It´s the first day of winter, and it sure is getting a bit chilly.

As the cold weather settles in, we start to see some additional problems for our furry friends, especially those getting towards their golden years.

Arthritis

Sore and stiff joints can be a common condition in the cooler months, especially when it comes to our senior pets. You might notice your pet is having difficulty rising after a nap or is a little slower in the winter months. If your pet is struggling, it's important to have them checked by your regular vet, as this can be a sign of a more pressing condition, arthritis.

Skin conditions

Dry skin is another problem, especially if it is cold outside and your pet sits inside by the heater or fire. Airconditioning can also dry their skin, as can using a hairdryer to dry your dog after a bath. Make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water and maintain their usual grooming routine – long hair can actually cause skin issues for your pet.

Hypothermia

Pets can get cold, just like humans, and show this by shivering and shaking. If you can bring them inside somewhere warm at night time this is ideal, otherwise make sure they have plenty of shelter, warm bedding and a coat. Hypothermia can occur in any pet if their body temperature drops too low. Symptons can include shivering, stiff muscles, shallow breathing, pale skin and exhaustion. A pet with hypothermia requires urgent medical attention.

Weight gain

We all struggle with this one – it´s easy to pack on the extra kilos over winter, with high calorie food and extra eating in general. It´s important your pet sticks to the same eating and exercise regime, as excess weight on pets can lead to conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and breathing problems.