The Dogs of Winter

Updated: Jan 28, 2021

How To keep them happy and mobile all season long.

Feeling a bit stiff? Does it take a little longer to get moving after naps?

You’re not the only one. Winter takes its toll on your pets, too.

Like humans, dogs and cats get arthritis, joint issues and other discomforts in the colder months. If your dog has a few too many pounds on her and she has too much discomfort exercising, it might be time for fewer treats and more supplements. As you might expect, too many pounds and lack of movement just aren’t good for the joints.

I’ve heard people say they don’t take their dogs for walks because they seem to be in pain after exercise. Many owners are surprised, after just a few weeks on supplements that help with inflammation and joint support—their dogs are moving more freely and even acting like puppies again.

If you aren’t already using products to help the stiffness or pain your dog may be experiencing, here are some of our favorites to get them moving more freely:

Connection Hip and Joint by In Clover. The herbs, along with glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid work together to help reduce inflammation and restore joint support to make it easier for dogs and cats to move without discomfort.

Nupro Joint is another tried and true joint support product that’s been a staple in our store for 24 years. Dog owners have experienced very good success with this product. It helps with skin and coat and helps maintain healthy joints.

Joint Power by Super Snouts is a powder form of green-lipped mussel from New Zealand. According to Super Snouts, this is an excellent source of Glycosaminoglycan which is the main component of cartilage and synovial fluid in the joints it helps protect joints from wear and tear. Green-lipped mussel is a natural source of Omega 3 that may naturally help reduce inflammation. Many of our customers have reported positive results using this product with their animals.

MSM is a natural sulfur that acts like an analgesic and has been helpful with reducing inflammation and lessening pain from arthritis. Some hip and joint products include it in their ingredient lineup. If yours doesn’t, it might be a nice additive to help with joint pain.

Omega 3 Oils added to the diet help reduce inflammation. Our animals diets are usually higher in Omega 6 which is more inflammatory without the balance of Omega 3. Adding oil to the diet helps not only their joints but their skin, coat and heart. The more common way to get Omega 3 is from cold water fish oils some of the Omega 3 brands we carry are Plato salmon oil, Alaskan Natural Pollock or Salmon Oil, and Ultra Oils from anchovies, sardines and hemp.

Hemp Treats that have cannabinoids from hemp oil along with supplemental herbs can also help with joint health. Austin & Cat, Super Snouts and Suzie's are the brands we currently stock.

With exercise, quality supplementation, a quality diet and lots of unconditional love, your dog can stay healthy and mobile. Stop in today. We’ll be glad to point you in the right direction to a happier life for your pet—and you.