ADVANCES in veterinary medicine, more knowledgeable care and improved nutrition allow our pets to live longer and healthier lives.

Just like humans though, age has its effects and we all notice the coat getting grey and our pet slowing down a bit.

Of course, advancing age also brings to the fore medical conditions associated with ageing and some really are worse in cold weather.

May usually brings the first of the winter cold and it is not unusual to have someone tell you that cold weather makes their bones and joints ache and just as people are affected, so are our pets.

This is a good time to get a complete health check for your cat or dog, with a particular focus on joint health.

If your dog no longer rushes to greet you when you come home or the cat is no longer interested in playing, they may be in pain. Depending on who you talk to, the condition may be called arthritis, osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease but it is generally the same thing.

Signs include finding it hard to walk, climb the stairs or even get in or out of the litter box.

They may rest more than usual and not be too interested in a previously enjoyable activity.

Dogs may "bunny hop” with the hind legs rather than walk normally and your cat may not bend as easily as before and not groom themselves as well as in the past.

Joints may be warm to touch and your mate may be irritable and grumpy if cold weather exacerbates the pain and discomfort.

Some will seek out a warm soft place to lie down while others, due to their joints feeling hot, may prefer cold and hard surfaces.

Most of us are aware of the old dog or cat getting stiff and sore and while this condition is often more recognised in dogs than cats, one in three cats suffer from arthritis, yet few are diagnosed and even less receive treatment.

While this is considered a condition of old age, it is also seen in younger animals and some studies show that up to 20 per cent of dogs suffer from this in some form.

So what can we do?

Weight Control: Dogs and cats that suffer chronic pain are less inclined to be active and this can result in obesity. Controlling your pet's weight will lighten the load on its joints and may make movement and activity less painful.

Like humans, weight loss in pets involves a well-balanced, calorie-reduced diet and regular exercise.

While people are different, a recent TV report on humans with knee problems indicated a 1kg loss of weight reduces the weight on the knee by 4kg.

This may be similar in pets but if you are not sure what to feed your pet, ask your vet for assistance.

Exercise: Exercise is essential as it contributes to strengthening the muscles that support joints. Daily moderate amounts of low-impact exercise can help get a lethargic and arthritic pet active again.

Dogs will benefit from walking and swimming and cats need to play in a way that does not involve excessive jumping. The prudent owner will no doubt be aware the pain your pet feels can vary from time to time due to the weather and temperature so take this into account. At times a break of several days may be needed to allow the pet to get over a painful flare-up.

Anti-inflammatory drugs: These drugs are designed to reduce inflammation in the joints, relieve pain, increase mobility and protect the joint from further damage.

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the drugs of first choice and while treatment is not curative, it will help control pain when needed.

There are also other treatments that your vet may recommend so it is essential your vet gives your pet a thorough check to determine the best course of action.

So what is the outlook?

Always keep your vet informed of any changes you may notice in your pet's condition or behaviour as a problem you may assume is associated with an existing chronic condition may, in fact, be something else that is treatable.

To help them, learn what you can do to ease their pain and develop a routine that suits them and yourself. This is a condition that will progress at its own pace, sometimes very slowly or more quickly, where you may see a major change in just a few weeks.

There are many supplements available that claim to help treat arthritis directly and, as a result, reduce the inflammation and pain.

In milder cases there is often good response to these products and your vet can guide you through the pros and cons of each.

Diet, weight management and sometimes physiotherapy are used to assist with the treatment of arthritis in cats and dogs.

If you suspect your pet is unhappy and seems to have difficulty getting about or avoids being handled, check with your vet. A thorough examination and sound treatment plan can make a huge difference to their quality of life and now is a good time to do it.