How to Care for Your Pet's Joints in Winter

As the winter months approach, we humans naturally gear up with our warm woolly sweaters, heated homes and nourishing food. But have you considered how the plummeting temperatures may affect your furry companions, particularly their joints? At Petdirect, we believe it's essential to understand and support your pet's joint health during the cold season.

Winter can be a trying time for pets, especially those with existing joint issues such as arthritis. The chill in the air can exacerbate these conditions, causing discomfort and limiting mobility. By comprehending how winter impacts your pet's joint health, you can implement effective strategies to keep them comfortable, active, and healthy.

Understanding Joint Issues in Pets During Winter

Why do joint issues seem to worsen in colder weather? The scientific community is yet to confirm the exact reason, but many hypothesise that barometric pressure changes can cause an inflammatory response in the joints, leading to increased discomfort. Another theory suggests that the cold leads to stiffness in the joints, slowing down the synovial fluid that keeps them lubricated.

Pets with arthritis or other degenerative joint conditions are particularly susceptible to the harsh winter conditions. They may display signs of discomfort such as limping, difficulty standing, a decrease in activity levels, or even increased aggression due to pain. These signs indicate that it might be time to step up the care routine for your pet's joints.

Joint Care Supplements and Their Benefits

An effective way to support your pet's joint health in winter is through the use of joint care supplements. These are formulated to promote the health of joints and cartilage, reduce inflammation, and enhance mobility.

At PetDirect, we offer a range of high-quality joint care supplements. Here are a few options:

1. Omega Fatty Acids: Supplements containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and alleviate joint pain. They also promote heart health and support skin and coat health.

2. Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These compounds naturally occur in healthy cartilage. Supplementing them can help slow cartilage degeneration, reduce joint pain and improve overall joint health.

3. Green-Lipped Mussel: A unique New Zealand offering, this supplement is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients that support joint health. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can provide pain relief for pets with arthritis.

Remember, it's essential to consult with your vet before introducing any new supplements into your pet's diet. They can guide you on the right product and dosage for your pet's specific needs.

Other Winter Care Tips for Your Pet's Joints

Apart from supplements, there are other ways to support your pet's joint health during winter.

• Keep them warm: Invest in comfortable pet beds, heatpads, blankets and even pet-friendly jumpers. This will help keep your pet's joints warm and less prone to stiffness.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Extra weight can put additional pressure on your pet's joints. Ensure they're eating a balanced diet and getting regular, low-impact exercise like walking or indoor play. There are also diets specifically formulated for weight management in cats and dogs. We do recommend that you speak to your vet prior to changing diet to ensure an effective plan is made for managing your pet's weight.

• Provide a comfortable environment: Soft bedding and carpets can help ease joint discomfort. If your home has slippery floors, consider laying down rugs to help your pet navigate without straining their joints.

• Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular vet visits can help monitor your pet's joint health and detect any potential issues early.

At Petdirect, we understand that your pet's wellbeing is your top priority. As a trusted provider of pet products across New Zealand, we're here to support you every step of the way on your pet parenting journey. Get in touch with our team if you have any questions about our range of joint care support products.