Vets warn winter cold may worsen joint pain in pets.
As temperatures drop, pet owners may begin noticing changes in the behaviour and mobility of their animals, with experts warning that colder weather can aggravate underlying joint pain and stiffness.
A dog that hesitates before climbing stairs or a cat that stops jumping onto furniture may not simply be slowing down with age, but could be experiencing discomfort linked to joint issues.
“With the cold weather, many pet parents notice changes in their dogs and cats. Dogs may hesitate before climbing stairs, cats may stop jumping onto their favourite windowsill, and older pets often seem slower or stiffer than usual. While winter can make anyone want to curl up under a blanket, colder weather can also aggravate joint discomfort in pets, especially those already living with arthritis or mobility issues.”
According to Dr Karien Brink from Hill's Pet Nutrition, colder temperatures tend to affect older pets and those with existing mobility concerns more severely.
