Anyone who has been blessed with a pet that has made it into the golden years of life knows that as time progresses, things can become more difficult for our beloved furry friends. One thing that some dog owners may see with their dog is a disease called degenerative myelopathy.

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If you have ever had a senior pet, you may have noticed that as they age their behavior can change. Just like people, cats and dogs can get behavioral changes that can look a lot like changes we see in elderly people with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

It may feel like it started overnight. Your once agile puppy seems to wake up one morning and not really be able to go up the stairs, get on the couch, or jump in the car. Sometimes the early signs of arthritis can be as subtle as not being able to go for the long walks they once enjoyed. If you have noticed one or more of these signs, your dog may have arthritis.

Dogs are often categorized as senior dogs by a combination of their breed and age, with small breeds considered "senior" at 10-11 years, medium-sized breeds at 8-10 years, and giant breeds at 5-6 years. Genetics and lifestyle are also significant factors in how fast a dog ages, with fit, healthy dogs adding years to their lives. The appearance of gray on a dog's face and muzzle is often the first reminder a dog owner will be caring for a senior dog soon.

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, a month that reminds us of all the incredible advantages that come with welcoming a senior dog or senior cat into your family.

Ever wonder why there are so many older dogs found in shelters? Most people assume they were left there due to the dog misbehaving, are aggressive, or untrainable. Contrary to popular belief, most of the time, these notions are false.

You recognize the signs. The slow hobble to greet you at the door where once your dog practically leaped at the chance to put his paws on you. The laborious clamber from a resting position to standing.

These are clear signs of arthritis pain and it affects between 60 – 70% of dogs.

Other signs include limping, reluctance to go up and down stairs and generally, a lethargy where you once had an active pooch.