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As winter creeps in on The Beaches, we all feel the chill. We move a bit slower, sleep in a bit later, and so do our pets. Winter can be a tough time for senior pets, with the cold weather often bringing aches, pains, and other health concerns to the surface. If you’ve noticed your furry friend slowing down, NEVS is ready to support you, especially after hours when you need it most.
Cold, damp days can make arthritis worse, turning simple movements into painful tasks. For older pets, that morning stroll can feel more like a mountain climb. As pets age, the shorter days and chilly nights can also affect their behaviour. Some may pace through the night, seem confused, or even become incontinent indoors. Sometimes these changes come on slowly, but they can also escalate quickly. NEVS is here to help when that happens. Their experienced team is on hand outside regular clinic hours to assess, stabilise, and get senior pets comfortable again, while providing calm, professional support for their humans too.
They also work closely with local vets, ensuring that care continues seamlessly once your pet is back home. Test results, treatment notes, and care plans are shared with your regular vet, so your pet stays in familiar hands with no interruption to their ongoing treatment. If you’re unsure whether your pet’s symptoms are cause for concern, a call to NEVS can help guide your next step. Whether it’s a visit for peace of mind or urgent care, their team is ready when you need them most.
Here are a few simple ways to help older pets stay comfortable this winter:
Keep them warm and dry
Stiff joints feel worse in the cold. Make sure they have a soft, warm bed in a draft-free area. A coat or jumper for walks can help too, especially for short-haired pets or those with arthritis.
Stick to gentle, regular walks
Exercise keeps joints moving, but short, steady walks are best. Avoid slippery paths and keep to flat ground where possible.
Raise food and water bowls
Pets with sore necks, backs, or elbows might find it hard to bend down. Raised bowls can make mealtimes easier.
Support ageing minds
Confusion or restlessness, especially at night, could be a sign of cognitive decline. A night light, gentle daily stimulation, and a consistent routine can help.
Don’t skip the check-ups
Not all signs of ageing are “just old age.” Your local vet can recommend simple treatments or supplements that improve comfort and quality of life.
Need after-hours help? NEVS is here when your vet clinic is closed, providing expert care and peace of mind for pets and their people. •
