Arthritis can become more painful in the colder months for pets with stiff and achy joints. Here are our tips to help your furry friend feel more comfortable.

Keep walkways free from ice and snow

Young pets whiz by senior dogs when venturing outdoors in icy conditions, unafraid of slipping and falling, but your older pooch will need help to keep their balance and prevent a painful sprain, so use pet-safe salt on paths where they walk. Also, clear an outdoor area where your dog has plenty of room to safely eliminate without slipping on ice or snow, as posturing to urinate and defecate may already be painful for some arthritic pets. 

Provide firm bedding near heat sources

Although soft, fluffy beds look appealing, they provide little support, especially for arthritic joints. As your pet lies on their soft bed, they compress the layers of fluffy padding, essentially leaving them lying on the floor. Instead, give your older pet a firm, orthopedic bed that provides additional support and cushion. If possible, place multiple beds in varying distances from heat sources, such as vents and space heaters, to let your pet choose how much warmth they desire.

Provide soothing warmth with a heated bed

Add a heating pad to your pet’s favorite resting area. Check the heating element carefully to prevent burns, electrical problems, or fires. If your pet has difficulty moving, monitor their temperature and comfort to ensure they don’t become too warm because they can’t move off the heating pad. 

Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian

Senior pets can’t simply pop a Tylenol—it can kill them—when they’re feeling the aches and pains of osteoarthritis, so schedule an appointment with our team to discuss the best options for pain relief. We can create a multimodal pain-management plan using joint supplements, prescription diets, fatty acids, laser therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and pharmaceutical treatments to help your pet get back on their feet. 

Contact us for help with easing your pet’s achy joints this winter.