24/11/2025
❄️ ❄️Keeping Your Dog’s Muscles Warm in Cold Weather ❄️ ❄️
Cold temperatures and wet conditions can cause the muscles surrounding your dog’s joints to stiffen, which may worsen discomfort in dogs with arthritis (Innes, 2010; Johnston, 2013). Keeping your dog warm and dry is essential to reduce the risk of muscle stiffness and joint pain.
Tips to protect your dog in cold weather:
• Invest in a well-fitted rain jacket or warm coat to prevent your dog’s body from getting wet and cold.
• Choose a coat that:
• Covers key joints and muscles such as shoulders, elbows, and hips
• Does not impede movement
• Is comfortable for your dog to wear
• Is easy to put on and take off
🙏 Please Bring Your Dog’s Coat After Treatments
After a massage or rehab session, your dog’s muscles are warmed, relaxed, and more pliable, which is the optimal state for recovery. Cold or damp conditions can quickly cause muscles to stiffen again, reducing the benefits of the treatment (Innes, 2010). Bringing a coat after their session helps maintain muscle relaxation, supports joint comfort, and prolongs the positive effects of therapy.
At East Midlands Clinical Canine Massage & Rehab, we’ve seen some fabulous coats that perfectly combine warmth, coverage, and comfort—ideal for keeping your dog cosy after treatment. Please see photos of some of these.
Recommended suppliers for quality coats:
• Great onesies at Bozdoghaz Gear:
https://www.bozdoghazgear.shop/shop
• Bespoke hand-made coats & Puppy Coat Scheme by Made of Kent: https://www.facebook.com/madeofkent
Keeping your dog warm not only supports muscle health but also helps maintain mobility, comfort, and overall wellbeing during colder months.
References:
• Innes, J. F. (2010). Canine osteoarthritis: Pathophysiology and management. In Practice, 32(1), 8–15.
• Johnston, S. A. (2013). Osteoarthritis. Joint Disease in Dogs, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 43(2), 229–249.
