Whether you’ve got an older dog suffering from arthritis or a younger pup with hip or elbow problems, keeping our dogs comfortable during the winter is important. Cold weather often increases joint pain and discomfort, making it difficult for our dogs to get around. Check out these tips below for maintaining your dog’s joints during the winter.
#1 – Stay Warm
Since it’s the cold that brings about the pain, keeping our pups warm during the colder months will certainly help keep them more comfortable. Soft surfaces make it easier for our dogs to lie down and sleep and extra blankets will keep them feeling warm and cozy. If your dog is a bed eater, try buying him a nice sweater or heating pad.
#2 – Dietary Supplements
While most owners are already giving their dogs joint supplements, increasing these supplements during the winter time might help alleviate pain and discomfort. Because inflammation increases, adding more supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, fish oil, or coconut oil will fight back. As always, check with your veterinarian before changing any dosages.
#3 – Maintain Healthy Weight
Some dog owners are under the impression that their pups should gain weight during winter to stay warm. Unfortunately, this could not be further from the truth. Obesity in dogs is already a huge problem, so why try to make it worse? Maintaining a healthy weight is important for all dogs, but especially those already experiencing joint inflammation and pain. Keeping that extra weight off will reduce the stress on our dogs’ joints and bones and keep them comfortable.
#4 – Walk Slowly
Not only does the cold cause more joint pain and stiffness, icy roads and sidewalks make it much more difficult for your pup to stay on his feet. Be sure to walk him slowly on leash when he’s outside to reduce the chances of him falling and hurting himself even more. Moving slowly will also help loosen up the joints before starting to walk at a more normal pace. Assist your dog when he has to walk up stairs or ramps. Even if you limit outdoor activity for using the bathroom only, you want to minimize the risk of your pup getting injured.
#5 – Keep Moving
Even though it’s encouraged to walk slowly when outside, keeping your dog active during the cold months will keep her joints loose and flexible. This will reduce inflammation, prevent excess stiffness and keep your pup much more comfortable and pain free. Not only is the exercise good for her joints, it’s good for her mind. Even older dogs get bored and winter can last quite a while. We want to make the most of the experience for their bodies and their minds.
Toledo, United States.