Is your pet suffering from any of these common winter ailments? We can help!
Did you know that our pets are also prone to illnesses during the cold winter season? Leaving your cat or dog outside in the cold for a long time can lead to serious illness or injury. To ensure your four-legged family member remains safe, we share some of the winter illnesses prevalent in pets, and how to prevent and treat them.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a viral infection that impacts dogs and cats at any time of the year. However, they are more prone to developing the disease during winter because canines are indoors and in close contact with one another more than they are in the warmer season. The symptoms of kennel cough may include sneezing, runny nose, appetite loss, eye discharge, and fever.
Minor cases of kennel cough typically clear up on their own. In more severe cases, the condition might need cough suppressants and antibiotics to help your furry friend feel better. Vaccination is available for kennel cough but is not 100% effective. Make sure to consult your vet about options for kennel cough prevention, mainly if your cat or dog is old or young.
The Common Cold
The common cold is one of the winter illnesses prevalent in pets. Just like humans, our pets can contract a cold in the winter. In most cases, a common cold is not severe, but you might notice symptoms like runny nose, lethargy, or slight cough. At-home treatment for the common cold might include wrapping your cat or dog in a warm blanket, allowing enough rest, and providing plenty of water to drink.
You may also feed your pet a bland diet of rice chicken soup broth or boneless skinless chicken to help with congestion. Just ensure none of this “people’s food” includes onions or garlic, as these can make your dog sick.
Influenza and Pneumonia
Flu is a general term for a contagious upper respiratory disease that affects animals, whereas pneumonia refers to the inflammation of the lungs. Senior and young pets are typically more prone to flu and pneumonia, but animals that spend much time outside in the cold can suffer from these ailments. If your pet demonstrates any of the following symptoms, take them to the vet for treatment:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Dry or moist cough
- Appetite loss
- Fever
- Watery eyes
Hypothermia
Another one of the winter illnesses prevalent in pets is hypothermia. Your pet can contract hypothermia when she or he is exposed to low temperatures for more extended periods of time, and it can be deadly if not treated immediately. In particular, pets with heart ailments and diabetes have an increased risk of the illness during the cold months. To determine if your pet has hypothermia, take his or her temperature with a rectal thermometer. Wrap the animals in blankets and take them to the vet if the temperature is below 95 Fahrenheit.
Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most prevalent winter illnesses in pets. As the weather becomes colder, the pain caused by arthritis intensifies. If you notice any of the following symptoms, take your pet to the vet for proper examination:
- Inability to jump
- Urinating or defecating in the house
- Sleeping more than usual
- Walking stiffly after waking up from a nap
- Increased aggression when you touch them
Overall, keeping your pet safe and warm during winter time will help prevent them from catching these common illnesses.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!