As our pets age, their bodies naturally undergo changes that can affect their comfort, mobility, and quality of life — especially during the colder winter months.
Senior dogs and cats commonly experience a decrease in muscle mass, reduced joint flexibility, and conditions such as arthritis. Cold weather can worsen these issues, making movement more painful and discouraging activity. Unfortunately, this can create a difficult cycle where less movement leads to stiffer joints, resulting in even less mobility over time.
At Maraboon Vet Surgery, we understand how important it is to keep senior pets comfortable and supported through winter. Here are some simple ways you can help your aging companion at home.
Creating a Warm & Comfortable Environment
- Provide a Cosy Resting Space
- Ensure your pet has a warm, comfortable place to rest, preferably raised off cold tiles or concrete floors. Orthopaedic memory foam beds are ideal for supporting ageing joints and reducing pressure points.
- Add extra blankets and place bedding in an area of the home with minimal draughts or cold airflow.
- Keep Them Warm (Even Indoors)
- Older pets often struggle to regulate their body temperature and may need extra warmth during winter, even inside the house. Some helpful options include:
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Dog jumpers or coat
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Heated pet mats
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Indoor-safe heat lamps
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Extra bedding layers
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For older cats, placing a cat tower or bed near a sunny window can provide natural warmth and comfort throughout the day.
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Elevate Beds Away from Cold Floors
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Keeping beds raised off tiles or floorboards can help prevent stiffness and discomfort. Avoid positioning sleeping areas near draughty windows or doors where cold air can settle overnight.
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Supporting Mobility & Joint Health
- Gentle, Regular Exercise
- While it may be tempting to let senior pets rest more during winter, maintaining regular movement is extremely important for joint health.
- Short, gentle walks for dogs and interactive play sessions for cats can help:
- Maintain muscle strength
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Improve joint flexibility
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Reduce stiffness
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Support circulation
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Be mindful to adjust exercise intensity to suit your pet’s ability and avoid slippery or icy surfaces that may increase the risk of falls or injury.
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- Prevent Slips & Falls
- Pets with arthritis or mobility issues can struggle on polished floors or tiles. Adding Rugs, Non-slip mats or Yoga mats throughout the home can improve stability and confidence while reducing painful slips.
Make Everyday Essentials Easy to Reach
For pets with reduced mobility, small adjustments around the home can make a big difference.
Try:
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Moving food and water bowls closer to resting areas
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Ensuring litter trays are easy for older cats to access
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Reducing the need for stairs or jumping where possible
Extra Winter Care for Senior Cats
Older cats often groom themselves less effectively due to arthritis or stiffness.
Regular brushing can:
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Stimulate natural skin oils
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Help distribute warmth through the coat
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Prevent painful matting
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Improve circulation and comfort
Providing a sunny resting spot near a window can also encourage natural warmth and relaxation during cooler days.
Joint Supplements & Diets That May Help
Many senior pets benefit from joint-support supplements and specialised diets, particularly during winter when arthritis and joint stiffness can become more noticeable. These products may help reduce inflammation, support cartilage health, and improve comfort and mobility.
Antinol Rapid
A concentrated natural marine lipid supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids, formulated to help reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and support long-term joint health.
4CYTE™ Epiitalis Forte
A premium daily gel or granules containing Epiitalis, a patented plant seed oil extract that supports healthy cartilage, joint function, and mobility.
Hill's Prescription Diet j/d
A clinically proven therapeutic diet formulated with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and joint-support nutrients to help dogs walk, run, and play more comfortably.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress on arthritic joints. Combining appropriate nutrition with joint supplements, regular gentle exercise, and veterinary care can help keep senior pets comfortable and active throughout the colder months.
Before starting any supplement or prescription diet, speak with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate option for your pet's individual needs.
When to Book a Health or Joint Check
If your senior pet seems slower to rise, reluctant to exercise, stiff after resting, or generally less active during winter, it may be time for a veterinary health check.
Booking a senior health or joint assessment allows us to:
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Evaluate mobility and joint pain
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Identify arthritis or underlying conditions early
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Discuss pain relief options
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Recommend supplements or prescription diets
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Develop a tailored winter care plan
Some pets may require additional support through vet-prescribed medications to help keep them comfortable throughout the colder months.
We’re Here to Help
Winter can be particularly challenging for senior pets, but with the right support, they can continue to live comfortably and happily.
If you have concerns about your pet’s mobility or joint health this winter, contact the friendly team at Maraboon Vet Surgery on 07 4987 6800 to book a senior health or joint check.