CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF DOGS DURING WINTER SEASON
Aditya Sharma1*, Sheikh Uzma Farooq2, Khyati Sapra3
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, Khalsa College of Veterinary and Animals Sciences, Amritsar, 143001
2Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, Khalsa College of Veterinary and Animals Sciences, Amritsar, 143001
33rd Professional year student, Khalsa College of Veterinary and Animals Sciences, Amritsar
*Aditya Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Pathology, KCVAS, Amritsar, 7018635195, aditya555sharma@gmail.com
ABSTRACT: – Every season in India brings along a change to pet’s care routine and winter is no more different. India is very diverse in terms of climatic conditions because we have cold temperatures during November to March in northern hemisphere while the southern parts of country are still warm. As a result when some parts of the country are battling with fleas and ticks in dogs, the other parts struggle to keep dogs warm in the winter. When it comes to the cold, dogs are just as susceptible to discomfort and harm as they are in the heat. Therefore it becomes utmost important to keep in mind about certain managemental practices that can help dogs to cope up with the harsh winter conditions.
Keywords: – Dogs, Winter, Susceptible, Discomfort, Managemental Practices
INTRODUCTION:
With India’s coldest months being December to February where the North can glimmer in ice and snow, it’s really important to think about keeping pets like dogs safe from all the dangers. With the weather getting increasingly cold, it is important to keep a check on winter care routine of dogs to keep them safe, healthy and protected. Some long-haired breeds, such as German Shepherds and Huskies, are better suited to cold winters and acclimatize to the weather well but even these dogs need protection as the temperature dips. Winter is a time when we have to shield our furry friends carefully. Weather conditions puts a lot of effect on the health of the animals especially the winter season, in which animals are at major risk of becoming ill. Therefore being a responsible pet owner, care and management of dogs should be taken carefully and any unnecessary outdoor movement should be restricted.
SOME IMPORTANT MANAGEMENTAL GUIDELINES DURING WINTER SEASON
1.PROPER GROOMING:-
Avoid trimming, shaving, or cutting dog’s hair because a dog’s full weight coat is his source of warmth during winter. It is important to maintain a good grooming regime, combing out knots and brushing the coat thoroughly throughout winter. Consistent grooming can also alleviate dander problems in dogs living through the dry winters.
2.INDOOR BATHING:-
During the cold weather try giving fewer baths to the dogs, in case possible, one should avoid giving baths because it takes longer time for their fur to get dry and in the meanwhile they can catch cold. One should ensure that the dogs are bathed with warm water and their fur should be dried as soon as possible.Also it should be ensured that the dog’s fur is completely dried before letting him or her outside.
3.EXERCISE:-
Majority of the pets are not willing to play during winters. So the responsibility falls on the family /owner to keep their pet in good health by making them exercise. Few minutes of exercise/walk can keep pets in the god shape in winters.
4.KEEP THE HAIR AROUND PAW PADS WELL TRIMMED:-
It should be ensured that the hair around the paw pads should be well trimmed as it will help
in the prevention of ice and snow balling up between the footpads. Paw pads must be regularly checked after the walks outside for any sort of cracks, cuts, or any foreign debris stuck in them. To keep their pads in good condition it is suggested that Vaseline should be applied on their pads to condition them.
5.AVOID OVER FEEDING :-
It is important for dog to eat regularly and well during colder months, in order to keep up energy and warmth. However, diet of the dogs must be closely monitored during winters as overfeeding them can lead to obesity. If any negligence is there while deciding upon the diet of the pet dogs, it can make them overweight. However, dogs living outside or dogs who are more dynamic during the winters require more food. One must consult veterinarian about dog’s particular energy needs. it should also be made sure that dog has constant access to clean and unfrozen water. Heated bowls can be purchased for outside use.
6.GUARD AGAINST CANINE WINTER ILLNESS:-
Dogs are at high risk of becoming unhealthy due to the nipping cold weather. Respiratory infections in damp climates, frostbite, and consumption of toxic substances are some of the principal concerns.
7.KEEP DOG DRY AND WARM:-
This will help to guard against respiratory infections, such as kennel cough. If dog gets a respiratory infection, seek veterinary attention immediately. Be aware that if one has several dogs and all are sharing the same air space, such as in a communal kennel, then illnesses are more likely to spread.
8.FROST BITE:-
It can be a problem for some dogs, especially hairless varieties. Ear tips and tail tips must be checked particularly if they feel cold, appear white, red or gray, and/or are dry and hard. If frostbite is suspected then wrap your dog’s extremities in blankets or towels to warm them gradually and seek the veterinary assistance immediately.
9.TOXIC ITEMS SHOULD BE KEPT AWAY DURING THE WINTERS :-
It is suggested to keep anti-freeze out of the reach of the dogs as they have the tendency to lick it because it tastes sweet. It only takes four teaspoons worth to kill a dog under 10 pounds. If dog does ingest antifreeze, see a vet immediately, as treatment needs to be given within hours to save dog’s life. Rat bait is also a toxic substance which must be kept away from their reach. Keep all toxic items well out of the reach of dogs and clean up any spills immediately.
10.TAKING SHORTER WALKS WHEN THE WEATHER IS SEVERELY COLD:-
Do not try to take out the dog on the same length walks as during warmer weather. A shorter walk can still accomplish enough exercise and relief breaks without causing dog to become too cold. Even if indoors, keep exercising. Play indoor games with dog, such as fetch, tug-of-war, hiding toys, and if it’s possible to let them run around inside, then do so. To keep the dogs in the best of their shape, exercising for them is of utmost importance.
HOUSING OF DOG:
1.UNDERSTAND BREED’S PARTICULAR SUSCEPTIBILITY TO THE COLD:
Some dog breeds are more prone to the cold than others, while some breeds are adapted extremely well to the cold. Dogs that do not do well in the cold should not be kept outdoors. Dogs who thrive better in winter season also need certain amount of warmth to keep optimal level of body temperature.
2.PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELTER:
It is optimal if dog remain indoors throughout winter, going outside for exercising and answering nature’s call only. This will ensure that dog doesn’t get cold. Young puppies should not be left outside as they don’t have the ability like older dogs to keep themselves warm outside.
- If one has an outsider dog such as sled dog, ensure that it has access to a shelter and bedding inside the shelter. Floors should be covered with the beds made of straw as it keeps the floor warm and helps protecting against freezing cold. Make sure to change it regularly.
3.INSULATION:
It is proposed that the items such as straw or bubble wrap should be used on the floor to prevent the cold from the floor. A fake floor which is raised at least 4-6 inches from the ground is more suitable in the winters to keep the animals warm from the freezing cold floor. Hot water bottles can be kept beneath the floor particularly on extremely cold day.
4.MAKE SURE THE SHELTER PROTECTS FROM THE WIND:
Due to the wind chill factor, one feels colder as it lowers the temperature of the body. Always make sure outside dogs are completely protected from the wind. If they are kenneled, perhaps add porch onto the entrance so that wind into the kennel is reduced. Work out which way the prevailing wind tends to blow, and then face the entrance in the opposite direction. This also gives the opportunity to put insulation around the kennel, especially on the side the prevailing wind strikes, in order to reduce heat loss.
5.ENSURE THAT THE BEDDING IS WARM AND WELL PLACED:
Bedding is extremely important for maintaining the temperature of shelter and thus animals. If the pet sleeps on the ground place the bed up off the floor. The object is to stop heat loss by transmission with the ground.
- We can easily improvise a platform with a sheet of hardboard resting on some books or bricks.
- Customized beds with blankets and good clothing make warm bedding.
6.PROVIDE HEATING ON COLD NIGHTS:
This is especially important for old and arthritic dogs.
- Older dogs, in particular, stiffen up in the colder weather. Keeping heat in around their joints can greatly aid in their comfort. This can be achieved by placing a thick blanket over the dog once they have settled down for the night.
- There is a lot of range of electric blankets or heat mats available in the market for the pets. Special whelping boxes are also available to keep the young ones safely inside them to protect them from the cold and the danger of being crushed or choked by their mother. Always make sure that the heat mats do not produce excessive heat as it might cause heat burns to the pets. In order to steer clear of this kind of situation make sure to cover the mat first with some other normal blanket so as to avoid the direct contact.
7.CLEAN AND CHANGE BEDDING REGULARLY:
This will reduce fleas, germs, and mess. This is especially important over the winter, when insects look for any warm places they can find.
8.USE CANINE CLOTHING OPTIONS FOR PARTICULAR DOGS:
Canine clothing can help to keep dog warm throughout the winter. It is usually preferred for the small dogs or the old and sick dogs or the dogs without long hair like greyhounds, whippets etc. Dog jackets, snuggies, and sweaters can be purchased or made (knit, sew, crochet, or quilt) for any sized dog. It should be made sure that any dog clothing is completely dry before use. Where possible, remove the clothing when dog is inside, unless the temperature in the house is very low.
NUTRITION DURING WINTERS:
1.CALORIES RICH DIET:
Some dogs prefer the cold weather, therefore, they prefer to stay outside like huskies and Saint. Bernard etc. So, their intake of food must be increased. Food should be provided in smaller amounts but more frequently. The diet should include warm, no- salt chicken so as to lure the dog to eat.
2.SCALE DOWN THE TREATS:
Cut down the treats given to the dogs if they do little physical activity to keep them in good shape. Also, reduce the carbohydrates in their diet.
3.SCRUTINIZE THEIR COAT:
During the cold weather it becomes extremely important for the dogs to maintain their body heat to keep them warm. Their coat protects them from the nipping cold weather. A nutritious diet will ensure that the dog’s coat is good otherwise a poor diet can lead to rough, thin and dry coat making it unsuitable to protect them from the chilly weather.Winter is usually considered to be a good time to assess the food habits of the dogs.
4.PROVIDE NOURISHMENT TO THE SKIN:
The skin of the dog is usually prone to be dry and cracked during the winters. To ward-off the dry, cracked or chapped skin or paws, dog’s diet should include lots of food that contain omega fatty acids.
5.PROVIDE EXTRA SUPPLEMENTS:
Along with the food they normally eat, include diet supplements which can help in the better digestion of the food and relieves the pain caused due to the swelling of joints in the winters.
6.ENSURE PROPER HYDRATION:-
In the winters dogs are at high risk of being, dehydrated. Ensure to keep water laid out for them. As thirst decreases during the winters, there is high probability that the dogs do not drink enough water, so also add some water to their raw food.
7.CIRCUMSPECT BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGE:
It is not easy for the dogs to accept any sort of change in their diet instantly, so gradually make little transitions in their diets so as to avoid digestive complications like diarrhoea or vomiting. These problems can further aggravate dehydration. Old food should be given in combination with the new food for several days. Slowly decrease the amount of old food and increase the quantity of new food.
CONCLUSION:
Though certain regions may not face exceedingly low temperatures, it is still advisable to keep a watch on dog’s general well-being during winter. We can keep our dogs active in winter and can engage them for at least some time during the day to keep them in a good spirit. Monitoring the body temperature of dogs regularly can ensure they are doing well at low temperature. This will give us a clear idea of whether our dog is cold or comfortable.
