Published: 12.03.-2025

Cold Weather & Your Pet’s Joints: What Every Pet Parent Should Know

As temperatures drop, many of us feel the familiar stiffness in our own joints-and our pets are no different. The colder months can be especially challenging for dogs and cats who may already be dealing with early signs of arthritis or other joint-related issues.

At Quality Pet Care, we want to help you recognize when winter weather may be affecting your furry family member and ensure they stay comfortable, active, and healthy all season long.

How Cold Weather Affects Pet Joints

Just like in humans, cold temperatures can cause joint fluid to thicken, making movement more difficult and painful for pets with existing inflammation or arthritis. Older pets, large-breed dogs, overweight pets, and breeds predisposed to hip or elbow issues are especially at risk.

Common Signs Your Pet May Be Experiencing Joint Problems

If your dog or cat is struggling with joint discomfort, the symptoms are often subtle at first. Keep an eye out for these noticeable signs:

In Dogs

• - Stiffness or limping, especially after waking up.
• - Slower movement, reluctance to run, play, or jump.
• - Difficulty standing up from lying down.
• - Lagging behind on walks.
• - Protective behavior, such as avoiding being touched near a painful area.

In Cats

Cats are experts at hiding pain, so their signs tend to be more behavior-based:

• - Reluctance to jump on beds, counters, or windowsills.
• - Decreased activity or sudden preference for low resting spots.
• - Reduced grooming, leading to a messy or matted coat.
• - Changes in temperament, such as irritability or hiding.
• - Litter box issues, if stepping in/out becomes painful.

If you notice any of these, it may be more than just “getting older”-your pet could be struggling with joint discomfort worsened by the cold.

The Importance of Early Veterinary Evaluation

Joint issues progress over time, but early treatment can significantly improve your pet’s comfort and mobility. Whether it’s therapeutic supplements, weight management, pain control, or lifestyle adjustments, our team can design a personalized plan to support your pet’s long-term joint health.

Now is the perfect time to bring your pet in for a checkup.

Book Your Appointment Today

If your dog or cat is showing any signs of discomfort-or you’d like peace of mind heading into the colder months-schedule a visit with us!
Our compassionate team at Quality Pet Care is here to help your pet stay active, comfortable, and healthy all winter long.

Text or call us today, or use the contact page form to schedule an appointment. Your pet’s joints will thank you! 🐾