If Your Senior Dog Starts Doing This When Temperatures Drop, It's a Red Flag

Every senior pup owner needs to know this.

Senior dogs have special health and wellness considerations that need to be taken into account as the weather changes and it gets colder outside. Unlike younger dogs, senior pups may be more vulnerable to cold temperatures and experience more pain and discomfort, particularly in their joints, especially if they struggle with conditions like arthritis.

Older dogs are also prone to feeling the cold more intensely because of reduced muscle mass and a slower metabolism. In conjunction with stiff joints, all of these factors may make it harder for them to regulate their body temperature and stay warm as temperatures dip during the winter.

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That said, sometimes pet parents can miss the signs that their senior dog is struggling with the cold weather. Oftentimes, these red flags may go under the radar if you’re not paying close attention because they’re so subtle.

But, fear not if you’re a pet parent to a senior dog. We spoke with Dr. Ronit Berdugo, DVM, CVA, an expert partner at SynergyLabs, to learn more about cold-weather-induced joint pain in senior dogs and the best ways to help them stay warm and pain-free during the fall and winter. Read on to learn more about cold weather and senior dog joint pain and how you can keep your dog happy and healthy during colder temps.

The Subtle Cold-Weather Warning Signs Most Owners Miss

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Sometimes, signs your senior pup is struggling with the cold weather may be missed because those signs can be rather subtle. Dr. Berdugo recommends senior dog parents look out for the following signs as the weather gets colder, as these could be symptoms of potential joint pain:

Stiffness

Difficulty getting up

Restlessness

Difficulty getting comfortable when lying down

Limping

Reluctance to exercise

Lethargy

Noticeable licking of a painful joint

Irritability

Decreased appetite

Hesitation with stairs

If you’re noticing any of these subtle signs of joint pain in your senior dog, it’s best to consult their vet to discuss pain management options and other solutions to help keep them more comfortable and supported.

Related: Veterinarians Say These Are the 5 Things to Look for in a Coat for a Short-Haired Dog

Other Red Flags Your Senior Dog Is Struggling in the Cold

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In addition to the aforementioned warning signs owners often miss in senior dogs, Dr. Berdugo says other red flags your senior doggo might be struggling with cold weather include excessive shivering, reluctance to walk and a decreased interest in exercise and play. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to take your pup inside and warm them up.

How to Keep Older Joints Warm and Pain-Free This Fall

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Luckily, there are ways to make sure your pup can handle the colder temperatures as we progress into the winter months. From making sure they’re wearing proper outdoor attire to focusing on movement, you can help your dog stay happy, healthy, mobile and pain-free.

Some tips Dr. Berdugo recommends for keeping your dog comfortable and happy during colder weather and helping reduce joint pain include:

Make sure they wear proper clothing. “Keep a coat and weather-resistant boots on your senior dog when spending time in the cold,” Dr. Berdugo recommends.

Encourage shorter but more frequent walks. “Joints and the supporting soft tissues like muscles, tendons and ligaments all benefit from gentle movement,” Dr. Berdugo explains. “Movement encourages the flow of blood, lymph and synovial fluid. This helps in resolving stiffness and supports the resolution of inflammation.”

Keep them dry. “When your dog returns home after spending time in the cold, make sure he/she is dry,” Dr. Berdugo says. “Provide a comfortable cushioned bed in a warm room.”

Now that you know these tips for keeping your senior dog comfortable and pain-free during colder weather, you can now both enjoy the fall and winter months together.

Source:

Ronit Berdugo, DVM, CVA, is an expert partner at SynergyLabs.

Related: The ‘Safe Zone’ Method That Prevents Your Senior Dog From Hating the New Puppy, Say Trainers

This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Oct 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Source: Nature