Helping Your Pet Stay Comfortable This Winter: Understanding Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

As the temperatures drop, many pet owners notice their furry companions slowing down, becoming stiffer, or seeming less enthusiastic about their usual activities. While it's easy to put these changes down to "old age," they may actually be signs of arthritis.

Arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease) is one of the most common chronic pain conditions we see in both dogs and cats. It develops when the cartilage that cushions the joints gradually wears away over time, leading to inflammation, discomfort, and reduced mobility.

Why Does Cold Weather Make Arthritis Worse?

Cold weather can make arthritic joints feel stiffer and more painful, which is why symptoms often become more noticeable during winter. Pets may take longer to get moving in the morning, seem less willing to exercise, or struggle with activities they once enjoyed.

Many of the early signs of arthritis are subtle and can easily be mistaken for normal ageing. Unfortunately, this means some pets live with ongoing pain and discomfort without it being recognised.

Signs Your Pet May Have Arthritis

Keep an eye out for these common signs:

• Stiffness after resting
• Slowing down on walks
• Hesitating to jump onto furniture or into the car
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Limping or stiffness that improves after moving around
• Sleeping more than usual
• Reduced interest in playing or exercising
• Changes in behaviour, such as irritability or withdrawal

In cats, signs can be even more subtle and may include:

• Reduced grooming
• Toileting outside the litter tray
• Avoiding jumps onto beds, couches, or other high surfaces
• Becoming less active or interactive

Managing Arthritis: What Can Help?

The good news is that arthritis can often be managed very successfully, helping pets remain comfortable and active for longer.

Some of the ways we may help include:

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on sore joints and can significantly improve comfort and mobility.

Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Regular veterinary assessments allow us to determine whether pain relief medications may help improve your pet's quality of life.

Physiotherapy and Controlled Exercise

Gentle, consistent exercise helps maintain muscle strength, support joints, and improve mobility.

Warm Bedding and Home Adjustments

Soft bedding, warm sleeping areas, ramps, and non-slip flooring can make everyday movement easier and more comfortable.

Joint Supplements

Joint supplements can play an important role in supporting joint health and mobility as part of a comprehensive arthritis management plan.

**June Promotion: FREE Cenmaris with Every Dog Arthritis Consult**

This June, we're offering a FREE box of Cenmaris with every dog arthritis consult, while stocks last.

What is Cenmaris?

Cenmaris is a joint support supplement formulated to help dogs maintain comfort, mobility, and an active lifestyle. It contains concentrated Greenshell Mussel oil, a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids that supports joint health by helping reduce inflammation and supporting healthy cartilage.

How Can Cenmaris Help?

Cenmaris may benefit dogs who are:

• Slowing down on walks
• Struggling to jump into the car or onto furniture
• Finding stairs more difficult
• Stiff when getting up after resting
• Less playful or reluctant to exercise

Benefits of Cenmaris include:

• Supporting joint comfort and mobility
• Helping reduce inflammation within joints
• Supporting cartilage health and long-term joint function
• Easy-to-administer daily capsules

Book an Arthritis Assessment Today

Early intervention can make a significant difference to your pet's comfort, mobility, and quality of life. If you've noticed your dog or cat slowing down, becoming stiffer, or showing any of the signs mentioned above, we'd love to help.

Book an arthritis consultation with one of our veterinarians this June and receive a FREE box of Cenmaris for your dog while stocks last.

Together, we can help your furry friend stay comfortable, active, and happy throughout winter and beyond.