Winter brings colder mornings and damp weather, which can exacerbate arthritis pain and stiffness in cats and dogs. You may notice subtle changes of pain or stiffness - a pet who used to spring off the sofa now climbs down more slowly or hesitates before jumping into the car or onto the bed. These changes may be overlooked as normal aging, but they may indicate arthritis or musculoskeletal pain. Arthritis is very common in our older pets, but younger animals can be affected as well.
Recognising The Signs Of Arthritis In Cats And Dogs
Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects a pet’s joints, causing them pain and stiffness. The signs can develop slowly and can be easy to miss. During winter, colder weather can make these symptoms worse, so it is important to watch out for:
Difficulty getting up after a nap
Limping or favouring one leg
Less interest in walks or playtime
Stiffness when moving, especially after resting
Struggling to jump onto furniture or into the car
Decreased grooming in cats
Older cats may groom themselves less, particularly around the back or hips, and some dogs might lick their sore joints. Sudden changes in behaviour, such as grumpiness or avoiding touch, can be linked to discomfort from arthritis. If a pet shows any of these signs, it is helpful to keep a note of when they occur and discuss them with our vets. It is very helpful if you can take a video of the problem to show the vet.
Practical Tips For Easing Winter Joint Pain In Pets
The first step is always a veterinary consultation to rule out other causes of joint pain, and get a tailored management plan for your pet's diagnosis. For pets with confirmed arthritis, there are simple ways to make life easier for pets struggling with joint pain in winter.
Heat and comfort are important—provide a soft, warm bed away from draughts, and make sure drinking water is close by.
Gentle daily exercise is useful to keep joints moving, but avoid very long or rough walks - especially on cold mornings.
Controlled stretches or short play sessions inside can help keep your pet active. We can recommend a veterinary physiotherapist to assist you with stretches and strengthening exercises.
Our veterinarians often recommend:
Weight management (excess body condition puts extra strain on sore joints)
Using ramps or steps instead of stairs/jumping
Placing food and water bowls somewhere easy to reach
Joint supplements such as omega-3 oils or pentosan
Prescription medication to reduce inflammation and pain
If your pet is on any medications, regular vet check-ups are important - dosages can sometimes be adjusted when symptoms change.
Which joint treatments are best?
There are so many different joint supplements and medications available, and they are not all created equal. Our vets will work with you and your pet to find the best plan. Some of the clinical questions they will consider for each patient are:
Are joint supplements and weight loss alone adequate at this stage?
Is pain relief needed now, and if so - daily or just during flares?
What is the best exercise plan?
What activities should this patient avoid?
What is the best joint supplement to consider, and should we add in more than one?
If funds or administration options are limited, what is the best option to focus on?
Our team can advise you on the joint supplements that we recommend, including correct doses, to ensure the best joint support for your furry friend.
