Caring for Senior Pets in Colder Weather: Keeping Older Pets Comfortable and Healthy This Winter

As the weather cools, senior pets often need a little extra care to stay comfortable and healthy. The cold can aggravate existing health issues like arthritis, reduce mobility, and affect their overall well-being. Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can help your older pet enjoy the winter months while keeping them warm, active, and healthy.

In this blog, we’ll share essential tips for caring for senior pets during the colder weather, focusing on nutrition, exercise, warmth, and joint care.

1. Provide Warm and Comfortable Resting Spots

Senior pets may feel the cold more intensely, particularly if they suffer from joint problems or have a thinner coat.

• What to Do: Make sure your pet has a warm, comfortable place to rest, preferably elevated off cold floors and away from drafts. Consider using heated beds or blankets, which can help soothe sore joints and keep your pet cosy.
• Create Multiple Resting Spots: Provide soft beds in different areas of the house so that your pet can find a comfortable spot wherever they prefer to rest.

2. Adjust Their Diet for Winter Needs

As pets age, their dietary needs change, and during the colder months, they may need extra nutritional support.

• Nutritional Supplements: Older pets may benefit from joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin, which help maintain joint health and reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help support skin and coat health, especially as the air becomes drier.
• Weight Management: If your senior pet is less active in winter, monitor their food intake to prevent weight gain. However, underweight or thin-coated pets may need additional calories to help maintain their body temperature.

3. Keep Them Active with Gentle Exercise

Although cold weather can discourage outdoor activity, it’s important to keep senior pets moving to maintain mobility and muscle strength.

• Short, Frequent Walks: For senior dogs, take shorter but more frequent walks to avoid extended exposure to the cold. Use a well-fitted coat to help them retain body heat, and consider booties for extra paw protection if it’s icy or wet outside.
• Indoor Activities: For days when it’s too cold to go out, engage your pet with indoor activities such as gentle play, interactive toys, or stretching exercises. This can help keep them fit without overexertion.

4. Support Their Joint Health

Cold weather can worsen joint stiffness and arthritis, making it crucial to pay extra attention to joint care for senior pets.

• Joint Supplements: Look for supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, which are known to support joint health and reduce pain.
• Massage and Physiotherapy: Gentle massage can help improve circulation and relieve stiffness. For pets with more severe joint issues, speak to your vet about physiotherapy or hydrotherapy options.

5. Monitor Their Skin and Coat Condition

Dry, cold air can exacerbate skin problems, and senior pets are often more prone to dry skin and flaky coats.

• Moisturising Shampoos and Conditioners: Use a gentle, moisturising shampoo to keep your pet’s skin hydrated. Consider adding a supplement like fish oil to support skin and coat health.
• Regular Brushing: Regular grooming can help stimulate the skin's natural oils and keep the coat healthy. For pets with long fur, brushing can also prevent matting and discomfort.

6. Schedule Regular Vet Visits

Senior pets should have more frequent vet check-ups, especially during the winter months, when existing conditions can worsen.

• Early Detection: Regular veterinary visits can help catch potential health problems early, from worsening arthritis to dental issues. Speak to your vet about any changes in your pet’s behaviour or mobility.
• Vaccinations and Parasite Control: Even in winter, it’s important to stay up to date with vaccinations and flea/worm treatments, as some parasites can still pose a risk.

Summing Up

Caring for a senior pet during colder weather requires some adjustments, but with the right preparation, you can help keep your older pet comfortable and healthy throughout the winter. From creating warm resting spots to supporting joint health and staying on top of nutrition, these tips will ensure your senior companion stays cosy and active during the cold months.

For a full range of products to support senior pets this winter, visit Superpet for everything you need to keep your older pets comfortable.