Extremely cold temperatures and wet weather can make our joints sore and stiff, and the same can happen to dogs. The cold can have a significant impact on a dog’s movement. The impact is even more severe for dogs who have arthritis; dogs with arthritis already have arthritis, and the cold can make their condition even worse.
Read on to learn more about why winter weather can make walking and moving around more difficult for older dogs.
How cold weather affects your dog’s movements
Joint inflammation and stiffness:
In winter, the cold can cause your dog’s joints to become stiff, making movement more difficult and painful. Your dog’s movements may also change; he may become slower, more cautious and walk in a different way due to discomfort. Arthritic dogs may notice a noticeable effect on their movements as their arthritic joints are especially sensitive to temperature changes. This stiffness is especially noticeable in the morning or after a long period of inactivity.
Movement changes:
Extreme drops in temperature can change a dog’s posture and the way they walk. Older dogs may change the way they stand and move to be more comfortable. This may mean shifting weight away from painful joints and putting more weight on “healthy joints”, which puts extra strain on healthy legs.
When a dog’s muscles and joints become cold and stiff, they can have a reduced range of motion. In response to the cold, dogs may tense their muscles, making them less flexible and walking in a stiff manner. This muscle tension is often a defensive reaction to the cold, preventing heat loss, but it can also have a negative effect on a dog’s ability to move. This can result in a limp, awkward gait, shorter strides and less fluid movements. Other physical signs of joint pain include stiff, slower movements and an overall decreased activity level.
Dogs in wheelchairs also feel the effects of the cold – they may be less willing to go for walks or go outdoors, and long periods of rest can cause muscles to atrophy, further limiting their mobility.
Reduced blood flow:
Cold temperatures can reduce blood flow to extremities, including joints. Reduced blood flow can worsen the inflammation and discomfort associated with arthritis. In cold weather, the blood vessels (capillaries) in your dog’s extremities, including their legs and feet, tend to constrict or narrow. This natural response is called vasoconstriction, and it’s the body’s way of conserving heat. However, it also means that blood flow to these areas is reduced, which can make muscles and joints less warm and flexible.
How to Increase Your Dog’s Exercise in Cold Weather
Owners of pets with special needs or who are elderly should pay close attention to signs of changes in mobility. Keeping your dog’s joints healthy all year round is important to their overall health and quality of life. Here are some ways to keep your dog active all winter long:
Ask your veterinarian:
If the cold weather is affecting your dog’s freedom of movement, it’s important to consult a vet – only a vet can provide individual advice and a treatment plan tailored to your dog, especially if they have a mobility disorder.
Different dogs have different needs. Solutions may include medication, dietary changes, structured exercise through rehabilitation therapy, and even joint support. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any treatment for your dog.
Daily Joint Supplement:
For dogs with mobility issues, joint health is of utmost importance, especially in cold weather. Stiffness in joints can be exacerbated by the drop in temperature, so providing them with the right support is essential. Joint Supplements It is designed to support your dog’s joint health, relieve joint stiffness, support joint structure and support your dog’s mobility to help keep your dog active and comfortable through the winter.
Year-round mobility support:
Dogs who show signs of changes in their mobility when the temperatures drop would likely benefit from year-round exercise assistance. Your dog doesn’t have to struggle. Exercise aids, such as dog wheelchairs and lifting harnesses, can help dogs with mobility issues and make it easier for them to stay active without overdoing it. Here are some ways to help:
- Difficulty standing up – A rear support leash will support your dog’s rear and help them get up off the ground.
- Going up and down stairs – A lifting harness is perfect for stabilizing and supporting your dog when going up and down stairs.
- Slipping on tile or hardwood floors – Rubber-soled dog boots or traction socks can help senior dogs get a better grip on the floor and keep their feet in place when standing.
- Dogs put a lot of strain on one leg and are unable to support their weight evenly. Dog wheelchairs are great for pets.
