With winter’s shorter days come shorter walks with our pets. Colder weather and reduced activity can lead to stiff, sore joints, especially for senior dogs, but the drop in temperature can affect cats too. Luckily, there are plenty of proactive winter mobility tips to support joint health and help maintain their comfort. No matter what winter brings, we’ll guide you through practical ways to keep your pets active, healthy and moving with ease.
Why Winter Impacts Pet Mobility ?
Winter creates a perfect storm for reduced mobility in pets. Cold temperatures make the outdoors far less appealing than the warmth of a cosy home, and when pets move less, their joints become stiffer and their muscles lose suppleness. But the effects of winter go deeper than a simple drop in activity.
Lower temperatures increase joint fluid viscosity, which is a more technical way of saying the fluid that cushions and lubricates the joints becomes thicker and less efficient. This shift affects dogs, cats and even us. Cold weather also causes muscles to tense more easily, contributing to that familiar winter stiffness many pets experience, especially aging dogs and cats with early signs of arthritis.
Ironically, the best way to reduce cold-weather stiffness is to keep moving. Even gentle activity raises body temperature, helping joints stay flexible and muscles remain relaxed. That’s why many pets show more hesitation in winter when getting out of bed, jumping onto furniture or going outside they’re feeling the seasonal impact on their mobility.
These subtle changes are often early indicators that it’s time to step up winter pet care. Supporting mobility during the colder months is about encouraging safe movement, managing reduced winter activity and using nutrition to strengthen joints, muscles and overall wellbeing as temperatures drop.
Nutrition Hacks for Joint Health and Mobility
Dog joint health and muscle strength are closely connected because strong, lean muscles help stabilise the joints and reduce daily strain. One of the most effective winter pet nutrition tweaks is choosing foods that support muscle development through high-quality, wholesome proteins. LEADER Dog Food and WINNER food range for Dog and Cats are balanced, protein-rich options that nourish the muscles and joints while providing the steady energy pets need, especially when colder temperatures increase their daily calorie burn just to stay warm.
Omega-3s, found naturally in oily fish, boost your dog or cat’s joint health. They also promote a healthy coat, so your pet will look their best and also grow the best coat they can to keep them warmer in cold weather. Go Native Herring with Carrot & Kale is naturally rich in Omega-3 and antioxidants, offering excellent support for winter mobility, immune health and cold-weather joint comfort.
Sometimes even with an excellent diet, our dogs and cats need a boost from dietary supplements. Foran Pet Care Arthri-Can in liquid and chews is a daily supplement containing glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and Vitamin C to support cartilage health and ease stiffness in active or ageing dogs. This added nutritional support can be especially useful for pets that slow down or show reduced mobility during winter months.
People tend to focus on hydration when the weather is warm, but it is important year-round. The trick is to convince your dog or cat of that. If you notice your pet drinking less water in winter, you can try providing more bowls around the house or try slightly warm water. Broth might seem like a tempting solution, but it’s salty so should be avoided. Maintaining hydration also helps keep joint fluid functioning well, which supports flexibility and reduces cold-weather stiffness.
Cat mobility and stiffness solutions also rely on the right diet. For cats prone to stiffness or reduced winter movement, Winner Cat Food is formulated for balanced protein and essential fatty acids to maintain joint comfort, energy, and coat condition during colder months.
Winter Exercise & Mobility Routines for Cats and Dogs
Cats have plenty of options for safe, low-impact indoor exercise, which is ideal for maintaining mobility during winter. Staying active with cat trees, scratching posts, and interactive toys is a simple way to support cat joint health and prevent winter stiffness. Interactive play, such as wand toys, rolling lightweight balls or even chasing bubbles, encourages gentle movement and keeps indoor cats mentally stimulated during colder months.
Many pet owners wonder how to keep dogs active in winter?, especially when the weather limits outdoor time.
Interactive feeders and licking mats are great for keeping both dogs and cats mentally engaged and gently active on days when cold weather limits outdoor exercise. You can leave a trail of healthy treats along the floor for them to follow and enjoy.
For less active or senior dogs, a short indoor refresher on basic obedience commands can provide gentle, joint-friendly movement without putting strain on stiff or ageing joints. Sit, stay, come, down, give the paw – these are simple movements that don’t strain an older dog, especially if you provide a softer surface such as a folded up blanket or an old yoga mat to pad the floor.
Most dogs benefit from daily walks throughout winter, as regular movement supports circulation and joint mobility. The exception is icy weather, when slipping hazards can put extra strain on joints or worsen arthritis symptoms. Walking is important for their circulation. Even short walks are better than none. You can make them more comfortable with a warm, rain-resistant coat.
Daily Lifestyle Adjustments for Joint Comfort
Cold weather pet care includes taking some extra time with your dog after going for a walk. If it’s really wet out, don’t forget to dry your dog. You can use an old towel or go all out and pamper your pooch with a dog-drying coat. Keeping pets dry is an important winter pet care habit that helps reduce cold-weather stiffness. A few gentle rubs are a nice way to bond while also massaging those muscles. Keeping your dog warm and dry after an outing helps prevent muscles from tightening up.
A little extra time fussing over your dog has a lot of benefits. It’s a lovely way to promote bonding and help them feel loved. And with many of us home less because of long, slow commutes in bad weather and extra holiday activities, that really matters to your pet’s wellbeing. These small winter routines also support mobility and help pets recover after outdoor activity.
Pets, especially older or very active dogs, can really benefit from supplements such as Foran Pet Care Arthri-Can. Ingredients such as glucosamine, green-lipped mussels and linseed help keep joints healthy and flexible, offering additional winter mobility support for senior or stiff dogs.
Simple Ways to Make Winter Easier on Your Pet’s Joints
- Create a warm resting spot away from drafts to help muscles stay relaxed.
- Add non-slip rugs or mats on hard floors to prevent slips that strain joints.
- Brush or towel-dry your pet after walks to avoid moisture chilling the muscles.
- Give your dog time to warm up indoors before heading out on cold days.
- Check paws for ice, snow or grit buildup that can alter gait and affect mobility.
- Allow slightly longer rest periods after outdoor activity during colder months.
Winter pet care isn’t about big changes, but small daily habits that support joint health and comfort. With regular indoor and outdoor exercise, nourishing foods, the right supplements and a focus on keeping pets warm and dry, your dog or cat can stay mobile all season long. This winter, a little consistency goes a long way in keeping your pets active, comfortable and enjoying every day.
