Does Cold Weather Affect Dogs with Arthritis?

Most people with arthritis will tell you they feel more pain during cold weather. The problem is doctors have not found a reason for why this occurs. We assume that a portion of the cause is a drop in air pressure. This can allow tissues to swell causing inflammation. Also, the effect cold has on muscles is a stiffening that can be uncomfortable even for those who do not have joint issues. The same holds true for our animal friends and pets that suffer from the effects of arthritis. We can see they suffer from more pain when the temperature is cold. Still – doctors can not tell us exactly why this happens.

As dogs age, many fall victim to the painful effects of arthritis. This joint disease is most often from natural wear and tear on the joints. This leads to degeneration of the cartilage that cushions the bones. As arthritis progresses, your dog may begin to experience worse pain and a decrease in mobility.

Cold winter weather often leads pet owners to stay inside more often. This shortens daily walks and may even eliminate trips to the park. Arthritic dogs need movement to warm up and stretch their muscles. These activities typically reduce stiffness and pain in the joints. If your pet is less active during the winter months, its joints may become even stiffer than usual, causing greater pain and more difficulty moving around the home.

How You Can Help Your Pup During the Winter

Get Moving – One of the most important things for your dog to do when they are experiencing an arthritis flare-up is to exercise. Although they may not want to or might feel stiff at first, getting up and moving will warm up and strengthen your dog’s muscles and reduce stiffness in the joints. Aim to go on a walk at least once (if not twice) a day, in spite of the cold temperature. If the weather is too harsh to be outside, get your dog up to play indoors and encourage or motivate them to move around the house.

Heating Pads and Blankets – Make the house as cozy as possible: When we’re in pain, we want nothing more than to get comfy at home, and your dog wants the same.  Make sure that their bed is accessible so that they don’t have to travel too far to snuggle up in it, and consider layering some extra blankets or a heating pad for additional comfort.

Add a layer of insulation – Short-haired dogs may benefit from a warm sweater, even when indoors.

Hydrate – Staying hydrated by always having a water dish nearby has many health benefits including easing or preventing joint pain. Maintaining access to fresh water so your pet can stay hydrated will reduce pain in your pet’s joints by keeping the cartilage soft and hydrated. Water also helps your pet maintain a sufficient blood volume. This will aid nutrients moving throughout your pet’s blood and into the joints.

Massage – You could very well find massage therapists and/or acupuncturists in your area who are licensed to treat dogs.  This can dramatically reduce pain levels on especially difficult days so that your dog isn’t in nearly as much distress.

Joint Supplements – An effective joint care supplement works to repair cartilage in your pet’s joints. Ingredients like glucosamine help give cartilage-forming cells in your pet’s body the elements they need to build new cartilage and repair damaged cartilage. Supplements are not painkillers that just mask the pain. Supplements take some time to begin making an obvious effect. They need to be given regularly and routinely to be effective. Another supplement ingredient that helps joint pain and arthritis in pets is MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). MSM is a sulfur compound that occurs naturally in plants and animals. It is needed by the body to form connective tissue. Studies show it helps reduce inflammation and pain.

How Flexpet Helps

Flexpet contains the ingredients listed above – glucosamine and MSM. Flexpet is the only pet supplement that contains cetyl myristoleate (CM8). This is a naturally-occurring compound that is used for the treatment of arthritis and other joint pain issues. Studies found that mammals like mice who naturally produce cetyl myristoleate are immune to arthritis. CM8 is the key ingredient in Flexpet. It is what sets Flexpet apart from other pet supplements.

Flexpet is a safe and all-natural way to help improve your dog’s joint function and quality of life. Flexpet has been on the market for 15 years and is recommended by veterinarians. Flexpet has over 100 reviews on Amazon from verified purchasers. And furthermore, Flexpet is made from all-natural human-grade ingredients in the USA.

Flexpet is available in two forms – as a delicious maximum-strength soft chew treat and as a chewable tablet. Both forms are tasty treats to our pets so they won’t even know they’re taking a supplement.

We strive to make it as easy as possible for new users to try Flexpet. If you don’t feel like you saw results from Flexpet, you can return the empty bottles/pouches and we’ll refund your full purchase price (minus shipping and handling). We also have a fantastic and knowledgeable customer care team available to answer all of your questions at 1-800-505-0575.

Flexpet comes in a maximum strength soft chew product for large dogs and those in severe pain, as well as a regular strength chewable tablet (our standard formula). If you have a dog who is suffering from joint discomfort, we encourage you to give Flexpet a try. You have nothing to lose but your dog’s pain!