Cold Weather and Its Impact on Your Dog’s Mobility
Frigid temperatures usually keep us hiding inside, moving slower in the mornings or can put some extra stiffness on our joints. But just as you have a hard time moving when it's cold, so does your dog. We love to think that cuddling on the couch is the way to beat it, but the reality is that those cold temperatures outside can do a number on your dogs joints and mobility during the winter months. Which begs the question: why does cold weather impact our dogs' mobility so much?
From a scientific standpoint, cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, which reduces blood flow to the joints and causes less oxygen and nutrients to reach these areas. This constriction is what causes their joints to be stiff and sometimes painful. Cold temperatures make muscles tense and contract; with that added tension, there is a strain on the joint. The stiffness they feel from this can make it harder for them to move around during the colder months.
Stiff joints can also make it more difficult (and sometimes painful) for them to move. Any discomfort that they feel from the stiffness can cause them to move differently, whether that is to move slower, walk a different way to balance out the discomfort or to just move more carefully than usual. A more noticeable impact on mobility can be seen in dogs with arthritis since their joints are particularly sensitive to temperature changes. The mornings or the time after not being active are when the stiffness can be at its worst.
A reduced range of motion can be attributed to when a dog’s muscles and joints are cold and stiff. Tense muscles are a protective response to cold, since it helps prevent heat loss, but it also makes your dog less flexible and may lead to your dog being stiff or rigid. This can also lead to a shuffling or stilted movement, which requires shorter steps and less fluid movement. Joint pain can also include stiffer, slower movements or an overall decrease in activity levels. Older dogs may change how they walk when they experience pain in their joints during the cold by shifting their weight away from a joint that hurts to bear more weight on a ‘healthy joint’ can place additional strain on a healthy leg.
Cold temperatures can also decrease blood flow to the extremities, including the joints. The blood vessels in a dog’s extremities, including their legs and paws, constrict and narrow during cold weather. The body’s way of conserving heat and its natural response to this decrease is called vasoconstriction; however, this also means that there is less blood flow to these areas, leading to a reduction in warmth and flexibility in the muscles and joints.
Other factors that can contribute to the aches and stiffness when it comes to mobility and the cold with your dog include:
The fluid between the joints becomes thicker during colder weather, reducing its ability to flow freely. Therefore, causing joints to feel stiff.
Atmospheric pressure drops in colder weather and this drop can cause joint tissue to expand slightly, resulting in some discomfort and aches.
Reducing your activity during the colder months can also lead to feeling discomfort and reduced range of motion in joints from not using and warming up muscles.
To help counteract the cold and its effects on your dog, try these tips out:
Tip #1: Warmth is essential, so provide your dog with a warm and snug environment. For bedding, you can consider an orthopedic or heated dog bed to help.
Tip #2: Stay active indoors to help maintain joint flexibility without any exposure to the cold.
Tip #3: Nutrition does matter, so offering foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids can help to counteract joint inflammation.
Tip #4: Giving gentle massages can help to stimulate blood flow to alleviate any stiffness.
We know that winter can be a strain on us all, but as pet parents we need to make sure we are aware of just how much the cold can impact our furry companions. Joints are a huge part of movement and can suffer a lot with the cold weather. Warmth and exercise are your biggest defense when it comes to helping your dog's movement become less stiff in winter. And remember, if you’re feeling stiff in the morning, chances are your dog is feeling the same.
Winter is the hardest time to keep your dog active because who wants to walk in the freezing temperatures, especially when it’s windy?! Despite the cold season, your dog still needs some fresh air and exercise to keep their zoomies at bay - which is where we come in! A daily dog walker can be a great outlet for your dog to grab 30 minutes of exercise during the day while you’re at work. Going Mutts Pet Services would love to help with all of your pet care needs - daily dog walks, potty breaks, playtime and cat check-ins. Contact us today for a free Meet ‘n Greet to see how we can help.
Sources
https://www.bernies.com/blogs/bernies-blog/tips-for-managing-dog-mobility-issues-in-cold-weather/
https://www.albaphysiotherapy.co.uk/the-impact-of-cold-weather-on-dogs/