As our pets age, they often appear to be functioning on worn-out batteries. Older pets may grow less active, limp, and just don't seem themselves.

Pet owners may attribute this slowdown to old age, thinking it is irreversible, when in fact it is a common condition — arthritis. Luckily veterinarians can now treat arthritis very effectively typically returning pets to a happy, vibrant life.

The most common signs of canine arthritis are limping or lameness; lagging behind on walks; reluctance to stand, climb stairs, jump or run; and stiffness or difficulty rising to their feet. They may even seem depressed.

Newer and very potent anti-inflammatory medicines (Deramaxx, Previcox, Rimadyl, Zubrin) help return pets to normal activity by reducing pain and inflammation.

Besides arthritis drugs, special joint diets (Hill's Prescription Diet j/d and Purina Veterinary Diets JM Joint Mobility Formula) are clinically proven to stop joint degradation (drugs don't do that), delay the onset of arthritis and correlated need for anti-inflammatory drugs. The foods also provide building blocks for healthy joints, and with obesity being a major factor in arthritis, they help pets lose weight. With these special joint friendly foods, when pets do start on medications, they can often get by on a lower dose.

It's important to ask your veterinarian which specific joint-friendly foods and powerful new drugs, if any, are best for your crippled pet.

Here are some other tips that may help your arthritic dog:

1. Give traction or "keep all four on the floor" — Hardwood and tile floors are slippery and can make a dog with arthritis feel like he's a rookie ice skater. Place area rugs or runners to help prevent a dog from slipping and injuring himself.

2. Ramp up or "give me leg up" — Furniture, beds, stairs and vehicles can become insurmountable barriers to arthritic pets. Ramps or specially designed stairs can make getting up, on or into things practical and safe.

3. Hard day's night or "I'm a softie" — Let's face it, for pets with the aches and pains of arthritis, they need extra TLC when it comes time for a visit from the sandman. Soft bedding (orthopedic foam beds, waterbeds, hammocks) helps support the bones and joints making a pet more comfortable.

4. Magic fingers are the "wizard of ahhhhs" — Massage can increase flexibility, circulation, and relax a sore, arthritic pet. Pets that started life with positive experiences with gentle hands are easy to massage at home. A professional animal massage therapist or acupuncturist can provide a more thorough treatment.

5. Rub-a-dub scrub — Arthritic dogs and cats struggle with what was once routine hygiene. You may need to assist in this cleaning by doing a potty-path trim (trim around the rear end), regular brushing to remove mats and tangles, and trimming nails that are no longer getting worn down by exercise.

6. Hair-obics — Moderate daily exercise helps a pet keep an ideal weight and strengthens the muscles and ligaments thus improving joint function and thereby reducing the risk of injury.

7. TLC — As pets age and hurt, they may lose patience and be less tolerant than they once were. And while their brains may say "go" when the kids want to toss a tennis ball, over and over, their bodies may be saying "slow" or even "no!" Be on guard for older pets that want to play when they should stay. Limit strenuous activity and keep them away from stressful events (drastic changes in schedule, fireworks, Halloween visitors, noisy parties, etc.).

8. Give seniors a hand — Be a good scout and give seniors a hand — pet seniors that is. Be patient when your pet acts more tortoise than hare. Go slow and allow him extra time to get up, climb stairs, or get into the car. Your older pet won't need a face-lift but may need another type of lift such as a ramp, special steps or a lifting harness.

Dr. Marty Becker is the veterinary contributor to "Good Morning America" and hosts "Top Vets Talk Pets" on www.healthradionetwork.com. He is also author of "Fitness Unleashed: A Dog and Owner's Guide to Losing Weight and Gaining Health Together." Write to him in care of McClatchy-Tribune News Service, 700 12th St. NE, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005.