The impact of cold weather on dogs and how to deal with it
Have you found yourself feeling stiff and achy in the recent cold damp weather and wanting to stay wrapped up in your warm bed? It is not your imagination the aches and stiffness are real! And chances are your dog feels the same!
There are a few factors which may be causing this:
- We all have fluid between our joints. This fluid acts as a shock absorber. However, in the colder weather this fluid becomes thicker reducing its ability to flow freely causing joints to feel stiff.
- Atmospheric pressure- in colder weather the atmospheric pressure drops, this drop causes joint tissue to expand slightly and can result in some discomfort.
- Reduced activity – we often are not as active when the days are colder which can also lead to further discomfort as well as reduced range of motion in joints from not using and warming up our muscles.
How can we help our dog deal with this?
- Keep them warm
- Stay active even if it is not possible to go outside get them moving around the house regularly
- Weight management, extra weight puts more forces and strain through joints, so it is important to maintain a healthy weight
- Both physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can really help reduce stiffness
Any worries about how the cold is impacting your pet or if you want more information on how we can help your dog through the winter months don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.
Here at Alba Physiotherapy, we are always happy to help and answer any questions you have.
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Brid Walsh
Brid qualified in 2004 with a BSC Honours Degree in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Limerick, Ireland. In evaluating her future path, she spent a summer in Alaska with the Hope Foundation supporting disabilities of various sorts. Her further work experience in the Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin convinced her that Physiotherapy was the direction she wished to specialise in. In 2007 she subsequently qualified from the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen with an MSC in Physiotherapy.
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