The dog or cat is unwilling to jump because it has a difficulty or pain while jumping. When pets display an unwillingness to jump, it is typically a symptom of various health issues. Perhaps the most common reason that pets may display an unwillingness to jump is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints of both dogs and cats, especially those that are older. However, other reasons that may cause an unwillingness to jump include hip dysplasia, injuries to the legs, luxating patellas and various spinal disorders.
How to Recognize
If your pet usually jumps onto your bed, couch, or car, and now looks unwilling when you ask them to, it is a sign there may be something wrong.
Causes of Unwillingness To Jump
Arthritis is the most common reason a pet refuses to jump. Arthritis affects dogs and cats much like it affects humans. It affects the joints and causes pain, especially in older pets. Hip dysplasia, injuries to the legs, luxating patellas, and various spinal disorders can also cause an unwillingness to jump.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will give your pet a physical exam and look for things such as inflamed joints.
Treatment for Unwillingness To Jump
Pets with severe arthritis may need surgery and a total joint replacement. Other pets may simply need to change their diet to lose weight or take an anti-inflammatory.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.