Most of us will have had at least one cold or flu this year.
For those of us who spend long periods of time indoors, in crowded spaces, especially around children, dealing with multiple bouts of (human) colds and flu is inevitable.
While getting sick is uncomfortable and disruptive, at least we know what to expect and can stock up on tissues, cold medicine, and soup.
It is not common for our dogs to contract upper respiratory tract infections. So much so that in winter it is no longer our top concern, nor is it something that most of us pay attention to.
But every year, we seem to hear about another new, unknown strain of dog infection. Some of these cause mild illness from which the dog recovers within a few weeks, while other times, even healthy dogs can develop more severe symptoms.
Maybe it’s time we prepare for canine cold and flu season by understanding how infectious diseases affect dogs and what steps we should take to protect them.
Can cold weather make dogs sick?
Upper respiratory tract infections are caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses, not cold temperatures. However, cold weather does make us all, including our dogs, more susceptible to illness.
Pathogens spread more easily in cold, dry air. Cold weather can also damage our immune systems. These viruses still exist and affect dogs during warm seasons, but they are more prevalent during cold seasons.
Therefore, our dogs may also be more likely to spend time indoors during the winter, although they aren't in the same crowded spaces and social situations that we are.
Veterinary offices, grooming salons, boarding kennels – these are all places where your dog can become infected. Although not indoors, dog parks can be places where your dog comes into close contact with other dogs.
What's going on in the news?
You may have heard that dogs are getting sick in some areas, and veterinarians have discovered that they are infected with a new, unknown virus. Existing viruses may mutate.
Viruses are constantly mutating, spreading more easily, causing more severe infections, and bypassing your dog's immune system—and that's nothing new.
While it's common for viruses to mutate, and for dogs to get sick, especially in the winter, these mysterious illnesses seem to be popping up more and more.
There may be several reasons for this:
- More and more people are raising dogs and use of pet care services, dog parks and other spaces.
- Dogs are part of the familyand it’s becoming increasingly common to take them with you when visiting friends and family, and incorporate them into traditions like taking Santa photos.
- Dog-friendly space Restaurant patios and breweries, for example, are becoming more popular and more crowded.
- We pay more attention to When our dogs get sick, we are more likely than dog owners in the past to take them to the vet.
- Fewer people are getting vaccinated Their dogs resist known diseases, giving these viruses more chance to mutate.
- climate change Means changes in the way viruses survive in the environment and affect pets
- Isolation during COVID-19 This means the dog may not spend as much time in parks and play areas and may not develop natural immunity against the disease.
- More breaking news coverage. These new viruses are not hitting every region, but news reports may make them appear more widespread than they actually are.
It is not wrong for us to take our dogs too much or too little into public places. There are some factors we cannot change, such as climate and lifestyle, city living, daycare and boarding services.
What we can control is vaccinating our dogs as recommended by our veterinarians. Core vaccines against parvovirus and distemper are vital and life-saving during puppyhood. Vaccinations such as Bordetella (kennel cough) are recommended for dogs in boarding or daycare settings and can help protect vulnerable dogs such as puppies and older dogs who cannot be vaccinated.
What's more, many of the dogs in the news are suffering from severe and sometimes fatal new viruses and are suffering from multiple infections at the same time. Although there is no vaccine for every virus your dog may contract, some protection is better than none and may make the difference between mild and severe disease.
How do we protect our dogs from viruses?
It is not necessary, or even possible, to protect your dog from every virus they may encounter.
When our dogs are sick Chances are They can recover at home without further treatment.
We need to continue to care for our dogs and call attention to problems when they arise. Coughing, sneezing, lack of energy, loss of appetite, eye discharge, mood changes – these are all things we are concerned about and should warrant a trip to the vet, even if the symptoms seem minor.
Your veterinarian can determine why your dog is sick, whether they need medication, and what else your dog may need to ensure they don't contract secondary infections or complications like dehydration.
Quarantine is not required unless your dog is particularly vulnerable or there is an outbreak in your area, but you may still want to avoid unnecessary contact with other dogs, especially in the winter.
Most veterinarians will now let you Wait in your car instead of in the waiting room, Until your dog is called in.
For holidays or long workdays, you can Hire a dog walker or pet sitter to come to your homeinstead of boarding or using a doggie daycare center.
you can Try mobile beauty servicesor skip a grooming appointment or two in the winter and brush your teeth frequently to prevent mats.
Our dogs rely on us to keep them safe, but we can only do the best we can. In the wake of the outbreak, we remain vigilant, tired of the news, and reminiscing about normal life. Luckily we have dogs to motivate us to keep going.
she also uses Her Pet Copywriting Business Make sure you find the best pet products and services on the web with engaging copy and interesting, informative blog posts.She also offers Product Description Writing Services For e-commerce companies.
As a dog mom to Matilda and a cow, she spends most of her days taking long walks and practicing new tricks, and most nights trying to make the most of the small section of her bed she has.
You'll also find her baking bread, making homemade pizza, laughing, painting, and shopping.
