Here's Why Your Pups Tend To Slow Down In Cold Weather

Fall is coming! You can feel the chill in the air and if feels so good! But, as the cooler temperatures roll in, dogs with arthritis will feel more pain and stiffness in their joints.

Studies have shown that about 90 percent of older dogs have osteoarthritis in one or more joints and 20 percent of middle-aged dogs do too. Our dogs may be able to hide their pain, but if left undiagnosed, arthritis is harder to treat. When the cold, damp weather hit, arthritic joints will stiffen, and dogs become less active.

You will notice an increase in some pain-related symptoms like trouble getting up or lying down, they walk slower on walks, and they may have a hard time going up and down the stairs. They may lose all interest in exercise and could even get depressed.

Osteoarthritis has no cure, but you can manage it with an exercise, diet, supplements, and pharmaceuticals regimen. Eating too many processed and grain-based foods that have wheat, spelt, rice, and soy can cause damage over time. Dogsnaturallymagazine.com suggests that adding fish or phytoplankton to your dog’s diet can help reduce the inflammation that is causing arthritis.

Your dog (and you) need omega-3 fats to help reduce swelling. Antioxidants can help prevent cell damage and help with arthritis too. Adding turmeric, cranberries, blueberries, and cinnamon to your dog’s food can help ease their pain naturally!

Feature Image Source: Pixabay