The holiday season is here — a time for cozy evenings, family gatherings, and quiet moments with the pets who have been by our side all year. As homes in Cary, Raleigh, Apex, Holly Springs, and the surrounding areas get a little busier and a little colder, this is also the perfect time to check in on your pet’s comfort.

Many dogs and cats, especially senior pets, start to move more slowly in late fall and winter. They may not jump up as quickly. They may hesitate at the stairs. They may seem “tired.” Sometimes this is normal aging. Sometimes it’s joint pain. And sometimes, it’s a sign they need help.

At Walnut Street Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you understand what’s going on — and how a few thoughtful changes can make this season more comfortable for your pet.

How Cold Weather Affects Joint Comfort

Pets can feel the effects of cooler temperatures in their joints, especially if they have arthritis or other orthopedic issues. While cold weather itself doesn’t “cause” arthritis, it can make joint stiffness and soreness more noticeable. This is especially true for senior pets and large-breed dogs. According to veterinary guidance, colder weather and reduced activity can make it harder for pets to stay limber and comfortable.

You may notice:

• They’re slower to get up after resting.
• They avoid stairs, couches, or the car.
• They cut walks short or lag behind you.
• They seem stiff in the morning, then “warm up” later.

These changes are not “just getting old.” They can be early signs of joint pain or mobility loss. Pets often hide discomfort, so these small changes in routine may be the first clues. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that pets may need extra support to stay safe and comfortable in colder weather, especially as temperatures drop.

If you’re starting to see any of these patterns, a seasonal check-in is a good idea. Our Wellness & Preventative Care appointments are designed to catch concerns like this early and talk through options.

Comfort You Can Give at Home During the Holiday Season

This time of year tends to bring out generosity — blankets on the couch, warm lights in the home, everyone gathered in one place. A few small adjustments can make a real difference for an aging pet’s comfort. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), keeping your dog warm and protected during the colder months not only supports their comfort but also helps prevent stiffness and seasonal illness.

• Warm, supportive bedding: Move their bed away from drafty doors or cold floors. A cushioned, orthopedic-style bed can reduce pressure on sore joints.
• Gentle, regular movement: Short, consistent walks or light play indoors help keep joints flexible without overloading them. The American Animal Hospital Association emphasizes that routine exams and ongoing monitoring are key to maintaining mobility over time.
• Stable footing: Slippery floors can be hard on stiff joints. Adding a rug or mat where your pet usually stands, eats, or jumps down can prevent slips.
• Healthy weight: Extra body weight puts more strain on aging joints. Managing nutrition and calories throughout the holiday season can help reduce stress on hips, knees, and elbows. 

Think of these adjustments as part of the “gifts” you’re giving your pet this season. Warmth, support, patience — and a daily routine that respects what their body can (and can’t) do right now.

Signs Your Pet May Be in Pain

Slowing down can be normal. Struggling is not.

Please pay attention if you notice any of these changes:

• Limping or favoring one leg.
• Trouble getting onto the couch or into the car.
• Shifting weight off the back legs or hips.
• Not wanting to be touched in certain areas.
• Growling, whining, or hiding more than usual.

Cats, in particular, can be very quiet about pain — instead of limping, they may just stop jumping onto high surfaces or avoid being picked up. (That’s still pain.)

If you’re seeing any of these signs, especially in an older pet, it’s time to have them examined. A focused exam can help determine whether we’re looking at typical age-related changes, arthritis, an orthopedic issue that needs treatment, or something else.

You can request an appointment through our Wellness & Preventative Care services, and we’ll guide you on next steps.

How Our Veterinary Team Can Help

At Walnut Street Animal Hospital, we provide hands-on support for pets experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or mobility changes. Our goal is simple: help your pet stay comfortable and active so they can continue to be part of your everyday moments — holiday mornings, family photos on the couch, greeting guests at the door.

Here are two key ways we can help:

• Wellness & Preventative Care Exams: During a wellness visit, our veterinary team reviews your pet’s mobility, weight, muscle tone, and comfort level. We’ll talk with you about lifestyle adjustments, home environment, nutrition, and safe activity levels for your pet’s age and condition.
  Learn more about our approach to proactive care here: Wellness & Preventative Care.
• Orthopedic Evaluation and Treatment: For pets showing more serious or ongoing mobility issues — limping, difficulty bearing weight, trouble standing up, or sudden changes after activity — we may recommend an orthopedic assessment. Our Pet Orthopedic Surgery service includes advanced evaluation of bones, joints, and soft tissues. We also focus on keeping your pet as comfortable as possible before, during, and after any orthopedic procedure through careful pain control and monitoring for every patient under our care.

In other words, you’re not alone in this. If your dog or cat is slowing down, we can help you understand why — and what to do next.

A Season of Gratitude and Generosity

As we move through the year-end season, we talk a lot about giving. Warm sweaters. Shared meals. Time together. For our pets, comfort is the gift that matters most.

A supportive bed in a warm corner. A slower walk at their pace. A gentle lift into the car instead of asking them to jump. A wellness visit to make sure pain isn’t limiting their joy.

These are simple acts of kindness, but they mean a lot — especially for senior pets who’ve spent years giving us steady companionship.

If you’ve noticed changes in your pet’s mobility, now is a good time to schedule an appointment with Walnut Street Animal Hospital. We’re here for pets and their families in Cary, Raleigh, Apex, Holly Springs, and the surrounding communities.

Let’s help them step into the new year as comfortably as possible.