Winter Joint Stiffness in Dogs: Why Cold Weather Makes Changes More Noticeable

As temperatures drop, many dog parents begin asking the same question: “Why does my dog seem stiffer in winter?”

You might notice your dog moving more slowly in the morning, hesitating before stairs, or taking a few minutes to loosen up on walks. These changes can feel sudden, but for many dogs, winter joint stiffness isn’t new. Cold weather simply makes underlying mobility changes easier to notice.

Below, we’ll walk through what’s really happening beneath the surface and how small, consistent habits can support your dog’s joint health year-round.

Winter Doesn’t Cause Joint Issues in Dogs, It Reveals Them

One of the biggest misconceptions about dog mobility in winter is that cold weather causes joint problems.

In reality, joint health reflects a lifetime of movement, activity, and everyday wear — something that builds gradually over time.[1]

Factors that influence dog joint health include:

• Daily activity and exercise patterns

• Age and natural changes over time

• Body weight and muscle conditioning

• Prior injuries or repetitive impact

• Breed tendencies and lifestyle demands

By the time winter arrives, these influences are already part of a dog’s joint story.

Colder temperatures and routine shifts don’t suddenly create joint stress; they simply make it easier to notice how well a dog’s joints are coping.

This is why many dogs show seasonal joint stiffness even if they’ve been active and happy year-round.

Suggested read: 5 Daily Wellness Benefits Your Dog Shouldn’t Miss

Why Dogs Often Seem Stiffer in Winter

Several small, seasonal shifts tend to happen in winter, and together, they can influence how easily dogs move.

Colder Temperatures and Joint Movement

Joints rely on smooth, well-lubricated movement between cartilage, connective tissue, and surrounding structures. In colder conditions:[2]

• Muscles and connective tissues may feel tighter at rest

• Warm-up periods can take longer

• Movement may feel less fluid initially, especially after sleep

This explains why joint stiffness in dogs is often most noticeable first thing in the morning or after long periods of rest, and why movement usually improves comfort. 

Air Pressure Changes

Winter weather patterns often come with shifts in air pressure. While every dog responds a little differently, these changes may make joints and surrounding tissues feel more sensitive during movement.[3] 

Reduced Daily Movement

As routines change in colder months, many dogs naturally move a little less day to day:[4]

• Shorter walks

• Fewer spontaneous outdoor play sessions

• More time resting indoors

Regular movement supports healthy joint function by encouraging circulation and keeping muscles engaged.[5] When movement decreases, dog joint stiffness can become more noticeable — especially at the start of activity.

Aging, Wear, & Lifestyle Matter More Than the Weather

Winter mobility changes are often most noticeable in:

• Adult and senior dogs

• Very active dogs with a long history of impact

• Dogs who previously favored one side or limb

• Dogs whose routines shift significantly in winter

If your dog fits into any of these groups, noticing seasonal changes doesn’t mean something is wrong, it simply means their joints may need a little more thoughtful support.

That said, mobility changes in winter aren’t limited to older dogs — any dog can experience them, regardless of age. 

Joint health reflects the bigger picture, not just the season. Winter simply makes it easier to see how a dog’s joints are adapting.

Common Signs of Winter Joint Stiffness Dog Parents Notice

Many dog parents observe subtle seasonal changes such as:

• Slower rising from lying down

• Hesitation before jumping or climbing stairs

• Stiffness at the start of walks that improves with movement

• More interest in warm, cushioned resting spots

• Slight changes in posture or gait during cold mornings

These observations don’t automatically signal a new issue, but they do offer helpful information about how your dog’s joints are adapting to winter conditions.

Why Waiting for Visible Pain Isn’t Ideal for Joint Health

Joints are built for daily movement, but once mobility becomes consistently limited, it can take more effort to restore comfort and confidence.[6]

Proactive joint support can help:[6]

• Helps maintain normal movement patterns

• Encourages consistent activity and muscle engagement

• Supports overall comfort as dogs age

• Reduces the need to react to seasonal changes

This is why joint care is best viewed as a long-term wellness priority, not something reserved for winter or older dogs only.

How Year-Round Joint Support Fits Into Preventive Wellness

Joint health doesn’t exist in isolation.

It’s closely connected to:

• Nutrition

• Muscle strength

• Body weight

• Daily movement habits

• Overall wellness consistency

Consistent support matters more than seasonal starts and stops. Just like exercise or balanced nutrition, joint support works best when it’s part of an everyday approach.

Many dog parents choose to include Joint Support Soft Chews as part of their dog’s routine — not to “fix” a problem, but to help maintain healthy joint function over time.*

Foundational nutrients from Daily Multivitamins can also support overall wellness, helping dogs stay resilient as routines and seasons change.*

Suggested read: How to Keep Your Dog Active & Comfortable as They Age

FAQs

Q: Is it normal for dogs to seem stiffer in winter?
A: Yes. Many dogs move a little more slowly in colder months due to temperature changes, reduced activity, and longer periods of rest.

Q: Does cold weather cause joint problems in dogs?
A: Cold weather doesn’t create joint issues, but it can make existing stiffness or mobility changes more noticeable.

Q: Should I wait until my dog shows pain to support joint health?
A: Supporting joint health early and consistently is often easier than reacting after mobility becomes limited.

Q: Do joint supplements need to be used year-round?
A: Many dog parents choose consistent, daily joint support as part of long-term wellness rather than seasonal use.

Set Your Dog Up for Easier Movement

Noticing small changes in how your dog moves during winter can be a helpful nudge to think about joint health more intentionally. It’s an opportunity to tune in, build supportive routines, and treat mobility as part of everyday care — not just something to react to.

Simple, consistent habits like gentle daily movement, balanced nutrition, and year-round joint support can help dogs move comfortably through every season. When joint care becomes a habit, seasonal shifts feel less disruptive, and long-term mobility feels easier to support.

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This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or health routine, especially if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog's movement or behavior.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Resources:

1. Pagano TB, Wojcik S, Costagliola A, De Biase D, Iovino S, Iovane V, Russo V, Papparella S, Paciello O. Age related skeletal muscle atrophy and upregulation of autophagy in dogs. Vet J. 2015 Oct;206(1):54-60. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.07.005. Epub 2015 Jul 6. PMID: 26257260.

2. Stephens NL, Cardinal R, Simmons B. Mechanical properties of tracheal smooth muscle: effects of temperature. Am J Physiol. 1977 Sep;233(3):C92-98. doi: 10.1152/ajpcell.1977.233.3.C92. PMID: 910897.

3. Kuzmenko, N.V., Tsyrlin, V.A., Pliss, M.G. et al. Health effects of atmospheric pressure fluctuations: a review of biometeorological research. Int J Biometeorol 69, 2171–2187 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-025-02954-z

4. Hall EJ, Carter AJ, Farnworth MJ. Exploring Owner Perceptions of the Impacts of Seasonal Weather Variations on Canine Activity and Potential Consequences for Human-Canine Relationships. Animals (Basel). 2021 Nov 19;11(11):3302. doi: 10.3390/ani11113302. PMID: 34828033; PMCID: PMC8614552.

5. Bricca, A., Juhl, C. B., Grodzinsky, A. J., & Roos, E. M. (2017a). Impact of a daily exercise dose on knee joint cartilage – A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in Healthy Animals. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 25(8), 1223–1237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2017.03.009

6. McKenzie, B. A., & Chen, F. L. (2022). Assessment and management of declining physical function in aging dogs. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 51, 100732. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcam.2022.100732