3 Health Issues For Pets During The Winter Time
In the wintertime, it seems that people get sick more easily, as do your pets. In order to keep your pet healthy, and in order to know when to take your pet to the vet, it is important to know the primary health issues that pets face in the winter months.
Winter Health Issue # 1: Kennel Cough
One of the most worrisome winter health issues you need to watch out for is kennel cough. Kennel cough is a viral bacteria and is really contagious, which is why it is so worrisome. The symptoms of kennel cough include dry cough, runny nose, fever, sneezing, loss of appetite, and eye discharge. A dog that is around other dogs is more likely to get kennel cough than one who stays at home.
In order to treat kennel cough, you will need to give your dog antibiotics and cough medication. You will also need to keep your dog isolated from other animals because kennel cough is really contagious.
Winter Health Issue #2: Flu & Pneumonia
The second winter health issue you need to be aware of is the flu and pneumonia, diseases that your dog can get. Dogs are more likely to get the flu and pneumonia when they are really young or really old. They are also more likely to get these conditions if they spend a lot of time outside in the snow or rain. The symptoms include things such as a cough, runny nose, sneezing, bloody cough, fever, ear infection, runny eyes, and lack of appetitive.
You can prevent this by providing your dog with warm space to hang out inside in the winter. When your dog does go outside, warm your dog up and dry them off with a towel.
Winter Health Issue #3: Hypothermia
The third winter health issue you need to watch out for is hypothermia. This can occur when your dog spends too much time in a cold environment and is more common in pets that already have poor health. The symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, weakness, depression, and lathery. If your pet experiences hypothermia, you need to warm them up slowly and gradually, not suddenly.
If your pet doesn't seem to be acting like themselves, and you think they may be sick, take them into a local animal clinic. Your vet will be able to figure out what is really going on and prescribe the right treatment that will get your pet back on track.