When temperatures start to fall, we get excited, anticipating fun outdoor activities.
And while many pets enjoy participating right alongside us, lower temperatures and damp weather can be tough on older pets. And while many pets enjoy participating right alongside us, lower temperatures and damp weather can be tough on older pets. They often experience more pain and soreness during cold, wet weather.
There are a few potential causes of this, including cold-induced tendon and ligament stiffness, reduced blood flow, and increased sensitivity to colder temperatures.
In addition, our pets, especially dogs, often get less exercise in inclement weather, and reduced movement can lead to muscle stiffness. Interestingly, people with metal joints or bone implants report heightened sensitivity to cold in those areas, so the same is likely true for our animal friends who have undergone surgeries requiring these devices.
Causes of Joint Pain in Colder Weather
Pets with arthritis are at the highest risk of cold-induced pain and stiffness.
Arthritis can have several causes, but in older pets, it’s most often due to cartilage loss on the joint surface. Cartilage cushions the joints, and when it’s absent, the rough surfaces often get even rougher, and flexing and extending the joints can cause pain in these circumstances.
Treating the Pain and Inflammation Caused by Arthritis
There are several strategies pet parents can use to reduce the effects of cold or damp weather on their loved ones. Partnering with your veterinarian is the first step to understanding how to do this. Diagnostic testing, starting with a full physical exam and extending potentially to blood work and x-rays, will help you and your doctor determine the right treatment options.
Possible approaches include:
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work by reducing the chemical mediators of inflammation, which is a common cause of muscle and joint pain. NSAIDs developed specifically for dogs or cats should be prescribed, and ideally, patients on these drugs undergo testing to ensure they will tolerate these drugs without adverse effects.
In most cases, your veterinarian will recommend follow-up lab testing to monitor organ function, since these drugs can affect kidney and liver function when used over long periods.
Commonly prescribed NSAIDs for dogs include Rimadyl and Galliprant for dogs and Onsior for cats. Metacam can be used in both dogs and cats.
PGAGs
Adequan is the trade name for a medication that is known as a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan. Adequan is given by injection, and when used correctly, it can help relieve arthritis pain by increasing joint lubrication, decreasing inflammation, and potentially increasing the raw materials needed to build new cartilage. This medication is typically given by your veterinarian, but pet parents can learn to give injections at home.
Biologics
Monoclonal antibody therapy has had a significant impact on the treatment of many human inflammatory diseases, and new medications for both dogs and cats are showing similar promise for pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. These medications are available only by prescription and must be given monthly by injection in your veterinarian’s office.
Over-the-Counter Supplements
A wide range of glucosamine- and chondroitin-based supplements are available for dogs and cats. Presumably, these supplements increase the availability of the building blocks of cartilage, so the theory is that they could improve the condition of injured joints in this way and thus lessen the pain of arthritis.
Rigorous scientific studies on these supplements are somewhat limited, and while many pet parents report that their pets’ movement improves when using them, the effects are highly variable. Supplements such as these, which include green-lipped mussels as an ingredient, may be more effective.
When shopping for supplements, look for products that are verified for purity and ingredients by independent laboratories, such as Dasuquin and Glycoflex.
There is good evidence that omega-3 essential fatty acids can modulate the inflammation associated with arthritis. Giving your pet fish oil regularly may be a beneficial adjunct to other treatments, but is unlikely to be tremendously effective on its own.
Other Strategies to Employ
As veterinarians, we often say that treating the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis should be “multi-modal”, meaning we often employ medications, supplements, and lifestyle modifications in the fight.
Here are some strategies to consider as you work to make your older pet more comfortable any time of year, but especially during the winter months:
Weight Management
Getting your pet to a healthy weight is one of the most meaningful changes you can make in their lives, not only for their joint health, but also for the overall well-being and longevity.
Work with your veterinarian to determine your pet’s ideal weight, as standards vary by breed and body composition. Cutting back on total caloric intake is the first step, and this can be done by decreasing the volume of treats and food fed. Being careful about exactly what your dog or cat eats may seem daunting, but with some discipline, you can feed an appropriate amount.
Increasing activity is also important to burn more calories. This can be challenging when joint disease is already present, so low-impact activities like walking or swimming may be preferred by your pet. Cats are especially tricky, since they don’t usually like to go for walks, so you’ll need to engage your overweight cat in play with toys to get them moving.
Orthopedic Bedding
There are beds that are designed to distribute your pet’s weight over a larger area. This can reduce the risk of pressure sores and make your senior pet more comfortable overall.
Warm Clothing
I often get asked if pets need clothing to stay warm in the winter. Not all pets do, and those with thick warm coats likely never do, even in low temperatures. But pets with short coats, especially small dogs, may feel more comfortable when wearing a sweater or fleece during the winter months. And as a bonus, they look cute and festive!
If your pet needs extra support this winter, PetMeds carries veterinarian-trusted joint supplements, omega-3s, orthopedic bedding, and prescription medications to help keep them comfortable and active. Explore products recommended by vets and delivered right to your door at 1800PetMeds.com.
