26/05/2026
Cold paws, stiff joints? The cold weather might be affecting your pet more than you think ❄️🐾
Arthritis (also called osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease) is one of the most common chronic pain conditions we see in dogs and cats. It occurs when the cartilage within joints gradually wears down over time, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort.
Cold weather can make arthritic joints feel stiffer and more painful, which is why many owners notice their pets slowing down during the cooler months. While some signs of arthritis are obvious, many pets show only subtle changes at first. These signs are often mistaken for normal ageing, meaning pets may be living with ongoing pain and discomfort without it being recognised. Identifying these early changes can make a significant difference to your pet’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
Some subtle signs of arthritis can include:
• Stiffness after resting
• Slowing down on walks
• Hesitating to jump onto furniture or into the car
• Difficulty with stairs
• Limping or stiffness that improves once moving
• Sleeping more than usual
• Less interest in playing or exercising
• Behaviour changes such as irritability or withdrawal
• In cats: reduced grooming, toileting outside the litter tray, or avoiding jumping onto high surfaces
These signs are often mistaken as “just getting older,” but arthritis is a painful condition that can often be managed very successfully.
There are many ways we can help keep pets comfortable through winter and beyond, including:
🐾 Weight management — Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced nutrition can help reduce pressure on sore or ageing joints.
🐾 Joint supplements — Certain joint supplements may assist in supporting joint health, mobility, and comfort in some pets.
🐾 Pain relief medications — Regular veterinary assessments can help determine whether pain relief or anti-inflammatory medications may benefit your pet.
🐾 Physiotherapy and controlled exercise — Gentle, consistent exercise and physiotherapy can help maintain muscle strength, joint mobility, and overall comfort.
🐾 Warm bedding and home modifications — Providing soft, warm bedding away from cold floors and draughts, along with simple adjustments such as ramps or non-slip surfaces, can help improve comfort at home.
Early support can make a huge difference to your pet’s comfort and quality of life. 💛
If you notice your senior pet slowing down or seeming stiffer this winter, we’re always here to help, book in to have a chat with one of our veterinarians so we can make a plan to help your furry friend feel better this winter! 💛🐶🐱
