New Year, Stronger Steps: Helping Your Pet Recover From Winter Injuries

January in Duluth brings beautiful snowy landscapes, crisp air, and cozy days indoors. It also brings icy sidewalks, slippery driveways, and colder temperatures that can make movement harder on our pets. For dogs and cats alike, winter can increase the risk of injury or worsen existing mobility issues. At Balanced Paws Veterinary Rehabilitation and Acupuncture, our veterinary team sees firsthand how winter conditions impact pets and how the right recovery plan can make all the difference.

Starting the new year with a focus on injury recovery and mobility helps your pet stay active, comfortable, and confident all year long.

Why Winter Increases Injury Risk for Pets

Snow and ice may look harmless, but they create unstable footing that can lead to slips, muscle strains, and joint injuries. Even a small misstep can cause soft tissue damage or aggravate an old injury. Cold temperatures also tighten muscles and joints, making pets more prone to stiffness and soreness.

Pets most at risk during winter include:

• Senior pets with arthritis or reduced muscle mass
• Active dogs who love running and jumping outdoors
• Pets recovering from surgery or previous injuries
• Large-breed dogs with joint or ligament concerns

Many pet owners assume winter stiffness is normal or that rest alone will resolve the issue. While rest is important, it is often not enough to support proper healing and long-term mobility.

Signs Your Pet May Need Injury Recovery Support

Pets are incredibly good at hiding pain. Subtle changes in behavior or movement can be easy to miss, especially during colder months when activity naturally decreases. Some common signs that your pet may be dealing with an injury or flare-up include:

• Limping or favoring one leg
• Difficulty standing up or lying down
• Hesitation with stairs, jumping, or getting into the car
• Reduced interest in walks or playtime
• Muscle loss or uneven posture
• Irritability or changes in mood

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to consult with your primary veterinarian. From there, our veterinary team can work collaboratively to create a rehabilitation plan that supports safe and effective recovery.

Why Rehabilitation Matters More Than Rest Alone

Rest helps prevent further injury, but rehabilitation is what restores strength, flexibility, and confidence. Without proper rehabilitation, pets may compensate by shifting weight to other limbs, which can lead to secondary injuries or chronic pain.

At Balanced Paws, we focus on helping pets heal correctly, not just quietly. Our veterinary team designs individualized rehabilitation programs that address the root cause of pain while improving overall mobility and quality of life.

How Balanced Paws Supports Injury Recovery

Our advanced rehabilitation and pain management services are designed to work together, supporting healing from multiple angles.

Therapeutic Exercise

Controlled, targeted exercises help rebuild strength, improve balance, and restore normal movement patterns. We use specialized tools such as treadmills, balance boards, physio balls, ramps, and stairs to safely guide your pet through recovery. Every exercise plan is customized based on your pet’s condition, age, and comfort level.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate tissue healing. It is especially beneficial for muscle strains, ligament injuries, post-surgical recovery, and arthritis flare-ups commonly seen during winter.

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Ultrasound therapy promotes deep tissue healing by increasing blood flow and reducing muscle tension. This treatment is often used for soft tissue injuries and chronic conditions that require targeted care.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a gentle and effective way to relieve pain and support the body’s natural healing processes. Many pets find acupuncture relaxing, and it can be particularly helpful for nerve-related pain, joint stiffness, and mobility challenges during cold weather.

Natural Pain Management Options

In addition to hands-on therapies, Balanced Paws offers natural alternatives to traditional pain medications. These options are ideal for pets who cannot tolerate NSAIDs or who need additional support.

• Myos or Ursolyx muscle supplements to help maintain lean muscle mass
• Collagen, glucosamine, etc. to support joint and connective tissue health
• CBD to assist with inflammation and comfort
• Mobility aids such as harnesses and toe grips to improve stability on slippery surfaces

Our veterinary team will help determine which options are appropriate for your pet as part of a comprehensive recovery plan.

Supporting Senior Pets Through Winter Recovery

Senior pets often feel the effects of winter most strongly. Cold weather can intensify arthritis pain and reduce mobility, making everyday activities more challenging. Rehabilitation and pain management allow senior pets to stay active, comfortable, and engaged in family life.

With consistent care, many aging pets regain confidence in movement and enjoy improved comfort well beyond the winter months.

A Collaborative Approach to Your Pet’s Care

Balanced Paws works closely with your primary veterinarian to ensure your pet receives seamless, well-coordinated care. While we focus exclusively on rehabilitation and pain management, collaboration allows us to align treatment goals and support long-term wellness.

Start the New Year With a Plan for Mobility

January is an ideal time to focus on your pet’s comfort and mobility. Winter injuries, post-surgical recovery, and increased stiffness can all benefit from early rehabilitation.

At Balanced Paws Veterinary Rehabilitation and Acupuncture, our veterinary team provides personalized rehabilitation and natural pain management to help pets move comfortably at every stage of life. Call (218) 481-7373 to schedule a rehabilitation consultation and help your pet start the year feeling stronger and more confident.