Winter Joint Care: Keeping Dogs Comfortable in Cold Weather

Winter is here, and your dog is already feeling it.

They're stiffer in the mornings. They don't want to go out in the cold. They're moving like they're 5 years older than they were in summer.

Cold weather makes arthritis significantly worse.

Here's how to keep your dog comfortable through the UK winter months.

 

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Why Cold Weather Affects Joints

It's not in their head. Cold genuinely makes arthritis more painful.

Four physiological reasons:

1. Reduced blood flow

When it's cold:

• Blood vessels constrict (vasoconstriction)

• Less blood reaches joints

• Less oxygen and nutrients delivered

• Slower waste removal

• Result: More pain, more stiffness

 

2. Barometric pressure changes

The science:

Low atmospheric pressure (common before rain/snow) causes:

• Joint capsules to expand slightly

• Increased pressure on nerves

• More pain signals to brain

Why UK winters are particularly bad:

Frequent pressure changes with passing weather fronts. Your dog can literally feel the weather changing.

 

3. Muscle stiffness

Cold muscles contract and become tight.

In arthritic dogs:

• Tight muscles pull on already-inflamed joints

• Increases pain

• Reduces range of motion

• Creates vicious cycle

 

4. Reduced activity

The winter paradox:

Dogs move less in winter (cold, wet, dark evenings) → muscles weaken → joints become less stable → more pain

Less movement = worse arthritis, not better.

 

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The 10 Signs Your Dog is Suffering in Winter

Watch for these winter-specific symptoms:

1. Worse morning stiffness

Takes 15-20 minutes to "warm up" instead of usual 5 minutes.

2. Reluctance to go outside

Stands at the door, doesn't want to go out in cold.

3. Shortened walks

Wants to turn back sooner than in summer.

4. Limping more pronounced

Slight summer limp becomes obvious winter limp.

5. Seeking warm spots

Always on the radiator, by the fire, under blankets.

6. Shivering

Not just from cold - pain causes muscle tremors too.

7. Licking joints more

Self-soothing behaviour increases with pain.

8. Grumpy behaviour

Less tolerant. Snappy. Doesn't want to be touched.

9. Difficulty on slippery surfaces

Ice, wet leaves, frost make walking painful and scary.

10. Weight gain

Less exercise + more sleeping = pounds creeping on.

If your dog shows 3+ of these signs, they need winter joint support.

 

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Winter Joint Care: The Complete Protocol

1. Keep Them Warm (Critical)

Indoor warmth:

Orthopaedic heated bed:

• £80-150

• Maintains consistent warmth

• Reduces morning stiffness dramatically

• Most dogs with arthritis show immediate improvement

Alternative: Regular orthopaedic bed + hot water bottle (wrapped in towel)

Room temperature:

• Keep house 18-20°C minimum

• Arthritic dogs need warmer than healthy dogs

• Use space heater in their sleeping area if needed

 

Outdoor warmth:

Dog coat for walks:

• Not just for fashion

• Keeps muscles warm

• Reduces post-walk stiffness

• Choose: Waterproof, covers chest and hips

Breeds that need coats in UK winter:

• All short-coated breeds (Boxers, Greyhounds, Bulldogs, Staffies)

• Small dogs (all types)

• Senior dogs (regardless of coat)

• Any dog with arthritis

When to use:

• Below 7°C always

• In rain/snow regardless of temperature

• On long walks

Cost: £25-60 for quality coat

ROI: Reduces pain, faster recovery, worth every penny.

 

Omega-3 dose increase:

Summer: 1,000mg EPA/DHA daily
Winter: 2,000mg EPA/DHA daily

Why: Omega-3s are powerful anti-inflammatories. Higher doses manage increased winter inflammation.

3. Pre-Walk Warm-Up (Essential)

Never go from rest to cold walk.

The protocol:

Step 1: Indoor warm-up (5 minutes)

• Gentle massage of hips, shoulders

• Slow walking around house

• Few gentle stretches (if they allow it)

Step 2: Put coat on indoors

• Let them warm up in it before going out

Step 3: Start walk slowly

• First 5 minutes: Very slow pace

• Let them set the speed

• Gradual build-up to normal pace

Why this works:

Warm muscles + gradual loading = less pain, fewer injuries.

Skipping warm-up = risk of strain injuries.

4. Adjust Walk Schedule

Winter walk strategy:

Midday walks when possible:

• Warmest part of day

• Better light

• Less slippery surfaces

Multiple short walks instead of one long walk:

• Summer: One 60-minute walk

• Winter: Three 20-minute walks

• Keeps muscles moving without overload

Avoid:

• Early morning (coldest, darkest, most stiff)

• Late evening (cold, dark, tired muscles)

• Rainy days if possible (cold + wet = worst combination)

5. Surface Management

Safe winter surfaces:

✓ Grass (best - soft, not slippery)
✓ Gritted paths (traction)
✓ Indoor surfaces (shops, garden centers allow dogs)

Dangerous winter surfaces:

✗ Ice (obvious - but hidden ice under snow)
✗ Wet leaves (slippery as ice)
✗ Frozen ground (hard impact on joints)
✗ Salt-treated paths (irritates paws, but needed for traction)

Solution for paws:

Dog boots (£15-30 for set of 4)

• Protects from ice, salt

• Provides traction

• Keeps paws warm

• Most dogs accept them within a week

Or paw balm (£8-12)

• Apply before walks

• Protects from salt and cold

• Helps prevent cracking

6. Post-Walk Care

The cool-down protocol:

Step 1: Dry thoroughly

• Towel dry immediately when home

• Pay attention to chest, belly, legs

• Damp fur = continued cold stress

Step 2: Warm-up

• Hot water bottle (wrapped) on affected joints

• Or heated bed immediately

• 15-20 minutes warmth

Step 3: Gentle massage

• 5 minutes on hips, shoulders

• Improves circulation

• Reduces post-walk stiffness

Step 4: Post-walk supplement

• If giving Beef Bone Broth, give after winter walks

• Mix with warm water

• Creates warming drink + joint support

7. Indoor Exercise

When it's too cold/wet to go out:

Indoor activities:

Mental stimulation (tires them without joint stress):

• Scent work games

• Hide treats around house

• Training sessions (15 minutes)

• Puzzle toys

Gentle physical:

• Slow lead walking up and down hallway

• Gentle tug (horizontal, not vertical)

• Indoor fetch (soft toy, short distance)

Avoid:

• Rough play indoors

• Jumping on furniture

• Running on hard floors (slippery)

 

Swimming (heated pools):

This is perfect winter exercise.

Benefits:

• Zero impact on joints

• Builds muscle

• Cardiovascular fitness

• Warm water soothes arthritis

Find heated hydrotherapy pools:

• Canine Hydrotherapy Association

• Search: "dog hydrotherapy [your area]"

Cost: £30-50 per session
Frequency: Once weekly ideal for winter

Replaces one walk per week with a zero-impact option.

8. Weight Management (Critical in Winter)

The winter weight problem:

Less exercise + more time indoors + comfort eating = weight gain

Every 500g gained = 2kg extra pressure on joints.

Winter weight strategy:

Reduce food by 10% from summer amount:

• Dogs burn fewer calories in winter (less activity)

• Compensate with less food, not more walks (can't always walk more in winter)

Weigh weekly:

• Catch gain early

• Adjust immediately

High-volume, low-calorie treats:

• Carrots

• Green beans

• Apple slices

• Cucumber

Avoid:

• Extra treats because "they're cold and sad"

• Giving them your food because "they're looking at me"

• Increasing portions "because it's winter"

Target: Maintain the exact same weight through winter.

9. Home Modifications for Winter

Make indoor environment arthritis-friendly:

Non-slip mats everywhere:

• By door (wet paws slip)

• Hallways

• By their bed

• Kitchen floor

Cost: £30-50 for yoga mats
Impact: Massive - prevents sudden jarring, builds confidence

 

Ramps stay critical:

• Car ramps even more important in winter (cold muscles = higher injury risk)

• Sofa ramps prevent dangerous jumps

 

Block cold drafts:

• Draft excluders on doors (£10-15)

• Move bed away from drafty areas

• Check windows for drafts

 

Raised food and water bowls:

• Reduces neck strain (£15-20)

• Particularly important in winter (muscles tighter)

10. Medication Review

See your vet if:

Winter makes symptoms significantly worse

Your vet may recommend:

• NSAIDs for winter months only

• Increased dose of existing medication

• Additional pain management

Don't suffer through winter assuming "it's just the cold."

Pain medication + supplements + management = comfortable winter.

 

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The Winter Supplement Stack

For dogs with arthritis, comprehensive winter support:

Daily supplements:

Morning:

• Mobility & Joints: 6-12g (depending on size)

• Omega-3 fish oil: 2,000mg EPA/DHA

Evening:

• Beef Bone Broth: 6g mixed with warm water

• Creates warming recovery drink

• Additional collagen + minerals

Total daily collagen: 8,500-10,000mg

Total cost for medium dog: £2.50/day

Compare to:

• Chronic pain

• Reduced quality of life

• Potential injury from slipping

• Expensive vet visits

Investment in comfort pays for itself.

 

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Winter Emergency: When to See Vet Immediately

Call vet same day if:

• Sudden severe lameness (can't bear weight)

• Yelping in pain when touched

• Won't stand up

• Falling on slippery surfaces (neurological concern)

• Rapid weight loss (pain affecting appetite)

Winter increases risk of:

• Muscle strains (cold muscles)

• Slip injuries (ice, wet leaves)

• Hypothermia (in very cold + wet conditions)

Don't wait. Act fast.

 

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Preparing for Next Winter

Spring/Summer actions:

1. Build muscle (May-September)

• Swimming

• Controlled exercise

• Strength = stability = less winter pain

2. Achieve ideal weight before winter

• Easier to maintain weight than lose it in winter

• Start weight loss in summer if needed

3. Start preventative supplements in autumn

• Don't wait for symptoms

• Begin increased dosing in October

• Prevents pain rather than treating it

4. Purchase winter gear in summer sales

• Heated beds (£80-150)

• Quality coats (£30-60)

• Boots (£15-30)

• Non-slip mats (£30-50)

5. Research hydrotherapy pools now

• Book winter sessions in advance

• Some pools have waiting lists

Preparation = comfortable winter.

 

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The Bottom Line

Winter makes arthritis worse. This is inevitable.

But suffering through winter is NOT inevitable.

With proper management:

• Most dogs remain comfortable through winter

• Quality of life maintained

• No need for drastic decisions

Start winter protocol now.

Essential actions:

1. Keep them warm (heated bed + coat)

2. Increase supplement doses

3. Adjust walk schedule

4. Pre/post-walk care

5. Weight management

Comprehensive support: 6. Indoor exercise options 7. Home modifications 8. Consider heated hydrotherapy 9. Vet medication if needed

Your dog doesn't have to suffer through winter.

Take action today.

 

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Winter Shopping List

Essential (Total: £190-290):

• Orthopaedic heated bed: £80-150

• Waterproof insulated coat: £25-60

• Non-slip mats: £30-50

• Dog boots: £15-30

Supplements (monthly ongoing):

• Mobility & Joints: £28

• Omega-3 fish oil: £15-20

• Optional: Beef Bone Broth: £25

Optional but beneficial:

• Hydrotherapy sessions: £30-50/session

• Paw balm: £8-12

• Draft excluders: £10-15

• Hot water bottle: £8-12

One-time investment + ongoing supplements = comfortable winter.

 

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Sources & Further Reading

1. McAlindon T, et al. "Do weather conditions influence chronic pain?" The Journal of Rheumatology, 2007

2. Canine Hydrotherapy Association: https://www.canine-hydrotherapy.org/

3. UK Met Office weather data and arthritis correlation studies

4. Veterinary orthopedic winter care guidelines

 

Important: This information is for educational purposes and doesn't replace veterinary advice. If your dog is showing signs of joint problems, pain, or mobility issues, consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. The guidance in this article is based on current veterinary research and best practices, but every dog is different.

 

Last Updated: January 2026