A TAMESIDE vet has launched a pioneering campaign to help dog owners in the area spot the often-missed signs of arthritis in their pets.
Gourley Veterinary Surgeons, which is based in Ashton-Under-Lyne, aims to raise awareness of the causes and symptoms of arthritis in animals of all ages over November and December.
It is also introducing a free, easy-to-use app called DogMA to help owners monitor their mobility at home.
Arthritis is one of the most overlooked conditions affecting dogs, with research showing that by the age of eight, four in five dogs are living with chronic joint pain.
However, younger animals can also develop the condition because of factors such as being overweight, joint injuries, high-impact activities or their breed type, especially larger breeds.
Mobility problems are not always easy to spot. In younger dogs, joint pain may show up as reluctance to play, difficulty in training, or even changes in behaviour such as aggression or unusual calmness.
In older dogs, symptoms are often mistaken for simply “slowing down” with age.
As part of the campaign, Gourley Veterinary Surgeons Ashton-Under-Lyne is introducing clients to DogMA, a scientifically validated app developed by the University of Liverpool.
It allows owners to assess their dog’s mobility at home using a structured questionnaire, to track changes over time, and to receive tailored advice on when to seek veterinary support.
The app is user-friendly also includes features such as medication diaries, exercise tracking, and reminders to repeat mobility assessments.
Owners can share reports directly with their vet, ensuring collaborative care and timely intervention.
People can download the DogMA app while waiting in the Gourley Veterinary Surgeons Ashton-Under-Lyne reception, or can receive help during a dedicated mobility clinic at the practice.
By completing the guided assessments, owners will also contribute anonymised data to the University of Liverpool, helping to advance veterinary understanding of canine mobility issues across the UK.
Amanda Smith, clinical director at Gourley Veterinary Surgeons Ashton-Under-Lyne said: “Just like people, dogs can develop arthritis at any age.
“But unlike people, dogs can’t tell us how they feel. Many dogs are experts at hiding pain and the signs can be subtle, especially if more than one leg is affected.
“The great news is that early detection makes a real difference.
“With the right treatment, we can slow the progression of arthritis and help dogs stay active and comfortable for longer.
“So we encourage all dog owners, whether their pets are young or old, to use DogMA for routine monitoring, especially before annual check-ups.”
Gourley Veterinary Surgeons Ashton-Under-Lyne encourages clients to contact them and book an appointment if they have any concerns over their pet’s mobility at any time. Appointments can be booked by calling the practice or online at www.thevetcollection.co.uk.