As the days are short and the nights are cold we know that winter is well and truly here. This time of year means that you have to be especially careful with older dogs with arthritis and other joint problems. How do you keep your dog active this winter?
Making the Most of Winter Walks
For the older dog who is gradually getting stiff or has arthritis, has other joint problems or has suffered a slip or a fall or injured joints; then consider a joint supplement or relieve the pain of bruising or pulled muscles and ligaments with a soothing herbal lotion.
At Healthful Pets we sell a range of Joint Supplements which have been developed and approved by vets containing a wide range of anti-inflammatory ingredients and herbs including boswellia, turmeric, willow bark and Devil’s claw to help ease the symptoms of arthritis and of muscle and joint injuries. Other popular ingredients include glucosamine and chondroitin to provide the building blocks to manufacture collagen and proteoglycans in the joint cartilage and the synovial membrane which produces the fluid lubricating the joints. Chondroitin works synergistically alongside glucosamine helping to maintain flexibility and mobility. View our full range of joint and mobility supplements for dogs
In addition we also sell soothing herbal lotions which can be topically applied where needed to help relieve the pain and soreness of ligament strains and sprains, pulled muscles, bruises and minor accidents and traumas, that can easily occur in the cold weather or after exercise.
Examples include Muscle Magic, by Hilton Herbs. A blend of essential oils of lavender which is soothing, antibacterial and an analgesic, stimulating rosemary with Arnica tincture which is used in all conditions where bruising and injury occur and where the skin remains unbroken.
TLC Lotion contains generous quantities of cooling Witch Hazel Extract, Arnica as well as healing Comfrey and Ruta Graveolens. Can be used anywhere on the body or even added to the wash-down water.
Diet'Dogs First Aid Gel which has been specially designed to soothe and cool muscle soreness and stiffness due to minor injuries and damage or ageing joints, ligaments or muscles. Basic Elements also do a Joint Rub for Dogs - this is an excellent topical application ideal for senior and/or active dogs. Made with Organic Rosemary Oil, Organic Lavender Oil and Organic Ginger Oil blended in an Organic Hemp carrier oil, the rub works by the essential oils soaking into the skin near the affected joints.
Out and About in Winter
When you are out and about in the winter you may want to consider how the colder winter weather may affect your walk.
If your dog is a lover of water and swimming remember that dogs can also suffer from cold water shock just like us humans, so maybe a short swim or to avoid cold water all together maybe could be a good plan. Bear in mind that you may need to consider a new route to avoid the water all together, so your dog is not disappointed at the lack of a dip!
Be aware of ice on bodies of water as well, ice can give way and your dog may end up under the ice. If this does happen then its vital that you don't go in after your dog.
Always take a nice dry towel and blanket if you are in the car so you can dry off and warm up your dog, if you’re heading straight home on foot then dry off your dog and offer a nice warm bed and blanket in order to warm up your dog. Don't forget to wipe your dogs paws to remove any snow, ice or road salt / ice-melting chemicals which can irritate your dogs' paws paws and be toxic if ingested. Look for pet friendly products which are labelled as safe for pets, or clear the ice manually to avoid having to use any chemicals.
Have a read of our blog Tips for Winter Dog Grooming for more information.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of this article or have any questions, then please contact us on 01565 740 777.
