Protecting Your Dog’s Joints This Winter: Essential Tips for Every Life Stage

Winter is here, and while it might be a great time to curl up on the couch, it’s also a good reminder to think about your dog’s joint health. The cold, damp weather can make your dog’s joints stiff and sore, especially if they’re getting on in years, a big breed, or already dealing with arthritis.

So, now’s the perfect time to start taking extra care of their joints and keep them comfortable through the colder months. Whether you've got a playful pup or an older dog, there are a few easy ways to help protect their joints.

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet for Joint Support

A nutritious diet is key to keeping your dog’s joints healthy. High-quality ingredients can provide essential nutrients that support joint health. Brands like ACANA and ORIJEN offer premium dog foods packed with beneficial ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which are essential for joint lubrication and cartilage health.

Specific diets we recommend are the ORIJEN Six Fish or ACANA Pacifica. These fish recipes feature a higher omega-3 fatty acid content, which has great anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body. 

Look for recipes that feature real meat, fish, and wholesome vegetables, as these ingredients are rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help combat the effects of winter weather on your dog’s joints. Avoid inflammatory ingredients like grains or fillers such as rice, corn, potato or tapioca.

2. Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight

Extra weight places added stress on your dog’s joints, which can be especially problematic in winter when mobility may already be limited by the cold. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight not only helps protect their joints but also ensures they remain active and agile. This is particularly important for older dogs or breeds prone to joint issues, such as Labradors or Dachshunds.

You can support weight management by offering nutritious, filling meals like ACANA and ORIJEN that are rich in animal protein and low in carbohydrates. These quality dog foods will help maintain your dog’s muscle mass and overall body condition, which in turn relieves pressure on the joints. We recommend ORIJEN Fit & Trim, which is lower in fat, carbohydrate limited and works well as a weight maintenance food to help support hip and joint care. High protein diets promote weight loss, without severely restricting calorie intake when compared to traditional high carbohydrate diets.

3. Provide Joint Supplements

Joint supplements are an excellent addition to your dog’s winter routine, especially for senior dogs or those showing signs of joint stiffness. Pet Kelp, a brand known for its natural, organic pet supplements, offers products that provide targeted support for your dog’s joints. Pet Kelp’s Joint & Bone Formula is a fantastic option, featuring a blend of organic kelp, flaxseed and glucosamine – all powerful ingredients known to help reduce inflammation and support joint flexibility.

Adding a supplement like Pet Kelp to your dog’s daily routine can help prevent the wear and tear on their joints from cold weather while enhancing their overall mobility.

4. Encourage Gentle Exercise and Mobility

While winter can make it harder to get outside and exercise, it's still crucial to keep your dog moving to support joint health. Regular, gentle exercise promotes flexibility and helps keep the muscles surrounding your dog’s joints strong. Try shorter, indoor walks, or indoor playtime with toys to keep your dog active without overdoing it.

For older dogs, consider low-impact activities like swimming or walking on soft surfaces like grass, as these can reduce stress on joints while still providing necessary exercise.

5. Provide a Warm, Comfortable Resting Spot

Cold floors and drafts can exacerbate joint pain for dogs, particularly those with arthritis. Make sure your dog has a warm, comfortable place to rest, such as a soft bed placed in a draft-free area. Orthopaedic beds can provide additional support for dogs with joint issues, helping to alleviate pressure on their hips, knees, and elbows.

Winter is the Perfect Time to Protect Your Dog’s Joints

Winter weather can be tough on your dog’s joints, but with the right care, you can help protect them throughout the colder months. A combination of a healthy diet, weight management, joint supplements, gentle exercise, and a comfortable resting place will keep your dog feeling their best all winter long.

By choosing premium products like ACANA, ORIJEN, and Pet Kelp, you’re providing your dog with the nutrition, support, and care they need to thrive in every season of life. Don’t wait until the joint pain sets in – start incorporating these tips today to keep your dog happy, healthy, and active for longer.