As the temperatures drop in Brewerton, it’s not just humans who feel the chill. Our senior pets are impacted by the cold, too. Cold weather can worsen arthritis and impact overall comfort for aging dogs and cats. Cicero Animal Clinic understands the needs of older pets and offers advanced therapies, like laser treatment, to keep them feeling their best through the winter months.
Why Cold Weather Affects Older Pets More
As pets age, their joints naturally become stiffer and more sensitive. Cold air, damp conditions, and icy surfaces can aggravate arthritis, making movement more painful and leading to behavioral changes like reluctance to play, walk, or climb stairs.
During the winter, you might notice your pet:
- Sleeping more
- Moving slowly or stiffly after resting
- Avoiding cold or slippery floors
- Struggling with stairs or jumping onto furniture
Even pets who were once winter lovers may become more sensitive as they get older.
How to Support Your Senior Pet in the Cold
- Keep Them Warm Indoors: Senior pets are more prone to being affected by the cold, even indoors. Make sure they have a cozy bed off the floor, away from drafts. Beds should be well-padded to take the stress off their joints.
- Limit Outdoor Time, But Don’t Skip Movement: Shorter, more frequent walks are better than long outings in freezing weather. For dogs, booties can help with cold or salted sidewalks, and jackets offer extra warmth.
- Maintain a Comfortable Weight: Extra weight puts more pressure on aging joints, while underweight pets may struggle to stay warm. Talk to the vet about nutrition plans that support joint health and weight balance.
- If Necessary, Consider Joint Supplements: Certain older pets benefit from joint supplements or specific foods that are made for their age group. The vet can recommend safe, veterinarian-approved options suited to your pet’s condition.
When Your Pet Has Arthritis
Pets that have arthritis (like osteoarthritis) can suffer even more when the weather gets cold. One of the most effective non-invasive treatments we offer at Cicero Animal Clinic is laser therapy, a gentle, drug-free option that reduces inflammation and can ease chronic pain associated with arthritis.
The benefits of laser therapy for arthritic pets include:
- Increased mobility
- Reduced stiffness
- Better comfort without medication side effects
- Quick, painless sessions with no downtime
If your senior pet struggles during the winter months, laser therapy can make a noticeable difference in their daily comfort and quality of life.
Veterinary Care for Senior Cats and Dogs in Brewerton, NY
Winter can be hard on older pets, but with the right care, they can stay cozy and pain-free. Cicero Animal Clinic offers veterinary care for aging pets in Brewerton, including cats and dogs from Clay, North Syracuse, and neighboring New York areas. If you’ve noticed stiffness, slowing down, or signs of discomfort in your senior pet, contact us at Cicero Animal Clinic for an appointment. Let’s work together to make their winter as gentle and joyful as possible for your aging pet.
