The cold and heavy rains are an unmistakable sign that autumn is finally here. This drop in temperatures – in some areas – together with the recent change of time affects everyone, including our faithful friends, dogs. From Barkyn they ask us this question How to strengthen your dog’s immunity in autumn? They assure that immune health is a concern all year round, but it becomes especially important during the cold months.
The cold can weaken your dog’s immune system, increasing the chances of your faithful friend contracting a canine cold. This requires ensuring that your dog has a balanced diet that meets his unique nutritional needs. High-quality proteins should not be lacking as well as nutrients such as vitamins C and E, zinc and selenium They are important and essential pieces to maintain a strong immune system.
At what temperature does a dog get cold?
As with people, each dog is different and not all dogs feel cold at the same temperature. However, in general, it is after eight degrees that they begin to show symptoms of cold, so it is advisable to protect them if our place of residence is at this temperature or lower.
How do we know that our dog is cold?
To answer this question, think about how your body reacts to the cold? The dog’s body is no exception and, therefore, tremors are the main symptom of cold in dogs. Whether you’re indoors or outside, if your dog starts shivering, it’s most likely because he feels cold. However, this is not the only sign that can alert us to this, and there are other symptoms of cold:
Breathing and slow movements. If you notice that your faithful friend is breathing more slowly than normal or even having difficulty doing so, it is possible that he or she is cold and is catching a cold because of it.
Increased sleep. Is your dog more tired? Do you sleep more than usual? If so, it may be a consequence of the cold and you will have to take measures to help him endure it. Also, watch your sleeping posture. If he squirms as if he wanted to cover himself with his own body, he most certainly needs to cover himself with a blanket or warm clothing.
Dry skin. Hairless dogs, in particular, can develop dry skin if they feel very cold, a fact that will have to be treated immediately to restore vitality to their skin and keep it in perfect condition.
Some dogs may have a cold body and this may be a symptom of cold, however, it is not a sign that is always present, so it is preferable to be guided by the previous symptoms. On the other hand, if you notice that your dog has stiffness in a specific part of his body, Expertoanimal advises massaging the area very carefully to offer him your warmth and try to alleviate the symptoms. If after a few minutes you do not notice improvement, you will have to take him to the vet immediately.
At what temperature does a dog get cold?
As with people, each dog is different and not all dogs feel cold at the same temperature. However, in general, it is after 8º that they begin to show symptoms of cold, so it is advisable to protect them if our place of residence is at this temperature or lower.
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Regular exercise: Regular physical activity helps maintain overall health, including immune function. Exercise increases circulation, which can improve the distribution of immune cells throughout the body.
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Autumn Fruits: Pamper your dog with autumn fruits such as apples, which are rich in fiber, vitamin A and C, potassium and antioxidants. Another seasonal fruit is the pear. These are rich in copper, vitamin C, K and fiber.
Tips to keep in mind
From the Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE) they offer ABC Mascotas readers a series of useful tips for dogs and also their human companions.
Walks to improve mood: Dogs, like people, can suffer from Seasonal Affective Syndrome. Fewer hours of daylight, colder temperatures and shorter days end up affecting our mood. If our pet seems more tired or downcast than normal, walks outdoors with sunlight will help improve his mood. Furthermore, with the recent time change, progressively bringing forward the meal and walk routine will favor the transition to the cold.
Maintain a good brushing routine: Just as deciduous trees shed their leaves, changes in weather cause hair to fall out more. To avoid this, frequent washing and daily brushing are important, as they will strengthen your scalp. And also take into account the breed of dog because not all of them have the same behavior. For example, the Siberian husky or the Samoyed adapt better to low temperatures due to their greater body fat and abundant coat. On the contrary, short-haired dogs weighing less than ten kilos will have a slightly worse time, as they have less fat, hair and, therefore, less tolerance to the cold.
Attention to previous pathologies: Special attention must be paid to dogs with previous pathologies, such as respiratory or heart diseases, since they are more vulnerable to developing lung infections such as pneumonia. In the case of puppies, the risk is even greater, since they do not have a fully developed immune system.
An energetic but healthy diet: The cold causes the body to spend more energy, so greater caloric consumption will be necessary. More pronounced if you spend a lot of time in the patio or garden. Now, you have to be careful with your diet to avoid becoming overweight. A cold dog can become more homely, which means less activity and physical exercise.
Human heat: Some signs that the dog is cold are chills or tremors, approaching the owner in search of body heat, and making slow movements due to muscle stiffness. To stay in shape, it is advisable to approach them carefully to a heat source and keep them at home at an appropriate temperature, especially in those dog breeds with less fur, such as Chihuahuas or Greyhounds.
Moderate heating: At home you have to be careful with the heating and not just because of the bill. It is better to put it soft before going outside, to avoid sudden changes in temperature. It must be taken into account that dogs have a coat that naturally protects them from the cold and inclement weather, so the clash between very warm environments and the low temperatures of the street can affect the dog’s thermoregulatory function. .
Avoid walks at night: With the arrival of cold weather, it is advisable to avoid walks at night, when temperatures are lower. It is better to walk the dog in the afternoon before it gets dark, trying to do it at the least cold hours. If this is not possible, you can always take shorter walks.
Winter hours: The autumn time change brings forward nightfall, which can make the dog feel more disoriented, increasing the risk of it getting lost. Therefore, it is recommended to take preventive measures to see better in the dark, such as the use of reflective collars and vests. Although the mandatory microchip is essential to be able to find it as quickly as possible and avoid any unpleasantness.
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