3 Signs Your Dog Needs a Joint Supplement This Winter

It’s natural to see your dog slow down as they age but as temperatures drop in the winter months, your dog suffering from joint inflammation may be at a greater risk. Dogs experiencing stress and pain throughout the colder months could be suffering from joint stiffness and irritation, before their golden years kick in. Joint supplements for dogs can help improve your canine’s mobility, flexibility and comfort so they can remain active and on their paws when temperatures drop. It’s a great way to support your dog’s overall health and function beyond a gourmet bowl of food and exercise.

Joint supplements for dogs are a safe and healthy way to improve your dog's quality of life. It is possible that your dog may experience symptoms of arthritis and hip dysplasia at an earlier age if your dog is a larger breed. To help reduce pain and inflammation, consider being proactive with a hip and joint supplement in addition to a nutritional diet.

Why Does Your Dog Need A Joint Supplement?

As dog’s age, the cartilage and fluid protecting the joint break down. This causes friction, irritation and pain as the surfaces of the joint begin to wear away. This can be very uncomfortable for your dog and disrupt their routine especially during the colder months. Some breeds are more susceptible to joint issues like Labradors, German Shepherds, Mastiffs or Dachshunds.

In the colder months or wet weather, a fall in the barometric pressure can cause joints to expand, which may result in pain or exacerbate pain. Low temperatures can also increase the thickness of the synovial fluid that acts as the joint's shock absorber, and make joints stiffer and more sensitive to pain. Colder weather also changes our exercise regimes. 

That's why autumn and winter in particular, is an important time to consider a joint supplement for dogs displaying stiffness or suffering from arthritis or hip dysplasia.

In this post, we’ll cover three key signs that your dog is suffering from hip and joint problems in the colder months and what you can do about it.

We’ve also included some key ingredients to look out for when selecting a joint supplement for dogs.

1. Excessive panting can be a symptom of joint issues

It’s natural for dogs to pant on a hot day or after a playful day in the park. However, it starts to be alarming when your pooch begins excessively panting for no reason. If you’re sitting on the couch and your dog is panting away from doing nothing but relaxing, or if you notice it in combination with stiffness or slow mobility, it can be a sign that your dog is experiencing joint pain and discomfort. Joint supplements for dogs can help relieve this pain because they are formulated to:

• Alleviate discomfort in joints and block nerve pain impulses
• Reduce inflammation and strengthen joints
• Repair damaged tissue and cartilage around joints

Before turning to injections and prescription medications, you should consider a joint supplement. These supplements are also known as nutraceuticals which can be used to improve mobility. It’s an affordable alternative and easier to administer for a dog. 

2. Dominant leg and limping to one side

Have you ever noticed your dog limping or struggling to get around on all fours? When a dog begins to favour one leg, it can be a sign of damaged joint cartilage. A dog’s ability to sprint for a game of fetch or to grab a treat is natural, but it causes a lot of strain on their hind legs. These joints are known to be very weak and unstable. It’s also a main reason why so many dogs experience injuries in their hind legs. The next time your pooch runs for a ball or treat, take notice if they are relying on one leg to support their movement. This could be a sign that they are walking around with a limp.

If not treated immediately, the pain can fester overtime. To avoid this, use a joint supplement containing ingredients that occur in joint cartilage naturally, like Glucosamine, MSM and Chondroitin. Omega-3s are also an important ingredient to consider in your dog’s diet in conjunction with a joint supplement to prevent serious diseases like arthritis and hip dysplasia from occurring later on in life.

3. Joint swelling in dogs

Joint swelling in your doggo is a tell-tale sign that they may be experiencing inflammation and discomfort. If you notice your pup has joints like their hip or knees that are larger than normal and tender to the touch, it’s a classic sign of joint health issues. This is caused by fluid in the space of the joint building up. This can often be detrimental to your dog’s health because it can cause other bacterial infections, cartilage deterioration and bone damage. Keep an eye out for swollen joints and monitor your dog’s mobility. To alleviate the pain, support your dog with a supplement to help produce collagen which will keep their joints strong and stable for longer. This is critical to decrease inflammation and give them the same energy, mobility and comfort that they’re used to.

Joint Supplements are Essential for all Dogs

Dogs love to be curious and on their feet when it’s easy to get around. If your pooch is not as active, mobile, and flexible as usual, it’s time to consider a joint supplement for dogs. Help reduce their discomfort and pain so they can get back to a normal routine. Try our Petz Park joint supplement for dogs formula. It uses ingredients like Chondroitin, Glucosamine and MSM so that every scoop helps to improve and maintain joint health in puppy, adult and senior dogs.