Winter Care for Senior Dogs & Dogs with Arthritis

As dogs grow older, it's natural for their needs to change.

Many senior dogs experience arthritis or reduced mobility, making everyday activities more challenging. Cold weather can often make stiffness more noticeable, but with a few simple adjustments, you can help your dog stay comfortable, active and happy throughout the colder months.

Keep Them Warm and Comfortable

A supportive resting area makes a huge difference.

Consider:

✓ Memory foam or orthopaedic bedding

✓ Soft blankets

✓ A warm, draught-free sleeping area

✓ Raised feeding and water bowls if appropriate

Thin-coated breeds, such as Greyhounds and Whippets, often benefit from wearing a well-fitting coat during colder weather to help keep their muscles warm and comfortable. Remember to remove wet coats when you return home and dry your dog thoroughly.

Warm Up Before Heading Out

Cold muscles and stiff joints benefit from a gentle warm-up.

Allow your dog a few minutes to walk around the house or garden before heading out. This gentle movement can help loosen stiff joints and make the start of a walk more comfortable.

Don't Forget Hydration

Dogs still need plenty of water during winter, even if they don't seem as thirsty.

If your dog spends more time indoors with the heating on, make sure fresh water is always available. You can also add a little warm water to meals if appropriate to encourage hydration.

Check Their Paws

Winter conditions can be hard on sensitive paws.

After each walk, take a moment to check your dog's feet for:

✓ Ice or snow caught between their toes

✓ Cracked or dry paw pads

✓ Grit or road salt

Gently rinse and dry their paws after walks, particularly if they've been on treated pavements. Keeping nails neatly trimmed can also improve grip on slippery surfaces and help reduce unnecessary strain on joints. Keeping paw pads clean and moisturised can help prevent discomfort.

Little and Often

Movement is still important.

Short, gentle walks and opportunities to sniff can help maintain mobility without putting unnecessary strain on painful joints.

On icy or slippery days, it's often safer to skip the walk altogether. Instead, let your dog enjoy a gentle sniff around the garden if it's safe to do so, or bring the fun indoors with a simple treat hunt, snuffle mat, puzzle toy or scent game. These low-impact enrichment activities keep both the mind and nose active while reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Remember, winter walks don't have to be long walks. A slow sniff around the garden or a peaceful stroll followed by a cosy nap can often be far more beneficial than a long, demanding walk.

Some days your dog will feel more active than others, so always let them set the pace.

 Choose Low-Impact Enrichment

Enrichment doesn't have to involve lots of movement.

Many senior dogs enjoy:

🐾 Snuffle mats

🐾 Snuffle balls

🐾 Scatter feeding

🐾 LickiMats

🐾 Stuffed Kongs

🐾 Puzzle feeders

🐾 Gentle scent trails

You can also raise enrichment activities on a low platform or cushion to reduce bending and make them more comfortable for dogs with arthritis.

Make Home Easier to Navigate

Small changes around the home can make a big difference.

Consider:

✓ Non-slip rugs on slippery floors

✓ Ramps where needed

✓ Easy access to favourite resting places

✓ Warm, quiet sleeping areas

✓ Raised beds or orthopaedic bedding if appropriate

Don't Ignore Changes

If your dog's mobility or behaviour suddenly changes, or they seem uncomfortable, always speak to your vet.

Pain isn't simply a normal part of getting older.

Your vet can assess your dog's mobility, discuss pain management, recommend appropriate exercise and help identify any underlying health concerns.

🧡 The Hounds Retreat Way

At Hounds Retreat, we believe growing older shouldn't mean missing out.

Every senior dog deserves opportunities to sniff, explore, learn, rest and enjoy life in ways that feel comfortable for them.

Whether that's a gentle stroll through the field, a food puzzle, relaxing in the sensory garden or simply enjoying a cosy afternoon nap, every experience is tailored to the individual dog's age, health, mobility, breed traits and personality.

Because every dog deserves to enjoy life at their own pace.

Their Day, Their Way. 🐾

At Hounds Retreat, we follow guidance from Canine Arthritis Management (CAM). I’ve also completed their Advocate Level 1 course, which helps me tailor enrichment and care for dogs with arthritis