How Cold Weather Affects Joint Pain
Between seemingly endless grey days, increased road hazards, and higher energy costs, winter isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. This is especially true for animals that have both a heightened sensitivity to the cold, or an increased risk of season-related injury or illness. As the days get shorter, you may notice certain changes to a senior pet’s appearance and/or behavior. We can help you identify how cold weather affects joint pain, and what you can do to support your pet’s health, safety and comfort.
Arthritis in Pets
Characterized by inflammation and deterioration of the joints, arthritis in pets is irreversible. As the cartilage between the joints wears away, the friction between bones can cause acute pain, stiffness, and reluctance to move around. Since animals hide signs of illness or injury, arthritis can be hard to see in the early stages.
Cold weather is known to aggravate arthritis and joint pain in pets. As the temperature drops, muscles, ligaments and joints sort of shrink, leading to the common symptoms of reduced range of movement, limping, pain, and stiffness. Dogs that already ache, feel the effects of the cold even more.
Pup Won’t Go
An aging dog with arthritis symptoms may not immediately get up from their favorite spot to head outside to the frigid air, icy sidewalks, and freezing chill. However, the more they move around, even in winter, the better they’ll feel overall. Of course, it can be hard to get moving, but an enthusiastic show of support, with praise and treats, can be motivating.
Keep ‘Em Warm & Toasty
A great place to start is by establishing the right indoor temperature for your aging pet and maintaining it. Provide a self-heating bed for extra cozy naps, and only use space heaters or electric blankets when you’re at home.
Low-impact exercise will help them stay fit and strong, and can even reduce pain and inflammation. Keep outdoor walks short and rewarding, and warm pets up as soon as you return.
Keeping weight off is an excellent strategy to reduce strain on aching joints. We can help you with dietary adjustments, if needed, and discuss the possibility of nutritional supplements and medications aimed at improving joint function and reducing pain/inflammation. We also provide laser therapy as an effective, non-invasive treatment for pets in pain.
Senior Dog Joint Pain
If you notice limping, stiffness, reluctance to move, excessive licking at one spot, social withdrawal, or irritability, please schedule a wellness exam. We are always happy to assist you at Animal Care Unlimited.