifest as reduced movement.

🔍 Signs to Watch For

• Limping, stiffness, especially after rest.
• Reluctance to climb stairs, jump, play.
• General lethargy—less interest in walks or toys.
• Difficulty rising from floor or sofas.
• Muscle loss—noticeable girth decrease.
• Changes in behavior—withdrawn, anxious.

🔬 Diagnostic Approach

1. History & exam: Vet assesses onset, behavior, weight, posture, gait, pain.
2. Blood & urine tests: Check organ function, endocrine issues, infection markers.
3. Imaging: X-rays for arthritis, dysplasia, structural issues; advanced imaging (MRI/CT) for spinal/neurologic concerns.
4. Muscle/nerve testing: EMG or biopsy for inflammatory or neurologic muscle disease.
5. Specialist referral: Orthopedic or neurologic vets may be needed for complex cases.

💊 Treatment & Management

1. Pain & Inflammation

• NSAIDs (e.g., carprofen, meloxicam).
• Gabapentin or app-based analgesics for nerve pain.
• Joint supplements: glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids.
• Steroids for inflammatory muscle or autoimmune disease (by diagnosis).

2. Physical Rehabilitation & Weight Control

• Physio: gentle range-of-motion, hydrotherapy, laser therapy.
• Controlled exercise: leash walking, ramp use, avoiding slips.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress.

3. Treating Underlying Illnesses

• Heart disease: ACE inhibitors, diuretics.
• Thyroid: levothyroxine replacement.
• Kidney or liver disease: dietary changes and supportive meds.
• Neurologic issues: surgery, steroids, targeted rehab.

🏡 Home Care & Quality-of-Life Tips

1. Provide soft bedding and non-slip flooring.
2. Use ramps or stairs for furniture access.
3. Maintain short, frequent walks and encourage gentle play.
4. Feed joint-supportive diets and monitor weight.
5. Massage and passive stretching (after vet approval).
6. Keep mental stimulation alive using gentle puzzles and scent games.
7. Track activity, appetite, behavior—report changes promptly.

🐾 Using Ask A Vet

Need help switch to NSAIDs safely, planning rehab, adjusting diet? Contact Ask A Vet anytime. Choose gentle enrichment puzzles or sniffing toys keep their minds sharp while bodies rest. We’re here to make life easier and happier for your pet 💙.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Decreased movement can signal pain, illness, age‑related change, or behavioral concerns.
• Veterinary evaluation is vital—exam, tests, and imaging help pinpoint the cause.
• Treatments range from medication and rehab to lifestyle adaptations.
• Home support—bedding, diet, gentle exercise—boost comfort and recovery.
• Regular monitoring and dialogue with your vet or Ask A Vet ensures early intervention and peace of mind.

If your pet is less active than usual—whether stiff, slow, or reluctant to move—don’t wait. Reach out to your veterinarian or Ask A Vet for guidance. Together, we can help them regain comfort, mobility, and joy. 🐕❤️