During cold weather, dogs suffer a lot more with their joint disease. As a vet, winter is when I diagnose most dogs as arthritic and when I see a large number of my patients struggle with their mobility and even experience collapsing episodes.
While we cannot always prevent joint disease, there are things we can do to help manage it when it does affect our dog’s quality of life. Read on to learn how you can help keep your dog healthy and happy when the temperature drops down low.
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.
