Winter and Achy Joints

As Melbourne's cooler weather settles in, we start hearing it more and more from clients: "she seems a bit stiff lately", "he's not as keen on his walks", "she's taking a bit longer to get going in the mornings". For pets already living with arthritis or joint disease, cold weather does not cause the condition - but it can absolutely make it feel worse.

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions in middle-aged and older dogs and cats. It is also one of the most under-recognised, because pets are very good at masking pain and owners often attribute changes to "just getting old". The slowing down, the reluctance to jump, the stiffness after rest - these are signs of discomfort, not inevitable ageing.

In winter, joint pain in arthritic pets tends to increase for the same reasons it does in people: reduced circulation, muscle stiffness in the cold, and less movement overall. Keeping your arthritic pet warm, maintaining gentle regular exercise, and ensuring their sleeping area is off cold floors can all help.

But comfort measures only go so far. If your pet is showing signs of joint pain - stiffness, reduced activity, reluctance to use stairs, changes in gait, or irritability when touched - a veterinary assessment is the right next step. There are effective treatment options including anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements with good evidence behind them, and physiotherapy-based approaches.

We will assess your pet's specific situation, discuss which interventions are most appropriate, and help you put together a practical management plan for winter and beyond.

Call us on (03) 9592 9811 or book online at middlebrightonvet.com.au/book-online.