It’s 2020 already…..how did that happen?! We hope that you’ve all had a happy and healthy festive period, and are looking forward to a new year of fun. 

Did you know that January is National Walk Your Dog Month? Whilst we would recommend walking your dog regardless of what month it is, this does make now the ideal time to put your wellies on, wrap up warm and walk off the excesses of Christmas with your dog. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world, so why not get out and explore it with your furry friend? 

The New Year often brings a dip in temperatures, and sometimes snow too. With that in mind it is worth noting that the snow and cold weather can play havoc with arthritic joints. Cold joints and muscles don’t work fluidly, they stiffen up and become more uncomfortable.

Perhaps consider a nice winter coat to keep your dog and their joints warm and dry, and remember to dry your dog off thoroughly if they get wet. For elderly or arthritic dogs, it is also a good idea to warm up their joints before heading out for your walk. You can use warmed  beanie heat pads, wrapped in a thin towel and then held gently over their joints for a couple of minutes, to increase circulation into the joints and warm up the surrounding muscles. 

Other hazards to consider when walking your dog in winter months:

Walking dogs who have had orthopaedic surgery in the past, and who now have metal implants such as plates, screws, pins or a cage (used for cruciate surgery) also needs additional consideration. The metal “absorbs” the cold which results in a dull, painful ache of the bones. 

Slipping on ice: Whilst ice is a really difficult thing to avoid, a simple tip is to make sure that your dog’s nails are not too long. Long nails make it much more tricky for a dog to get purchase on the ground (ladies, imagine walking on an ice rink in stilettos!). Nails of a normal length give a dog much better traction/grip, and for an arthritic dog, nail care is especially important. 

Grit/Sand: Please try not to walk your dog on gritted surfaces, but if you do have to, always rinse off your dog’s paws as soon as you can - and don’t let them lick their paws in the meantime. 

To help you support your arthritic dog (or cat) through the colder months, we have a special offer!

For the last 2 weeks of January, we are offering a 20% Discount on Nurse Arthritis Clinics: £35.00  £28.00

If you would like to take advantage of this offer, just give us a call: 01491 574490

We hope that you have a lovely New Year and enjoy some fabulous walks with your furry friends. Don’t let the short days and cold temperatures put you off - get out there and enjoy exploring our local area.  If you happen to take some pics along the way, we would really  love you to share them with us!