Keeping Your Senior Pet Mobile and Warm this Winter
With winter just around the corner and the weather cooling down, our older pets tend to feel the cold more than our younger pups and kittens. Just like older humans, senior dogs and cats can struggle with stiff joints, reduced mobility, and increased sensitivity to the cold.
With a few thoughtful adjustments however, you can help your aging pet stay comfortable, mobile, and happy through the cooler months.
Why Winter Is Harder on Senior Pets
As pets age, their bodies undergo natural changes such as a decrease in muscle mass, loss of joint flexibility and conditions like arthritis become more common. Cold weather can worsen these issues, making movement painful and discouraging activity. This can lead to a nasty cycle where less movement means stiffer joints, which leads to even less mobility.
Older pets also have less body fat and a reduced ability to regulate body temperature, making them more prone to feeling cold and uncomfortable, even indoors.
Tips for Keeping Senior Pets Comfortable and Active in Winter
1. Warm, Supportive Bedding
Ensure your pet has a cosy place to rest, preferably raised off cold tiles or concrete. Orthopaedic beds with memory foam are ideal for supporting ageing joints. Add extra blankets and consider placing their bed in an area of your home that catches minimal breeze.
2. Keep Them Warm (Even Inside)
Senior pets may need an extra layer to stay warm. Dog jumpers, heated pet mats, and indoor-safe heat lamps can help maintain body temperature, especially at night. For older cats, consider placing their tower near a sunny window.
3. Gentle, Regular Exercise
It’s important not to let your senior pet become too inactive during winter. Short, frequent walks for dogs and interactive play sessions for cats’ help maintain joint function and muscle. Be sure to adjust the intensity to suit their ability and avoid slippery or icy surfaces.
4. Joint Support Supplements & Diet
Talk to your vet about joint support supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, or omega-3 fatty acids. These can reduce inflammation and improve mobility. For some pets, prescription joint diets or anti-inflammatory medications may also be suitable.
5. Weight Management
Extra weight puts added pressure on sore joints. Winter often means less activity, so it’s important to adjust your pet’s food intake and monitor their weight to avoid unnecessary strain.
6. Regular Veterinary Checkups
Cold weather can mask symptoms of chronic pain. If your pet seems stiff, slow to stand, or reluctant to play or walk, it may be more than just the cold. Vetmed offers mobility assessments and pain management plans tailored specifically for senior pets.
Support for Ageing Pets at Vetmed
At Vetmed, we provide a full range of care for senior pets. From arthritis management to tailored wellness programs. We can help you:
- Assess joint health
- Manage arthritis and chronic pain
- Create customised nutrition and supplement plans
Make Winter a Season of Comfort
A little extra care during the colder months can go a long way in improving your senior pet’s comfort and quality of life. With warmth, movement, and veterinary support, your pet can continue to enjoy their golden years with ease.
Concerned about your senior pet or want some personalised advice on keeping your pet mobile and warm this winter?