The Galway Independent together with the Galway SPCA has launched an educational programme in an effort to reduce cruelty to animals. Each week we will put together questions from the public on animal welfare. These questions will cover all animals.

It is the little things we have to do that make the big difference in our pets' lives, like vaccinations, worming, de-fleaing, neutering, proper diet, and exercise. These things make life so much easier for your pet and you.

This week we have been asked to look at arthritis, which many a pet falls victim to. Arthritis itself is a inflammation of the joints and can be very painful if left untreated.

One of the major signs to look out for is stiffness, especially when getting up after resting. Trauma can cause arthritis, as can infection. Joints become sore and swollen, with pets left unable to groom properly.

The condition is generally seen in elderly cats and dogs, but younger ones can have it as well. Never put these signs down to old age. A quick visit to your vet and proper medication, generally anti inflammatorily drugs, supplements such as glucosamine, fish oil all help. Never give your pet human forms of anti-inflammatory drugs or any human medicines. With proper care, diet and proper exercise pets will be fine and have a normal life.

With the weather changing, be careful you don't leave stuff like anti freeze around. Check that pets who live outside the house in kennels, sheds or rabbit hutches have extra bedding and that it is not wet. Leave food and water out for the wild birds. If you have fish ponds, try to cover part of it so it will not ice over. Never crack the ice as the shock can kill the fish. An empty plastic bottle will leave air holes when it ices.

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