{"id":121,"date":"2017-11-06T20:30:00","date_gmt":"2017-11-07T01:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wp.pawboost.com\/index.php\/2017\/11\/06\/2017-10-30-prevent-illness-and-keep-your-canine-companion-safe-this-winter\/"},"modified":"2023-09-11T16:42:41","modified_gmt":"2023-09-11T20:42:41","slug":"2017-10-30-prevent-illness-and-keep-your-canine-companion-safe-this-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pawboost.com\/blog\/2017-10-30-prevent-illness-and-keep-your-canine-companion-safe-this-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Prevent Illness and Keep Your Canine Companion Safe this Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article is contributed by guest writer, Cindy Aldridge<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Prevent Illness and Keep Your Canine Companion Safe this Winter<\/h1>\n

When the weather gets cooler, we all become a little more aware of cold and flu season, but we may not realize that winter weather brings some of the same health risks to our dogs that it does for humans. Be on the lookout for illness and other hazards so you can be sure your dog stays safe and healthy this winter.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pixabay via Pexels<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Health and Wellness<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If your dog is due for a wellness check, don\u2019t delay doing this as cooler weather approaches because some chronic conditions like arthritis could be made worse by cold temperatures. Winter is also a time when dogs are more susceptible to illness, just like humans. In recent years, dog flu (H3N2) has been on the rise, with larger outbreaks in some areas.<\/p>\n

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the dog flu virus<\/a> is different from the H3N2 flu viruses that infect humans. It is a separate dog flu virus, but the symptoms are similar to what humans experience when we get the flu. Dogs will commonly have a cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Watch for these signs of dog flu and contact your vet if you notice them in your dog. In many cases, your dog can be treated at home with plenty of rest and water. Your vet can also give them medications to help them feel better and fluids if they become dehydrated. The dog flu is rarely fatal, and these more severe cases usually come from a secondary bacterial infection. Keep a close eye on how your dog is feeling, and never hesitate to reach out to your vet if your dog is unwell because your vet can give antibiotics if any infections arise.<\/p>\n

\" Photo Credit: Ebowalker via Pixabay<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Of course prevention is always the best medicine. Dog flu is extremely contagious<\/a>, infecting about 80% of dogs who are exposed to it, according to Business Insider. The virus is airborne, so if you take your dog to a groomer, doggie daycare, dog park or any other place that has multiple dogs in close quarters, you need to be aware of this risk. There is a vaccine<\/a> for dog flu, so you may want to discuss this with your vet. If your dog gets the flu, make sure to keep them away from other animals for a few weeks. The virus also lives on surfaces for 48 hours, so wash their bowls, beds, leashes and anything else they come into contact with.<\/p>\n

Winter Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In addition to the possibility of illness, cooler weather brings other hazards for our furry friends. Follow these tips to keep your dog safe all winter long.<\/p>\n