Can Dogs with Chronic Pain Experience the “October Slide”?

Dog Behavior

Nov 8

Written by Lauren Tsao, MS, CDBC, CPDT-KA

Photo shows dog laying in leaves during autumn.

As the air turns cooler and days grow shorter, many dog owners notice a shift in their dogs, particularly those with chronic pain or conditions like arthritis, degenerative joint disease, or other mobility issues. In the human chronic pain community, this phenomenon is often referred to as the "October Slide", a time when seasonal changes exacerbate pain and fatigue. In my experience, this concept may also apply to dogs.

For dogs with chronic pain, the October Slide can impact not only their physical comfort, but also their behavior. This can make training and behavior modification more challenging and it is often confusing for owners and trainers alike that suddenly a dog that was behaviorally improving, is regressing. This blog will explore what the October Slide means for dogs, how it can affect their behavior and training, and signs that your dog might need a veterinary check to manage any possible conditions.

What Is the "October Slide"?

The October Slide describes a noticeable worsening of chronic pain and related symptoms in colder months, often starting in October. This concept comes from the human chronic pain community and I believe it can also help us better understand how behavior regression occurs and why. For dogs, this can manifest as stiffness, reduced mobility, and increased sensitivity to touch. The change in weather, combined with less daylight and a shift in routines, can also impact their mood, energy levels, and overall behavior. For dogs with a history of biting, growling, or snapping in relation to discomfort, monitoring their behavior as the weather changes each year can be an important form of behavioral management.

Dogs with chronic pain conditions may experience:

Heightened Pain Sensitivity: Cooler weather can cause muscles and connective tissues to tighten, increasing joint stiffness, and making movement more painful. For dogs with arthritis or similar conditions, this can exacerbate existing inflammation, leading to heightened pain sensitivity. This parallels what many humans with chronic pain report during colder months; an increase in symptoms like stiffness, soreness, and overall discomfort.
Increased Inflammation: Humidity and damp conditions can worsen inflammation, particularly in joints or areas of previous injury. Dogs may experience swelling or tenderness, further limiting their mobility and willingness to engage in activities. This can create a feedback loop: less movement leads to more stiffness, which in turn discourages activity, making the problem worse.
Reduced Daylight and Energy Levels: Shorter days bring less sunlight, which affects circadian rhythms in both humans and animals. Reduced exposure to natural light can contribute to lethargy and changes in mood. While this may not directly cause physical pain, it can lower a dog’s motivation to exercise or interact, which indirectly affects their physical condition by reducing activity levels.
Behavioral Changes Linked to Pain
Pain doesn’t just affect the body, it impacts the mind, too. Dogs experiencing chronic discomfort may show behavioral signs such as:
- Increased Irritability: Pain lowers tolerance for stress, which can make a dog more reactive to triggers like noises, other dogs, or unexpected handling.
- Avoidance of Activities: Dogs might steer clear of stairs, car rides, or play sessions they used to enjoy if these activities cause discomfort.
- Restlessness or Changes in Sleep Patterns: Chronic pain can make it harder for dogs to find comfortable resting positions, leading to pacing, whining, or interrupted sleep.

These changes can make behavior modification or training more difficult, as dogs may struggle to focus or become less tolerant of triggers due to physical discomfort.

Why the October Slide Impacts Dog Training

When chronic pain flares up, it can overshadow dog training and behavior modification efforts in several ways:

Lower Tolerance for Training:
Pain affects a dog’s ability to focus. Tasks that involve physical movements like “sit” or “down” might feel uncomfortable, leading to reluctance. Similarly, triggers that a dog might normally tolerate, such as passing other dogs on a walk, can suddenly become overwhelming due to the additional stress of physical discomfort.
Disrupted Reinforcement Patterns:
A dog in pain may behave unpredictably, which can disrupt the consistency needed for reinforcement in training. For example, a normally food-motivated dog may refuse treats due to discomfort or a lack of appetite, making it harder to train effectively.
Avoidance Behaviors as Coping Mechanisms:
Dogs may develop avoidance behaviors to cope with pain, such as refusing to go outside, shying away from interactions, or hiding. These behaviors can complicate behavior modification plans, as they might mimic anxiety or other emotional responses.
Behavior Escalation Due to Pain:
Reactivity, barking, or aggression might increase as a dog’s tolerance for frustration decreases. Pain can act as a compounding stressor, amplifying responses to triggers that might have previously been manageable.

“If you notice changes in your dog’s behavior, it’s important to determine whether chronic pain might be an influence.”

— Lauren Tsao

Signs Your Dog May Need a Vet Check

If you notice changes in your dog’s behavior, it’s important to determine whether chronic pain might be an influence. Monitoring for changes in mobility, behavior, or activity levels is key to catching issues early and preventing further escalation. Some signs that your dog might need a veterinary evaluation or re-check on the status of a previously diagnosed condition:

Changes in Mobility: Limping, stiffness, or difficulty standing up or lying down.
Decreased Activity Levels: Reluctance to play, exercise, or engage in normal activities.
Behavioral Changes: Increased irritability, growling, snapping, or withdrawal from family members.
Sensitivity to Touch: Flinching, yelping, or avoiding contact when touched.
Changes in Appetite or Sleep: Restlessness at night or reduced interest in food could indicate discomfort.
New Avoidance Behaviors: Refusing stairs, hesitating to jump, or avoiding hard or slippery floors.

Addressing these signs early with veterinary support and adjustments to daily routines can help your dog manage the seasonal shift with greater comfort. Regular check-ins with your vet can ensure their pain management plan is optimized, particularly as the weather changes. By adapting training protocols and daily care, you can help your dog navigate the October Slide while maintaining their quality of life.

Adapting Dog Training During the October Slide

When chronic pain flares up in your dog, behavior modification and training may require careful adjustments to accommodate their physical and emotional needs. Below are detailed strategies to help:

1. Focus on Low-Impact Activities:

Dogs experiencing discomfort from chronic pain benefit from activities that minimize joint strain while still providing physical and mental engagement.

Gentle Walks: Short, slow-paced walks on soft surfaces like grass or dirt paths can help maintain mobility without overexerting your dog. Avoid slippery or uneven terrain, which can exacerbate joint pain.
Indoor Enrichment: Activities such as hide-and-seek, scent games, or interactive toys provide stimulation without requiring high levels of physical exertion. For example:
- Use snuffle mats to encourage foraging.
- Play “find the treat” games around the house.
- Introduce puzzle toys that challenge their mind while keeping their body at rest.

2. Incorporate Pain Management into Training:

Pain relief is a cornerstone of effective training for dogs with chronic conditions. Without addressing discomfort, behavior modification can become frustrating or counterproductive.

Veterinary Support: Work with your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s pain management plan is up-to-date. Medications like NSAIDs, joint supplements (e.g., glucosamine and chondroitin), or advanced therapies such as laser treatment could be topics to bring up with your vet.
Physical Therapy: Incorporate therapeutic exercises prescribed by a canine physical therapist to improve mobility and reduce pain. These might include targeted stretches, balance exercises, or massages.
Track Pain Levels: Keep a journal of your dog’s behavior and symptoms. Share this with your vet to adjust treatments as needed, particularly during seasonal changes like the October Slide.

3. Adjust Training Goals:

Training sessions need to account for your dog’s physical limitations to ensure they remain enjoyable and effective.

Short Sessions: Break training into short, manageable sessions (5–10 minutes) with frequent breaks to prevent fatigue.
Modify Movements: Replace exercises that require repetitive or strenuous movements with alternatives. For example:
- Instead of “sit,” practice “watch me” or short stays in natural positions of your dog’s choosing.
- Replace high-energy recall exercises with calm leash work or stationary focus games.
Focus on Mental Engagement: Incorporate activities like teaching new cues that don’t require much physical strain, such as targeting (“touch”) or scent work.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement:

Pain can lower a dog’s motivation and increase stress, so building confidence through reward-based training is especially important.

High-Value Rewards: Use treats that your dog finds most motivating. For dogs with reduced appetite due to pain, experiment with softer or highly palatable treats like shredded chicken or wet food.
Reward Effort, Not Just Success: Celebrate small efforts, such as your dog attempting a cue, even if they don’t complete it perfectly. This approach helps them feel supported and avoids frustration.
Avoid Aversive Techniques: Pain amplifies stress, so avoid training methods that rely on corrections or pressure. Instead, focus on creating positive associations with each step of the training process.

Photo shows English Bulldog standing outside during autumn.

Supporting Your Dog Through the October Slide

By staying attuned to your dog’s needs and providing compassionate support, you can help them navigate seasonal challenges with greater confidence. Here are a few additional tips:

Monitor Body Language: Learn to recognize signs of discomfort, such as avoiding specific movements, excessive licking of joints, or changes in posture. Adjust activities accordingly.
Be Flexible: If your dog struggles with a task, adapt or pause that exercise and return to it when they’re feeling more comfortable.
Celebrate Small Wins: Progress may be slow, but each small improvement like staying calm during a trigger or successfully completing a modified cue, is worth celebrating.
Seek Professional Guidance: If you’re struggling with training or behavior concerns, a professional dog behavior consultant familiar with your dog’s condition, can help tailor a plan to suit your dog’s current needs.

The October Slide reminds us that seasonal changes can have a profound impact on dogs with chronic conditions, influencing both their physical comfort and behavior. By recognizing the signs of discomfort, adapting training and behavior modification protocols, and partnering with your veterinarian, you can help your dog navigate these challenges and maintain their quality of life.

If your dog’s behavior has changed or you’re unsure how to adapt their training, reach out for professional support. As a certified dog training, dog behavior consultant, and Dynamic Dog Practitioner, I specialize in helping dog owners navigate behavior changes related to chronic conditions. Whether you need behavior advice or a tailored training plan, I’m here to help in person in Jackson, MS, or virtually worldwide. Click here to schedule a Behavior Guidance Call!