8th October 2026 • The HERALD • Page 55 v INDEPENDENT, LOCAL AND PROUD v ANIMAL MAGIC Victoria: 07503 813594 Daniel: 07584 534818 SELF SERVICE DOG WASH No Appointment Necessary Forestsidegrooming.co.uk 189 Long Lane, SO45 2PA Many Older Pets Could Be Living With Undiagnosed Arthritis Advice from Seadown Veterinary Hospital Bird Watching with Toby at Lepe Country Park Join Toby at Lepe Country Park on 19th October, 11am–12noon, for a relaxed coastal walk to spot and learn about the birds that visit the local beaches. is gentle walk is suitable for beginners and bird enthusiasts alike, with plenty of opportunities to observe seabirds and shoreline species at a comfortable pace. A er the walk, enjoy a well earned hot drink and a slice of cake, included with your ticket, to be redeemed a er the event. £11 per person, usual parking charges apply. To book your space and for more information, please visit: www.hants. gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/lepe/ whats-on or call: 023 8089 9108. Thank You From Barry’s Farm A big thank you for the recent donations to Barry’s Farm in Frost Lane, £129.08 has been transferred to the Farm’s Mole Valley account to go towards food and supplies for the animals. If you would like to make a cash donation to help with the upkeep of the animals, you can pop it in the pot in e Herald o ce. Alternatively online donations can be made via the GoFundMe page: www.gofundme. com/f/barry-the-farmer-frost-lane Cards featuring the animals at Barry’s Farm, past and present, by local artist Christine Jones, are on sale in e Herald o ce, £2 cash, with proceeds from the sales going to the Farm. if something feels different, it’s always worth seeking advice.” e team at Seadown Veterinary Hospital is encouraging owners of pets aged six years and over to schedule regular health checks and seek veterinary advice if they notice changes in mobility, behaviour or daily routines. Owners can read CVS Vets’ full arthritis guidance for cats visit: https://www.cvsvets.com/health/ conditions/arthritis-in-older-cats and for dogs visit: https://www.cvsvets.com/health/conditions/ arthritis-in-older-dogs. For more information or to book an appointment, contact Seadown Veterinary Hospital – Hythe: https://www.seadownvets.co.uk *https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/health/arthritis **https://www.icatcare.org/articles/arthritis-in-cats Many pet owners assume that slowing down is simply a natural part of ageing, but vets at Seadown Veterinary Hospital are encouraging owners to look more closely, as subtle changes in behaviour, movement and daily habits could actually be signs of painful cat and dog arthritis. e practice is highlighting the o en-overlooked condition as part of a wider e ort to help owners recognise the early signs of osteoarthritis in cats and dogs, one of the most common causes of chronic pain in older pets. While arthritis is o en associated with dogs, experts say it is also extremely common in cats. e UK’s leading cat welfare charity, Cats Protection, says that around 90% of cats aged over 12 have evidence of arthritis on X-rays, yet many cases go undetected because cats instinctively hide signs of pain and discomfort.* Gillies Mo at, Clinical Director at Seadown Veterinary Hospital, said: “One of the biggest misconceptions we see is that slowing down is simply part of getting older. A dog that no longer wants to walk as far, hesitates before using the stairs, or takes longer to get comfortable may be experiencing chronic joint pain. Likewise, cats can show very subtle changes that owners often put down to age. The good news is that arthritis in cats and dogs can often be managed very successfully. The sooner we identify it, the sooner we can help improve a pet’s comfort, joint health, mobility and quality of life.” Arthritis is a progressive condition that causes in ammation, sti ness and joint pain in cats and dogs. Although it cannot be cured, a combination of veterinary care, pain management, weight control and lifestyle adjustments can help a ected pets remain active and comfortable for longer. For dogs, owners should watch out for: • Reluctance to walk or exercise • Di culty using stairs • Sti ness a er resting • Sleeping more than usual • Di culty getting comfortable • Weakness in the hind legs • Changes in temperament or behaviour In cats, arthritis o en presents di erently and may be less obvious. Signs can include: • Hesitating before jumping onto furniture • Taking easier routes around the home • Reduced grooming • Spending less time playing • Avoiding interaction with family members • Toileting outside the litter tray • Sleeping more than usual Feline welfare organisation International Cat Care say arthritis in cats is frequently missed because the signs develop gradually and are o en mistaken for normal ageing.** Gillies Mo at added: “Cats are particularly good at hiding pain, so owners may not see obvious signs such as limping. Sometimes the only indication is that a cat has stopped jumping onto a favourite windowsill, is grooming less, or seems quieter than usual. Owners know their pets best, so
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