If your older dog is slower to get off the mat this July, or your cat has quietly stopped jumping onto the windowsill, the cold snap might be to blame. Winter is peak season for arthritis flare-ups in Australian pets, and this year owners have more options than ever — including monthly anti-pain injections now widely available through Aussie vets. Here is what is actually going on in those stiff joints, and the practical steps that make the biggest difference.
Why winter makes arthritis worse
Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear breakdown of the cartilage that cushions a joint. It is common in senior pets but also shows up in younger animals with past injuries or certain breed predispositions. Cold weather does not cause arthritis, but it reliably makes it hurt more: joints that are already inflamed become stiffer as the temperature drops, and pets move less, which lets supporting muscle waste away. Vets across Australia report a clear seasonal rise in arthritis consultations through the winter months.
Signs your dog or cat may be in pain
Pets are wired to hide discomfort, so the signals are often subtle. Cats in particular rarely limp — instead their world quietly shrinks. Watch for:
- Stiffness or slowness getting up, especially first thing on cold mornings
- Reluctance to jump, use stairs, or hop into the car
- Less interest in walks, play, or (for cats) climbing to favourite high spots
- Licking or grooming over one joint, or a scruffy coat in cats that stop grooming
- Irritability when touched, or toileting outside the litter tray because the tray is hard to step into
What you can do at home this winter
Simple environmental changes can noticeably improve comfort, and they cost very little:
- Keep the weight off. Weight control is widely regarded by vets as the single most important thing you can do — every extra kilo adds load to sore joints.
- Warm, supportive bedding. Move beds off cold, hard floors and away from draughts. A thick, padded bed (or a pet-safe heated pad) helps stiff joints settle overnight.
- Gentle, regular movement. Little and often beats one long weekend hit-out. Short, flat, even-ground walks and, where suitable, hydrotherapy or swimming keep muscle on without pounding the joints.
- Improve traction and access. Rugs or runners over slippery floorboards, plus ramps or a step to the couch or car, reduce painful slips and awkward jumps.
- Make the litter tray easy. For cats, a tray with one low side saves a painful climb.
These steps support comfort but do not replace veterinary care. If your pet is clearly sore, book a check-up rather than relying on home changes alone.
The newer treatments Aussie vets are using
Beyond home care, veterinary pain management has changed significantly in the past few years. A newer class of monthly injectable treatments — monoclonal antibodies that target nerve growth factor, a key driver of joint pain — is now available in Australia. For dogs it is sold as Beransa (known as Librela in some other countries), and for cats as Solensia. Both are given by a vet as a small injection under the skin, roughly once a month.
Many owners report meaningful improvement, though results vary between animals and, particularly in cats, it can take a few monthly doses to reach full effect. As with any medication these injections are not right for every pet and can have side effects, so they are prescription-only and given after a veterinary assessment. Traditional options — anti-inflammatory medications, joint-support diets, omega-3 supplements and physical therapy — remain widely used, often alongside the newer injections as part of a combined plan. Your vet can advise what suits your individual pet; never give human pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to dogs or cats, as both can be fatal.
When to see your vet
If you notice persistent stiffness, a drop in activity, or any of the signs above, arrange a veterinary check. Early diagnosis means arthritis can be managed before muscle loss and pain become entrenched. Consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis or a treatment plan specific to your pet.
Frequently asked questions
Does cold weather cause arthritis in pets?
No — cold weather does not cause arthritis, but it commonly makes existing joint pain feel worse. Stiffness increases as temperatures drop and pets tend to move less in winter, which can accelerate muscle loss around the joint.
What is the new monthly arthritis injection for dogs and cats?
They are monoclonal antibody treatments — Beransa for dogs and Solensia for cats — given by a vet as a monthly injection to reduce osteoarthritis pain. They are prescription-only and require a veterinary assessment first.
Can I give my pet human pain relief for sore joints?
No. Common human painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are toxic to dogs and cats and can be fatal. Only use pain relief prescribed by your vet.
Is arthritis only a problem for old pets?
It is most common in senior pets, but younger animals can develop it too — often after a joint injury or because of a breed-related predisposition. Any pet showing stiffness or reduced activity should be checked.
Key takeaways
- Winter reliably worsens arthritis pain in Australian dogs and cats — flare-ups peak in the colder months.
- Watch for subtle signs: stiffness, reluctance to jump or climb, and (in cats) a shrinking, less-active routine.
- Weight control, warm bedding, gentle regular exercise and better floor traction make a real difference at home.
- Newer monthly injections — Beransa for dogs, Solensia for cats — are now available through Australian vets alongside traditional treatments.
- Never give human painkillers, and see your vet for a proper diagnosis and plan.
