A chill has settled in the air. The leaves are turning colors and quickly falling. And perhaps you’ve noticed your faithful hound dog isn’t as quick to chase after the ball as she usually is. Coincidence? No, the colder temperatures can actually cause stiff joints in dogs.
At BioZyme®, makers of Vitalize®, we have an entire team of dog lovers, and we never want to see our dogs in pain. That’s why, as the cold weather settles in, we knew we needed to create an educational resource to help our fellow pup enthusiasts tackle stiff joints in dogs.
Cold weather can cause stiff joints in dogs for numerous reasons. When arthritis in dogs settles in, or as dogs age, stiff joints can become particularly prevalent. Let’s explore how the lowered temps can impact mobility in our dogs and what we can do to mitigate joint pain and stiffness.
Causes of Stiff Joints in Dogs
Reduced Blood Flow
Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to muscles and joints. Reduced blood flow means the nutrients and oxygen, which help maintain joint health, are less readily available, potentially leading to stiffness and discomfort.
Increased Muscle Tension
Cold weather can make muscles tense, which limits flexibility and can place additional pressure on joints. This tension can make movement more challenging and uncomfortable, especially for dogs with joint issues like arthritis.
Reduced Activity Levels
Dogs may become less active in cold weather, leading to muscle stiffness and joint soreness. Regular movement is crucial for lubricating joints and keeping them flexible. That’s why lower activity levels can contribute to stiffness.
Inflammation Worsening
For dogs with arthritis or other inflammatory joint conditions, cold weather can intensify pain and inflammation. The low temperatures may aggravate symptoms, leading to more stiffness and discomfort.
Decreased Synovial Fluid Mobility
Synovial fluid, which lubricates joints, becomes less effective at low temperatures. When this fluid thickens, it can’t protect the joint surfaces as well, leading to increased friction and stiffness.
How to Prevent Stiff Joints in Dogs During the Cold
As a dog owner, there are several small steps you can take to help alleviate stiff joints in dogs during cold weather.
Keep Dogs Warm
To keep your precious pup’s joints from stiffening during the winter chill try to keep them warm. If they are traditionally indoor dogs, keep them inside as much as possible, and add some extra bedding or blankets to their doggie bed for them to burrow in. If they are outdoor dogs, be sure they have shelter – a doghouse or windbreak where to go away from the wind, precipitation and the elements.
Provide Exercise & Provide a Healthy Diet
Gentle exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are also beneficial in managing joint health year-round. It might be cold outside, but it is still important for your dog to get a daily walk, so bundle up, and get to moving. It is also important to provide adequate dog nutrition year-round. If you are not sure about a good exercise or nutrition program, always consult with your veterinarian.
Vitalize Supplements Can Help
Vitalize is a line of supplements for horses, dogs and cats with proven solutions to keep your animal healthy and performing. We offer two supplements for your dog to help build back synovial fluid within the joints. Both are powered by MHB3® Hyaluronan, which holds 8 U.S. patents for improving bone and joint health.
Vitalize® Trixsyn® Canine
Vitalize Trixsyn Canine is a liquid product for dogs designed to support joint health using hyaluronic acid, MHB3®, a patented, high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. This Level 1 joint support helps hip and joint health and mobility.
Vitalize® Trixsyn® Canine Performance
Vitalize Trixsyn Canine Performance is a liquid product for dogs designed to support joint health using hyaluronic acid and astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is an antioxidant that helps relieve the pain and soreness in joints and muscles. Vitalize Trixsyn Canine Performance:
- Supports hip, joint and soft tissue health.
- Contains MHB3®, a patented high molecular weight hyaluronic acid.
- Helps maintain a normal inflammatory response and supports normal exercise recovery.
Both Trixsyn Canine products are simple to use, require no prescriptions and don’t require the labor or mess of a shot or topical ointment. They come in an easy-to-use pump bottle. Dosage is determined by dog size and weight, and each dog gets 1 to 3 pumps on their food twice daily, depending on size.
Get your Vitalize Today!
We hope this blog helps you get some insight into how cold weather and stiff joints in dogs go hand-in-hand. Hopefully, you can now give your dogs some pain relief this winter! While we genuinely believe incorporating Vitalize into their diet will help your hound, our real goal is to provide resources to help you care for your family.
So, support your pet’s joint health with Vitalize Trixsyn. Get your Vitalize today. We have made purchasing Vitalize as easy as possible. You can shop your local dealer to purchase Vitalize products. Locate a dealer near you today.
Perhaps you prefer the convenience of online shopping. Discover where to buy at any of our online retailers and have Vitalize delivered right to your front door.
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