Winter disorders in pets

When temperatures start to drop, our pets can be subject to numerous ailments, although most pets are relatively hardy creatures and can tolerate the cold without too many problems. However, there are some common winter pet ailments that you should be aware of, as well as some preventative measures you can take to help keep your furry friend healthy all season long.

One of the most common winter problems for both dogs and cats is dry skin . Cold, dry air outside, combined with the heat from indoor heating systems, can strip the moisture from your pet’s skin, leaving it dull, scaly and itchy. To combat this problem, be sure to brush your pet regularly (which will also help remove dead fur) and consider using a humidifier in your home to add extra humidity to the air. You could also switch to a hydrating shampoo or use a pet-specific lotion on particularly dry areas.

Another common complaint in both indoor and outdoor pets during the winter is cracking of the foot. Those cute little paws have sturdy pads that protect them from hot pavement or hard ground, but those same pads can crack and become injured when exposed to salt, de-icing chemicals, or other harsh elements often found on sidewalks and driveways during the winter months. To avoid this problem, be sure to clean your pet’s feet after every walk with a damp cloth. It’s also a good idea to check their paws regularly for cracks or abrasions and apply a balm if necessary – just make sure it’s safe to ingest in case they decide to lick it! Finally, try investing in some dog booties or socks, which will provide an extra layer of protection between their sensitive paws and outdoor sidewalks and walkways.

Pay attention to the signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia is dangerous for both humans and animals, so watch for symptoms such as shivering, twitching, depression, lethargy, or weakness. This condition is triggered when the quadruped’s body temperature drops below the limits, approximately below 35 degrees centigrade. The level of cold is perceived differently from one dog to another, which is why short-haired dogs, with health problems such as diabetes or heart problems, or older dogs, will feel the cold more easily and are more prone to hypothermia.

Influenza and pneumonia there are other conditions to which small quadrupeds are exposed during the winter. They especially affect puppies or older dogs because their immune system is weaker. Symptoms you’ll notice with the flu or cold are cough, dry or clammy, sneezing, runny nose or eyes, fever, or anorexia. Fortunately, with cold protection, vet-recommended food, and optimal treatment, flu and colds can be easily cured. Naturally all this under the guidance of the veterinarian and after consultation.

Kennel cough caused by viral bacteria that are inhaled into the airways is another condition that dogs can face especially during the winter. This condition can be contagious, which is why your dog should be isolated from other dogs when the disease is confirmed, or if you notice a dog showing symptoms of kennel cough, make sure your pet does not interact with it. The main symptoms of this condition are mainly cough, which this time is dry and strong, eye and nasal discharge, sneezing, fever or loss of appetite.

Here are some tips on how to keep your furry friends healthy during the winter months:

1. Provide them with adequate thermal conditions – Make sure the animal has a warm place to sleep, away from drafts. Especially if your pet has its “home” outside, consider investing in a pet cage with a built-in heater or placing blankets both on top of and inside the cage.
2. Give them extra food: Animals burn more calories when it’s cold outside because they’re trying to stay warm. For this reason, they may need more food than usual during the winter. Talk to your vet about how much supplemental food your furry friend should receive and make sure he always has access to fresh water.
3. Protect their paws: Ice and snow can be harmful to pets’ paws. Therefore, using dog boots when taking them out is an excellent choice. Furthermore, when returning from a walk, if the paws have not been protected, it is advisable to clean them with a damp towel to remove any salt or chemicals that could irritate the skin.
4. Avoid antifreeze poisoning: Antifreeze is toxic to pets (and humans!), but unfortunately pets can be tempted to taste what’s in it. Be sure to properly dispose of leftover antifreeze from car maintenance and keep pets away from areas where it may have been spilled. Sometimes it is enough for the quadruped to step on the areas where the antifreeze has been spilled and then lick its paws. If you believe your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your vet immediately as it can be fatal if not treated immediately. It primarily affects the kidneys, liver and brain and is considered an immediate veterinary emergency.
5. Offer them a warm, cozy bed to sleep in – this will help them stay warm and cozy when they’re not curled up next to you. Furthermore, if their bed is placed near a heat source, happiness will be even greater.
6. Keep the coat well groomed – this will help prevent matting, protect the coat and keep it warm. Regular brushing also helps stimulate circulation and spread natural oils throughout the coat.
7. Take them out for walks or shorter play sessions – try not to overdo the exercise time when the grades are noticeably lower. Shorter, more frequent sessions are better than longer, less frequent ones. Furthermore, a warm and waterproof dog coat can be a real help for your four-legged friend.

Don’t let the winter keep your pet from being healthy and comfortable, and most importantly, don’t let the cold keep you from making memories and spending quality time together. If you think your four-legged friend may be suffering from a winter condition, talk to your vet, act as soon as possible and give him lots of love and attention.