How to Protect Fido from Dog Flu

It’s not just humans that have to battle through the cold and flu season every year. Your pets can experience illnesses as well. Here’s what you need to know about the most common pet illnesses.

 

Upper Respiratory Infections

The most common upper respiratory infection in pets is kennel cough. Like the common cold runs through school kids, it is often shared in social situations like doggy daycare. 

While it won’t prevent your pets from catching kennel cough, the bordetella vaccine will reduce the severity of symptoms. If your dog goes to daycare, the dog park, or on group playdates, stay vigilant for symptoms of illness. 

 

Upper Respiratory Infection Symptoms: 

  • Runny nose 
  • Eye discharge 
  • Lethargy 
  • Itchiness 
  • Coughing, sneezing, and wheezing 
  • Reduced enthusiasm and stamina for fun activities

 

If your dog has respiratory infection symptoms, the most important thing is to isolate them from other dogs. Reduce their exercise, encourage them to drink plenty of water, and keep them comfortable. Using a harness instead of a collar will reduce pressure or pain on their throat while they’re sick. Kennel cough should clear up in 7-14 days, but if your dog has more than a couple of the symptoms or they persist past 14 days, call your vet.

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Hypothermia

Hypothermia can happen to our pets just like it can to humans. They’re particularly susceptible when their fur is wet or when it is really windy. Old and young dogs are at higher risk. 

 

Symptoms of Hypothermia: 

  • Body temperature drops 
  • Heart rate and breathing slow down
  • Shivering (which will eventually stop when they get extremely cold)
  • Lethargy
  • Dilated pupils
  • Pale or blue gums and eyelids
  • Skin is cold to the touch
  • Trouble walking or breathing
  • Neurological problems, unconsciousness

 

Hypothermia risk in pets varies a lot based on breed and body type. Huskies often prefer to be outside during freezing temperatures. When it’s cold, make sure outside dogs have access to a warm place to sleep. 

To prevent hypothermia in pets, keep dogs and cats dry in freezing weather. If they have thin or short hair, invest in a raincoat, warm jackets, and boots. If they get wet, dry them off and get them warm before they head outside again. Shorten the length of walks on the coldest days. 

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Frostbite

Tails, ears, and paws are the most likely bits of your pets to be affected by frostbite. If they’ve been outside in freezing temperatures for a while, give them a quick check-over. 

 

Symptoms of Frostbite: 

  • Skin discolouration, usually pale blue or grey
  • Cold or brittle feeling of the affected area 
  • Pain in the area
  • Swelling, blisters, or skin ulcers
  • Blackened or dead skin (extreme cases)

 

If you suspect frostbite, bring your pet inside where it’s warm and dry, and call the vet immediately. Like frostbite in humans, you want to bring the affected area back up to normal temperature slowly. 

Do not use a heating pad or hair dryer to warm your pet’s frostbitten skin. Cover them with blankets to help them warm up, but avoid handling the affected area. Create warm compresses with water that is no warmer than 40°C and apply them very gently. Get your pet to the vet soon, frostbite is very painful, and further problems can develop if left untreated. 

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Antifreeze Poisoning

Ingesting antifreeze causes acute kidney failure in both cats and dogs. Unfortunately, it’s a pretty attractive substance for pets, and they seem to like the taste of it.  

If you think there is any chance that your pet has licked or eaten any amount of an antifreeze product, get them to the vet immediately. If they get to a vet quickly, it might be possible for the vet to save them. Unfortunately, if it has been several hours, the prognosis is not good. 

A cat can consume a fatal amount just from licking its paws after walking through a puddle. Just five tablespoons is a fatal dose for a medium-sized dog.

 

Antifreeze Poisoning Symptoms:

  • Depressed attitude
  • Staggering or instability
  • Seizures
  • Excessive water drinking and urination
  • Vomiting

 

Later on, your pets may seem to be recovering slightly, only to go drastically downhill in the next day or two later when kidney failure sets in. 

Call your vet immediately if you think your pet has encountered antifreeze.

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Arthritis

Arthritis is something that many pets develop as they age—and winter temperatures can make symptoms worse. It can be just as painful for them as it is for us. You can’t necessarily prevent arthritis, but you can help manage their symptoms to prevent pain and slow down the progression of it.

 

Symptoms of Arthritis: 

  • Stiffness, lameness, or limping
  • Appetite loss or weight gain
  • Reluctance to walk, run, or climb stairs
  • Irritability
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Urinating in the house

 

Make sure your dog has comfortable, warm, and well-padded places to relax away from cold drafts. It’s important to keep them active to keep up mobility but ease into activity slowly. Keep them warm with coats and boots for winter activities. Massage can also help ease the pain. Talk to your vet about supplements, like Omega-3’s that can help as well. 

You’ll find whatever supplies you need to keep your pet warm and safe this winter at Mother Nature; stop by for a visit!