Keeping Senior Dogs Moving Through Winter: Arthritis, Stiffness, and Support
Winter is coming. The days are shorter, the weather is cooler, and it can be tempting to stay cuddled up inside with your pup. But have you noticed your dog seeming stiffer after resting, less eager to walk or play, or having more trouble getting up?
Some dogs may seem stiffer or less active as the weather changes, although cold itself hasn’t been shown to cause arthritis flare-ups. A study of dogs with osteoarthritis found no clinically meaningful relationship between weather and measured activity or owner-reported pain. Changes in routine or activity may still be worth noticing. If your dog’s mobility changes, check in with your veterinarian.
As the saying goes, “motion is lotion.” Regular, appropriate movement helps maintain muscle, endurance, joint mobility, and everyday function. The right amount of activity depends on the dog, their health, and any guidance from their veterinarian or rehabilitation professional.
A study of dogs aged 8 months to 4 years found X-ray evidence of osteoarthritis in about 40% of the dogs examined. X-ray changes don’t always mean a dog is showing pain, but the findings are a reminder that mobility concerns can occur earlier than many people expect.
What can you do this winter to help your pup?
Try shorter, more frequent walks. Adjust the length and pace to your dog’s comfort. If it’s snowy or icy, consider paw protection if your dog tolerates it.
Start with an easy warm-up. A few minutes of gentle walking indoors can help your dog ease into outdoor activity.
Improve traction at home. Rugs, runners, yoga mats, or well-fitting boots may help your dog move more confidently on slippery floors.
Follow your dog’s cues. Some days will be better than others. Monitor how your dog feels during and after activity, and adjust as needed.
Options for support
Managing arthritis is a team effort. Options may include:
Veterinary pain management. Your veterinarian can assess your dog and discuss medication or other medical options.
Individualized rehabilitation. A rehabilitation plan and home exercise program can support mobility, strength, balance, and comfort.
Weight management. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce added stress on joints.
Therapeutic modalities. Treatments such as laser or shockwave may be appropriate for some dogs as part of a broader plan.
Osteoarthritis-related joint changes generally can’t be reversed, but pain and function can often be managed. Every dog is different, and responses to treatment vary. That’s why an individualized plan and communication between you, your veterinarian, and your rehabilitation professional matter.
The Pawsitive Steps approach
At Pawsitive Steps, we start by evaluating your dog to understand how they move and what may help them feel and function better. We provide hands-on training for a home exercise program, with an app that includes pictures and videos to support practice at home. We also send your veterinarian a copy of our evaluation and recommendations.
Treatment is based on your dog’s needs and may include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy—such as massage, myofascial release, or stretching—or modalities such as cold laser or focused shockwave. We use a portable Class 3B laser and the CS-Vet Pro focused shockwave system. In our clinic’s experience, some dogs with arthritis appear to show a clearer response after a second shockwave treatment, while others respond differently. Research is still developing, and we can’t guarantee results.
Our goal is to meet your dog where they are and build a plan that fits their needs and your ability to continue it at home. If you’ve noticed changes in your dog’s mobility this winter, talk with your veterinarian. If you’d like to discuss a rehabilitation evaluation, contact Pawsitive Steps Canine Rehabilitation in Edmond and the OKC metro.
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