Winter can be brutal on anyone’s body, especially as they get older. That’s just as true for your pets as it is for humans. So, as the weather begins to turn, be sure to look out for any changes or signs of discomfort in your dogs and cats. They can be signs of pet aches and pains.
Signs of Pet Aches and Pains
Pets are often very good at hiding pain. They don’t typically make it obvious. So, getting to know your pets’ normal way of being is crucial in recognizing the changes. Here are some of the things to look out for.
Moving Slower or Less
We may all want to move a little less on a cold or rainy day. But when your dog or cat stays in bed all day or moves significantly slower, these can be signs of pet aches and pains affecting their movement.
Watch to see if they are reluctant to jump or spend less time doing their favorite activities like walking or playing.
Grumpiness
Has your dog or cat begun turning away from you when you try to pet them? Does your dog growl at touch, or does your cat swat at you?
While these can be signs of a behavior problem, if they’ve come on suddenly, particularly if they coincide with a change in the weather, it can be a sign of pet aches and pains.
Licking
It’s natural for any animal to lick its wounds. But sometimes, they generalize the behavior to any sort of pain. If your dog or cat has begun licking a specific spot on its body, it may be the result of pain.
It can also be boredom, so look out for other signs, or if it persists, go to your local vet for an evaluation.
Whimpering and Limping
The most obvious signs that your pet is in pain are limping or whimpering. A certain amount of stiffness after laying down for an extended period of time is normal, but if it persists, your pet may have arthritis or another pain issue.
Likewise, if your pet whimpers or cries whenever they move a certain way, this can be a sign of serious pain.
Why Cold Weather Can Make Pain Worse
So we all know that cold weather can make us stiff or worsen our pain. But why is that?
There are actually many reasons that cold weather can increase pain levels across species. They include pressure changes in fluid, nerve sensitivity, and more. We’ll detail two of the most important and common reasons – muscle tension and reduced circulation.
Muscle Tension
Cold weather can cause muscles to become more tense. That decreases joint mobility, which can further create pet aches and pains.
Reduced Circulation
Cold weather slows the circulation of your blood and other fluids. That fluid also transports oxygen and other nutrients to your pet’s extremities. Lack of circulation can cause cramps and fatigue. Eventually, it may also create muscle damage.
In addition, poor circulation creates a buildup of cellular waste byproducts, such as lactic acid, which may cause pet aches and pains by irritating the nerves.
Eventually, that may create permanent nerve damage, which results in stabbing, tingling, burning, or stabbing pain.
Helping Ease Pet Aches and Pains in Cold Weather
If your pet is showing signs of pain, the first thing you should do is keep your pet warm. Some pets appreciate a jacket or blanket, and nearly all like to have the heat on.
If warming your pet doesn’t help, consider seeing your local vet.
We can assess your pet and determine where pet aches and pains originate. Then, we can make recommendations on treatments. We’ll tell you more about pain treatments in a future blog!