There’s something special about a Michigan winter: snow falls, the air becomes crisp, and the nights get cozier than they are throughout the rest of the year. But for aging pets, the cold months can bring more discomfort than delight. 

If you care for an older cat or dog, it’s crucial to understand how cold weather affects your pet’s joints. In Michigan, senior pet care warrants special attention during these months. At Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates, we see plenty of pets whose joint stiffness gets worse as temperatures drop.

Here’s what you can do to help prevent joint stiffness from getting in the way of your pet’s winter fun.

4 Tips for Cold-Weather Pet Comfort 

1. Provide Warm and Supportive Spaces for Rest 

Cold weather can make your pet’s winter arthritis symptoms worse by thickening joint fluid, therefore reducing flexibility. 

Many arthritic pets do best with thick, orthopedic bedding that makes it easy for their sore limbs to relax. This type of supportive padding helps reduce the pressure on your pet’s joints, too. 

If you can add a heated pet pad or blanket—or a self-warming pad—the warmth can help ease your pet’s stiff joints. 

2. Keep Your Pet (Gently) Moving

With daily, low-impact exercises, your pet’s joints stay lubricated—and his muscles stay soft and supple, too. Take your pup out for a dose of gentle exercise at least three to five times a week. 

Avoid high-impact activities like running, jumping, or even walking on icy roads. 

Opt for slow, relaxing walks through the snow or on a favorite route through your neighborhood.

3. Watch for Subtle Signs of Stiffness 

Signs of stiffness can be hard to catch, especially during the busy rush of the holidays. Look for any signs your pet is reluctant to climb stairs, jump onto a favorite perch, or climb up next to you on the couch.

Even behavioral changes like irritability, adding a nap (or two) to the day’s rest, or avoiding favorite play sessions can be a sign of discomfort. 

While limping is a very obvious sign that something’s up, it’s far from the only signal. Make note of your pet’s different behaviors and bring those notes with you to a vet appointment. 

4. Help Your Pet Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess pounds can add strain to your pet’s joints, which, in turn, causes more pain. If you can help your pet stay in a healthy weight range, you can help reduce the severity of arthritis. 

Daily exercise is key for this, as is feeding your pet an appropriate amount based on their breed, size, and age. 

Pain Relief at our Beverly Hills, MI Vet

If you notice any signs of pain in your pet, it’s time for a visit to the veterinarian. Your pet may need to take daily pain medications, joint supplements, and omega-3 fatty acids to help support their mobility and comfort. 

Your vet might also recommend physical rehab or laser treatment—or a combination of several different treatments and therapies. 

Our team of experts at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates is more than happy to help your pet get relief from joint pain this winter. Call us at (248-646-5655) to schedule an appointment today.