dfter the mild autumn, the lowering of temperatures is felt more violently, even by our furry ones. Especially if with short hair, the dog in winter can undergo, like us, various seasonal ailments. And, in general, even the most daily of walks can suffer: on the icy ground, for example. «It is also important to pay attention to sudden changes in temperature», warns the veterinarian Martina Asti, Regional Medical Partner of AniCura Italia: «Cold air, humidity from the grass, frost or ice can cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, such as laryngitis and tracheitis, which can also turn into pathologies of the lower airways, such as bronchitis ». If your pet is coughing excessively, it is worth taking it to the vet. “And, in the meantime, avoid parks and recreation areas: he could have infectious tracheitis or kennel cough, easily transmissible to similar”.
The 8 rules for dog health in winter
To prevent cooling states there are some behaviors to pay attention to, as the expert suggests.
1. Adequate nutrition
Due to the low temperatures, the dog’s body in winter therefore uses more energy to warm up the daily requirement tends to increase: this is why dogs are hungrier than usual during this period. To support the need for thermoregulation, it is important to administer healthy foods that have an adequate caloric and energy intake.
2. Cool water, but not too much
Remember to always provide your pet with fresh water. If he lives in the garden, check that the water does not freezepreferring to use plastic rather than metal bowls.
3. A comfortable bed
In particular, for dogs that live outdoors it is advisable to set up a kennel that can keep them away from the cold. Lift the kennel off the ground, insulate it inside, for example with polystyrene, place it in places not exposed to rain or drafts. You can make it cozy by covering the inside with blankets that will need to be cleaned regularly.
4. Go out during the hottest hours
If your pet is used to living indoors, try to guarantee him access to the garden during the hottest hours of the dayso that they can enjoy a little warmth and relaxation in the sun.
5. Always dry coat
In case of rain, dry your pet’s coat as much as possible, with a towel or a hairdryer, to prevent the fur from remaining wet and him perceiving a persistent sensation of cold. Don’t forget your ears tooespecially if you have Cockers or Bassethounds.
6. Raincoats if it rains and coats if it is small or short-haired
In the event of rain and storms, use a raincoat when walking (the dog that lives at home): it will be easier to dry the dog when you return home. To make the transition from the warmth at home to the cold outside the home less traumatic, especially for those small breeds of dogs and cats, puppies and/or short-haired, smooth or hairless, it is advisable to use a coat or fleece.
7. Protect the foot pads
In case of ice and snow, pay attention to the dog’s foot pads: are at risk of freezer burn. To protect them, special shoes or water-repellent ointments can be used to spread on the paws and in the spaces between the toes before going out. If you bring your dog with you on the snow, keep him on a leash: the risk of him getting lost is high because pcan not hear the tracks covered by snow to find the way back.
8. Attention to the elderly
Older animals need more attention in this period: being more lethargic, they perform less activity during the day and tend to suffer more from low temperatures. Ptherefore it is good to guarantee them a soft kennel equipped with batteries or covers under which they can take refuge. If they suffer from osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis, ask your trusted veterinary doctor for advice on possible supplements to take or pain-relieving therapeutic protocols to be carried out to reduce the pain/discomfort that tends to increase with the cold.
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