As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, many of us feel that familiar stiffness in our joints. But have you noticed your dog slowing down too? My border collie Rusty seems to take a bit longer getting up from his bed on chilly mornings, and I’ve wondered if cold weather makes his arthritis worse just like it does for humans.
The Cold Hard Truth About Canine Arthritis in Winter
Winter can be rough on our pups, especially those suffering from arthritis As a vet once told me, “winter is when I diagnose most dogs as arthritic” It’s also when many pet owners notice their dogs struggling with mobility or even experiencing collapsing episodes.
But does the cold actually make arthritis worse, or is it just our perception? Let’s dig into what really happens to your dog’s joints when the temperature drops.
What Happens to Dog Joints in Cold Weather?
Several factors contribute to increased joint pain during winter months
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Joint fluid thickening – The fluid inside your dog’s joints helps cushion movement. In colder temperatures, this fluid thickens and can’t flow as freely leading to stiffness.
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Barometric pressure changes – When barometric pressure drops in winter, joint tissues can expand. In arthritic joints, this likely increases pain.
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Decreased activity levels – Let’s be honest, neither you nor your dog is likely to spend hours playing outside when it’s freezing! This reduction in activity causes joints to stiffen up.
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Nerve sensitivity – Cold weather may make nerves more sensitive to pain signals from damaged joints.
Many dog owners with arthritic pets notice these symptoms worsening in winter:
- Reluctance to play or exercise
- Stiff movement, especially when getting up
- Limping or lameness
- Sitting differently (like leaving a leg extended)
- Decreased activity overall
Spotting the Signs Your Dog’s Arthritis is Acting Up
Not sure if your dog’s joint pain is worse in winter? Keep an eye out for these telltale signs:
- Morning stiffness – Takes longer to get moving after rest
- Difficulty with stairs – Hesitation or refusal to go up or down
- Reduced interest in walks – Less enthusiasm when you grab the leash
- Changes in behavior – Irritability or depression
- Licking or chewing at painful joints
My Rusty used to bound up the stairs without a second thought. Now at age 11, he takes them one at a time when it’s cold outside. That’s when I knew something was up.
7 Ways to Help Your Dog’s Arthritis in Winter
The good news? There’s plenty we can do to help our furry friends stay comfortable when temperatures drop.
1. Keep Them Warm
It sounds obvious, but keeping your dog warm is crucial. Consider:
- Heated beds or mats – These provide targeted warmth to achy joints
- Winter coats – Especially important for short-haired breeds like Whippets and Greyhounds
- Adequate indoor heating – Keep your home at a comfortable temperature
- Minimize outdoor time – Quick potty breaks rather than long outdoor sessions in extreme cold
2. Maintain Consistent Exercise
While it might be tempting to skip walks on cold days, consistent moderate exercise is actually better for arthritic joints than sporadic intense activity.
- Short, regular walks are better than weekend warrior adventures
- Aim for soft surfaces like grass rather than hard pavement
- Let dogs walk off-leash when safe, allowing them to set their own pace
- Consider indoor exercise alternatives like hide and seek, puzzle games, or hallway fetch
I’ve found that Rusty does better with two 15-minute walks daily rather than one long weekend hike. Too much rest makes him stiffer, while too much exercise causes pain flare-ups.
3. Consider Alternative Exercise
Swimming is fantastic exercise for dogs with arthritis! It’s low-impact while providing great muscle strengthening.
- Heated indoor dog pools are ideal in winter
- Underwater treadmills at canine rehabilitation centers
- Indoor play dates with other gentle dogs
4. Weight Management
Extra pounds put additional stress on already painful joints. Winter weight gain is common but problematic for arthritic dogs.
- Monitor food intake – Adjust portions if activity decreases
- Limit holiday treats – Those table scraps add up!
- Use low-calorie training treats for indoor games
- Ask your vet about a weight management plan if needed
5. Create a Joint-Friendly Home Environment
Simple home modifications can make a big difference for arthritic dogs:
- Orthopedic beds provide firm support and are easier to get in and out of
- Non-slip mats or carpet runners on slippery floors prevent falls
- Ramps or steps to help dogs access furniture or cars
- Accessible food and water bowls that don’t require climbing stairs
6. Consider Medications and Supplements
Talk to your veterinarian about these options:
Prescription Medications:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like carprofen or grapiprant
- Adequan® injections to improve joint lubrication
- Other pain medications for severe cases
Supplements:
- Glucosamine with chondroitin
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Joint care supplements like Pooch & Mutt’s Mobile Bones
A quick but important note: NEVER give your dog human pain medications like ibuprofen – they can be toxic!
7. Try Specialized Diets and Treatments
- Joint care diets like those containing salmon rich in Omega-3s
- Acupuncture
- Laser therapy
- Physical rehabilitation
My Experience with Rusty’s Winter Joint Pain
Last winter was particularly tough for my old boy. I noticed he was really struggling to get up in the mornings when temperatures dropped below freezing. After a vet visit confirmed his arthritis was flaring up, we started him on a joint supplement and made some changes around the house.
The biggest difference came from adding rugs over our hardwood floors and getting him a thicker orthopedic bed. We also started shorter, more frequent walks instead of our weekend hiking trips. By February, he was moving much better despite the continuing cold.
FAQs About Cold Weather and Dog Arthritis
Can dogs predict weather changes through their arthritis?
Some owners swear their dogs can predict storms or temperature drops because their joints start aching beforehand. While not scientifically proven, many arthritic dogs do seem sensitive to barometric pressure changes that precede weather shifts.
Should I put booties on my arthritic dog in winter?
Winter booties can help in several ways:
- Provide traction on icy surfaces
- Keep paws warm and dry
- Prevent snow from getting stuck between toes
However, don’t leave them on too long as this can lead to moisture buildup and yeast infections. Most urban dogs only need them for longer walks in harsh conditions.
Does my young dog need to worry about winter joint pain?
While arthritis is more common in older dogs, younger dogs with joint injuries or conditions like hip dysplasia can also experience winter discomfort. If your young dog shows signs of stiffness in cold weather, consult your vet.
Can I use heat therapy at home for my dog’s joints?
Yes! Warm compresses (not hot) applied to affected joints for 10-15 minutes can provide relief. Always test the temperature on yourself first and never leave heating pads unattended with your pet.
When to Call the Vet
While some winter stiffness is expected in arthritic dogs, contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Sudden severe limping
- Unwillingness to put weight on a limb
- Crying out in pain
- Significant behavior changes
- Symptoms that don’t improve with rest and warmth
The Bottom Line
Cold weather does affect dogs’ arthritis, just like it does for many humans. The combination of joint fluid thickening, barometric pressure changes, and reduced activity levels can make winter a challenging time for arthritic pets.
However, with thoughtful management including keeping them warm, maintaining appropriate exercise, creating a supportive home environment, and working with your vet on medications or supplements, your furry friend can stay comfortable even when temperatures drop.
Remember, each dog experiences arthritis differently. What works for my Rusty might not be perfect for your pup. Pay attention to your dog’s specific needs and don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Winter doesn’t have to mean pain for your arthritic dog. With a little extra care and attention, you can help them enjoy the season comfortably—maybe even with a romp in the snow!
The affect cold has on joints
Most people with chronic osteoarthritis will tell you that they notice changes in their pain levels and stiffness when it gets wet and cold. Some people even find they can predict weather changes as their joints begin to ache.
As the evenings darken and the weather worsens, most find we exercise our dogs less. This can be detrimental to those with arthritis as they will inevitably stiffen up.
It is theorised that a reduction in barometric pressure can create pain in joints and muscle and tendons expand and contract. It is also possible that the nerves are more sensitized to changes in pressure. Finally, cold weather may thicken joint fluid, causing increased pain.
Can anything be done to help?
Thankfully, there are many things we can do to support our beloved pets during cold weather.
- Starting a Joint Care diet such as Pooch & Mutt’s Joint Care is one of the best things you can do for your furry friend. This diet contains 45% salmon, a fish rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids, that can help to minimise inflammation and pain in affected joints. These fatty acids may also improve blood supply during exercise, easing swelling. I generally advise a joint care food is started in those who are predicted to suffer with joint disease as well as in patients with established issues.
- Offering daily joint care supplements like Pooch & Mutt’s Mobile Bones or Joint Daily Care Tablets is a no-brainer when it comes to arthritic dogs. Ingredients like Glucosamine helps to minimise clinical pain and prevent cartilage from breaking down, ensuring there is a ‘cushion’ for joints each time they move. The methylsulphonylmethane (MSM) is both a powerful anti-inflammatory and an anti-oxidant that further aids in inflammation reduction.
- Keeping our dogs warm. Where possible, it is important we keep our dogs warm. This can mean having the central heating on and minimising time spent outdoors. For some, heated beds and mats are a useful tool.
- Consistent exercise. Some owners are classed as a ‘weekend warrior’. They bring their dog for a 10-mile hike on the weekend, only for them to walk around the block on week days. This is the worst thing we can do for joint health. Rather, we need exercise to be consistent. Stick with a moderate length walk once or twice a day every day. Ideally, dogs should be walked off lead and on soft surfaces, to prevent any ‘jarring’ of their joints.
- Consider alternate exercise. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise as it is low impact and burns a lot of calories. On top of this, dogs tend to love it! Avoid cold bodies of water in the winter, instead going to your local heated dog pool.
- Orthopaedic beds are a great purchase, especially for older dogs who spend more time asleep. The firm ‘mattress’ is easier for them to get up on and keeps their skeleton well supported.