Get Ready! 4 Dangerous Diseases in Dogs When the Cold Weather Arrives

As winter sets in and the weather turns colder, it creates a favourable environment for the spread of viruses and bacteria. In some areas, the temperature drops suddenly, which can cause dogs to adjust quickly, putting their bodies under stress, weakening their immune system, and making them more prone to illness.

To help protect your dog, here are some tips on how to prevent diseases during the colder months:

1. Respiratory Infections

Cold weather weakens a dog’s respiratory system, increasing the risk of viral or bacterial infections, such as the flu, pneumonia, or bronchitis. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.

Prevention: Avoid taking your dog out in very cold conditions and regularly monitor their health. If you notice any abnormal symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately.

2. Hypothermia

When dogs are exposed to extreme cold for extended periods, their bodies cannot regulate temperature properly, affecting heart function and blood circulation. Symptoms include a cold body, huddling, lack of movement, shivering, and pale gums.

Prevention: Keep your dog in a warm place, especially if they have short fur, are young, or elderly. Consider dressing them in a warm jacket and ensuring they are kept comfortably warm without direct exposure to intense heat to avoid burns.

3. Skin Infections

In winter, dogs may not get bathed as frequently, leading to the accumulation of bacteria or fungi on their skin, which can result in skin infections such as rashes, sores, dandruff, or hair loss.

Prevention: Bath your dog appropriately, ideally every two weeks, using lukewarm water and suitable skin care products. Make sure to dry their coat thoroughly to maintain cleanliness and reduce bacterial buildup.

4. Diarrhoea

Cold weather can cause food to spoil, allowing bacteria or pathogens to grow and lead to food poisoning, diarrhoea, or vomiting.

Prevention: Regularly change your dog’s food and water, and clean their bowls thoroughly to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria.

Weather can change unpredictably, so it’s important to always take care of your dog’s health to ensure they stay happy and healthy all year round.