(BPT) - There's a chill in the air, the calendar flips to the colder months and suddenly you might be feeling joint pain. The cold air can mean stiff joints and reduced mobility for many - including your dog (or dogs).

Joint issues can occur when cartilage in the joints is worn away faster than it can be replaced. Because cartilage acts as a cushion to protect the bones, when it wears away, joints become swollen and painful. As dogs get older, cartilage will begin to degenerate, but joint problems can affect young dogs, too. Certain large-breed dogs are more prone to joint issues, including retrievers, German shepherds and Rottweilers, but even tiny breeds can have joint discomfort. Excess weight can also add stress on joints and cartilage, which may lead to or worsen joint and mobility issues.

Although joint and mobility issues are not curable, treatment and symptom management can help reduce discomfort.

"Because pets can't express their pain with words, you may worry - and even feel guilty - that you'll miss the warning signs of their mobility challenges, or not know what steps to take to support them," said Lane Wallett, DVM, Ph.D., field training manager at Hill's Pet Nutrition. "The most important thing you can do for your dog's health is to watch their behavior, be alert for changes, and always consult your veterinarian if you notice signs they're feeling uncomfortable."

Here are tips for recognizing your dog's joint discomfort, and what you can do to improve their well-being, especially during the cold winter months. Always discuss treatment options and at-home comfort enhancement techniques with your veterinarian.

Notice signs of joint pain

If your dog has difficulty getting up and walking after resting, perhaps groaning when they get up or lie down, this could be due to joint discomfort. If they seem reluctant to do activities that were formerly easy, like going up and down stairs, jumping up on beds or couches or getting in and out of cars, pain could be the culprit. Some dogs may chew or lick areas of their leg that are causing discomfort. A dog may even whimper, growl or snap when touched in affected areas.

Any changes in how your dog walks and runs, if they tire easily or seem less interested in playing, can signal hidden pain. Visit your veterinarian if you notice these changes, as they could also be signs of pain caused by joint issues or other underlying conditions.

Add warmth

A heated blanket or dog bed can be soothing for a dog with mobility issues, especially during the winter. Heat works by increasing blood flow and relaxing the muscles, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. This increased circulation can also help ease joint stiffness for any animal with joint pain.

Adjust their activity

If your dog is having joint and mobility issues, you may want to alter their daily activities to ensure they're still getting exercise without overdoing it. Encourage your dog to do activities like gentle walking or swimming. Low-impact exercise keeps joints moving and helps maintain a healthier weight, without risking joint damage.

Dogs having difficulty with stairs or jumping up may benefit from ramps or steps to avoid pain or injury.

Nutritional support

The food your dog eats can play an important role in their overall health and well-being. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. You should always consult your veterinarian and ask them to recommend the ideal food for your dog's joint and overall health.

"Just as the food you eat impacts your wellness, nutrition plays a vital role when it comes to pets' joint health and overall mobility," Wallett said.

For dogs with weight and joint concerns, Hill's nutritionists and veterinarians developed Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight + j/d, clinical nutrition specially formulated to support weight loss, weight maintenance and joint health. Metabolic Weight + j/d is clinically proven nutrition to help dogs naturally lose weight by activating their metabolism and improving mobility in as little as 21 days.

Metabolic Weight + j/d contains omega-3 fatty acids to promote joint health, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate (the building blocks of cartilage), vitamins C and E (clinically proven antioxidants to support a healthy immune system) and L-carnitine, which helps build lean muscle.

Ask your veterinarian about Hill's Prescription Diet j/d nutrition and learn more about joint health in dogs at HillsPet.com.