Like us humans, our pets have internal biological clocks, also known as circadian rhythms, that help them respond to changes in the environment, such as the amount of daylight and temperature fluctuations. This influences their behaviour and can also affect their health. These changes bring about e.g. more naps, eating habits might change, and their energy levels might decrease. Domesticated cats will sleep more, but will preserve some of their wild instincts, like hunting and storing energy for colder months. Dogs will always have time to play ball with you, so we need to help them stay active and when on the move, and with as much ease as possible.
Common mobility issues that you as pet owner need to be aware of
Joint inflammation and stiffness:
In wintertime, the cold and wet can cause your pet’s joints to become stiffer, making it more demanding and painful for them to move. Your pet may even move differently. This discomfort may cause them to walk more slowly and carefully, and their pace may change as well. Dogs and cats with arthritis may experience a more noticeable impact on their mobility, as arthritic joints are particularly sensitive to temperature changes. This stiffness can be particularly felt and seen in the morning after sleeping or after a period of inactivity. They tend so sleep longer period of times in the colder weather, always looking for warmth, and their limbs will be stiff as soon as soon they start moving.
Changes in movement:
Your pet’s posture and how they walk can change with extreme temperature drops. Older pets may alter how they stand or move to make themselves more comfortable. This could mean shifting their weight away from a joint that hurts to bear more weight on a “healthy joint.” This can place additional strain on a healthy leg. When a pet’s muscles and joints are cold and stiff, they may have a reduced range of motion. As a response to the cold, they may tense their muscles causing the muscles to be less flexible and may lead to a stiff, rigid gait. This muscle tension is often a protective response to cold, as it helps prevent heat loss, but it can negatively affect your pet’s mobility. This can lead to a shuffling or stilted gait, with shorter steps and less fluid movement. Other physical signs of joint pain may include stiffer, slower movements or an overall decrease in activity levels.
Our wheelchair dogs can also feel the impact of the cold. Since they may be less inclined to go for walks or engage in outdoor activities, prolonged periods of downtime may cause muscle atrophy.
Reduced blood flow:
As fall arrives and the days grow shorter, you might notice your pet becoming less active and more content to snuggle up indoors. This season brings a natural shift in behaviour as your pet begins to prepare for the colder months. They might even limit their mobility completely. Cold temperatures can decrease blood flow to the extremities, including the joints. This reduced blood flow can make arthritis-related inflammation and discomfort worse. In wintry weather, the blood vessels (capillaries) in a dog’s extremities, including their legs and paws, tend to constrict or narrow. This natural response is called vasoconstriction and is the body’s way of conserving heat. However, it also means less blood flows to these areas, which can lead to reduced warmth and flexibility in the muscles and joints.
How to you can help:
Special needs and senior pets will have a change in mobility. It is important to keep your pet’s joints in good health right through the year. It is an important part of their overall health and assists quality of life.
Consult your veterinarian:
If the chilly weather is impacting your pet’s ability to move freely, it is important to consult with your veterinarian. Only your vet can offer personalized advice and tailored treatment plans for your pet, especially for a dog with mobility issues. It is important to continue with treatment in the spring and summer as well, to best prepare your pet for the colder months, or even sporadic colder days in warmer seasons.
Important: If you have an older pet, or one with an illness of a special needs, please consult your vet before changing their medication, diet and even exercise.
Daily joint supplements:
For our pets facing mobility challenges, joint health is of the utmost importance, especially in cold weather. Joint stiffness can be aggravated by the dropping temperatures, making it essential to provide the right support. A high-quality joint supplement is designed to support your pets’ joint health, ease stiff joints, support joint structure, and help support their mobility. There is a lot that we, as responsible pet owners, can do to help ease any uncomfortable situations for our pets.
Common signs that dogs or cats may be showing if they are suffering with joint pain
Dogs:
• Slowing down during walks/exercise
• Difficulties standing unaided (especially on slippery surfaces)
• Stiffness after lying for extended periods or following exercise
• Difficulties climbing or jumping into vehicles/onto furniture
• Difficulties squatting to urinate and/or defecate
• Difficulties reaching down to the floor for food/water bowls
• Licking or over-grooming of painful joints
• Reduced interaction with family members and reluctance to ‘play’
Cats:
• Reluctance to jump onto or off higher surfaces
• Reduced activity or more time spent sleeping
• Matted or scruffy coats from reduced grooming
• Licking or over-grooming of painful joints
• Irritable when handled or stroked
• Difficulty using litter tray or inappropriate soiling outside of the litter tray
• Difficulty using cat flap
Keep an eye out for other behaviour changes:
Increased Appetite: Cooler weather often brings an increase in appetite as their bodies prepares for colder weather. Monitor Their Weight: As their appetite increases, keep an eye on their weight to ensure they do not overeat. Obesity is mayor concern and can lead to serious illnesses. Interactive Play: Since they may be going out less, engage them with more indoor play to keep them mentally stimulated.
Year-round mobility support:
Our pets that show any signs of mobility change when the temperature drops benefit from mobility support year-round. Mobility aids like pet wheelchairs and lifting harnesses can help pets with mobility issues, making it easier for them to stay active without straining themselves. Here are a few ways they can help:
Difficulty standing – a rear support leash can be used to support your pet’s hind end and help them to get up off the ground to stand.
Climbing stairs – a lifting harness is a wonderful way to stabilize and support them as they climb up or down stairs.
Slipping on tile or hardwood floors – wearing boots or traction socks with a rubber sole can help a senior pet to better grip the floor, helping them to keep their paws in place as they stand.
Sources:
https://walkinpets.com
https://www.protexinvet.com
https://clarkroadanimalclinic.com