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How to Protect Your Dog’s Joints This Winter

Content Sponsored by Front of the Pack.

The winter season can be tough on your dog’s joints. Dogs are typically less active at this time of year, which can cause their joints to become stiff and painful. On top of that, the lower air pressure and colder temperatures in winter can lead to joint swelling and inflammation.

If you’re worried about your pup’s joints this winter season, there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy. Let’s take a look at some practical tips to help you protect your dog’s joints all season long.

Help Your Dog Maintain a Healthy Weight

During the colder months, it’s all too easy for dogs to become sedentary and put on weight. Excess weight1 can put a huge strain on your dog’s musculoskeletal system, leading to joint degeneration and painful conditions like osteoarthritis.

Feeding a high-quality diet that includes all of the nutrients your dog’s body needs to function at their best will help prevent excess weight gain year-round. If your dog is already overweight, a calorie-restricted, low-fat diet will help get them back in shape. Speak to your veterinarian about planning a diet that meets your dog’s unique needs and lifestyle.

Exercise Your Dog Regularly

Ensuring that your dog gets regular exercise is one of the best ways to keep their joints healthy during the winter season. This means walking, running, and playing with your pup every day – even when it’s cold outside! If your dog suffers from joint issues like arthritis or hip dysplasia, it’s especially important to keep them active. Just make sure to take things slow, and give your dog frequent breaks.

If you’re not sure how often your dog should be exercising each day2, talk to your veterinarian for advice. Your vet can also give you recommendations on what kinds of exercises are best for your pup based on their age and overall health. Remember, poor diet and a lack of exercise can lead to weight gain in dogs, which, in turn, can contribute to joint issues.

Keep Your Dog Warm During Winter

Since cold weather can make your dog’s joints stiff and painful, be sure to keep them warm and comfy. Inside the home, keep your dog’s bed in a warm and comfortable spot and provide them with extra blankets. If you’re the pet parent of a senior dog with joint issues, it’s worth investing in a high-quality orthopedic pet bed that will cushion and support their joints.

Outside, it’s a good idea to keep your dog warm and protected by dressing them in winter gear. A specially designed dog sweater or padded winter coat can work wonders for protecting your furry friend’s joints during the coldest months of the year. A pair of non-slip booties are also a great choice for dogs with mobility issues caused by stiff and painful joints.

Give Your Dog Functional Joint Supplements

There are a number of functional joint supplements available for dogs that can help protect your pup’s joints from damage done by cold weather. Look for supplements that contain active ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and collagen, which are known to support joint health.

Glucosamine is an amino sugar that helps maintain cartilage health, which is critical to healthy joints. Chondroitin sulfate works by slowing down the absorption and breakdown of cartilage molecules, helping to support joint structure. And collagen is a protein that provides structure to connective tissues and helps joints stay strong and flexible.

Giving your dog functional joint supplements that contain these key ingredients can help prevent joint degeneration and inflammation. Joint supplements are especially beneficial for aging dogs and those with pre-existing joint disorders like degenerative joint disease (DJD)3. However, they can be given to dogs of any age and health status to support and maintain healthy joints.

Protect Your Dog’s Joints with Move by Front of the Pack

Looking for a high-quality joint supplement that’s specially formulated to support healthy mobility in dogs? Front of the Pack’s Move Joint and Mobility Daily Dog Supplement is just the ticket! It’s made with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and collagen to keep your pup’s joints healthy and flexible during the winter season.

But that’s not all. Move contains three more powerful active ingredients that promote joint health: curcumin, calcium fructoborate, and MSM. Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that defends against cellular damage. Calcium fructoborate helps deliver flex support and alleviates joint discomfort. Finally, MSM fights inflammation and helps regenerate joint cartilage and muscle.

All this adds up to a powerful joint supplement that can help your pup stay mobile and active this winter.

1 https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/is-my-pet-overweight/
2 https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-much-exercise-does-dog-need/
3 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/degenerative-joint-disease-in-dogs