As temperatures drop and blankets become a household necessity, many South Africans notice subtle changes in their pets.
A dog that once bounded up the stairs now pauses at the bottom. A cat that loved leaping onto a favourite windowsill suddenly chooses the floor instead. Older pets may appear slower, sleep longer, or seem less enthusiastic about daily walks and playtime.
While it is easy to dismiss these changes as a normal response to colder weather, veterinary experts warn they could be signs of something more significant: winter-related joint discomfort.
According to Dr. Karien Brink from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, colder weather often affects pets living with arthritis or existing mobility concerns, with senior animals being particularly vulnerable.
“Mobility issues are more common than many pet parents realise,” says Dr. Brink.
Research shows that one in five adult dogs experience pain and stiffness linked to mobility challenges. In cats, the issue can be even more widespread, with studies indicating that approximately six in ten cats are affected as they age.
Why Winter Makes Joint Pain Worse
The relationship between cold weather and joint discomfort is not unique to humans.
Just as many people experience aching knees, stiff backs or sore joints during winter, pets can experience similar discomfort when temperatures fall.
Cold conditions can cause muscles and joints to stiffen, reducing flexibility and making movement more difficult. At the same time, pets often become less active during winter, preferring warm beds and cosy corners to exercise and play.
Unfortunately, inactivity can create a cycle that worsens the problem.
Reduced movement may contribute to increased stiffness while weakening the muscles that help support healthy joints. Over time, this can make mobility challenges more noticeable and impact a pet’s overall quality of life.
The Signs Pet Parents Should Watch For
Unlike humans, pets cannot explain when they are in pain.
Instead, discomfort often reveals itself through behavioural changes that may initially seem subtle.
Dr. Brink advises pet owners to pay close attention to signs that could indicate joint discomfort, including:
- Difficulty getting up after resting
- Limping or stiffness, especially in the mornings
- Slipping on smooth floors
- Reluctance to jump, climb stairs or get into a vehicle
- Sleeping more than usual
- Increased irritability or grumpiness
- Excessive licking around joints
- Reduced enthusiasm for walks or playtime
- Difficulty grooming themselves
If these symptoms become noticeable, a veterinary consultation can help determine whether arthritis or another mobility-related condition may be responsible.
Keeping Pets Active Through Winter
When icy mornings arrive, skipping a walk can feel tempting for both pets and their owners.
However, maintaining regular movement remains one of the most effective ways to support joint health.
Gentle physical activity helps preserve flexibility, maintain muscle strength and reduce stiffness. Short walks, light play sessions and interactive games can all contribute to healthier mobility.
Cats also benefit from staying active indoors. Feather toys, puzzle feeders and engaging play sessions provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation during colder months.
Why Weight Management Matters
Winter often encourages extra treats and comfort feeding, but carrying additional weight can place significant strain on joints.
For pets already experiencing mobility challenges, excess weight may worsen symptoms and accelerate discomfort.
Maintaining healthy portion sizes and a balanced diet remains one of the most effective long-term strategies for supporting joint function and overall wellbeing.
The Role of Nutrition in Joint Health
Nutrition plays an important role in supporting mobility, particularly for pets experiencing joint concerns.
Dr. Brink encourages pet owners to discuss mobility-support nutrition with their veterinarian.
Hill’s Prescription Diet Mobility food has been clinically proven to help pets run, walk and jump more easily in as little as 21 days. The specialised formula contains ingredients including Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin, which are designed to support joint function and mobility.
“While supplements can play a supportive role, feeding a therapeutic mobility food provides pets with consistent nutritional support at every meal,” explains Dr. Brink.
“Nutrition works best as part of a broader mobility management plan, alongside veterinary guidance, appropriate exercise, and other supportive therapies where needed.”
Creating a Comfortable Winter Environment
Simple changes around the home can also make a meaningful difference for pets experiencing stiffness.
Providing a warm sleeping area away from cold drafts, using orthopaedic or padded bedding and ensuring access to non-slip flooring can help improve comfort and reduce strain on aching joints.
These small adjustments can be especially beneficial for ageing pets who may already be coping with reduced mobility.
Prevention Starts with Observation
Regular grooming sessions offer more than just a healthy coat.
They provide an opportunity for pet parents to identify swelling, tenderness or changes in movement that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Routine veterinary examinations are equally important, particularly for older pets, as early detection often allows joint conditions to be managed more effectively.
“Winter can be tough on ageing joints, but paying attention to subtle changes in behaviour can help pet parents identify discomfort before it becomes severe,” says Dr. Brink.
“With the right combination of warmth, exercise, nutrition and veterinary care, pets can remain happy, active, and comfortable throughout the colder months.”
Because when winter arrives, every pet deserves to enjoy the season the way it was meant to be enjoyed — warm, comfortable and surrounded by the people who love them.
For more information, visit Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
