If your middle- to older-aged pet is not acting like himself, a number of possible ailments come to mind. One of the most common is arthritis.

As it does in people, arthritis targets our furry friends when they’re past their prime. You might notice your pet limping, especially when first getting up. Some pets lick or bite the area that hurts or snap if you touch the spot.

Arthritic animals might also hesitate to go up and down the stairs, jump into the car or hop onto the bed. They may tire more easily and opt for napping instead of playing, which is particularly true of cats that develop arthritis.

But because these animals tend to be older, some owners just attribute the behavior to normal aging changes.

So don’t let your buddy suffer in silence. Note any changes so that pain relief can be set in motion.