Your Dog can also suffer from the Flu

Your dog can also suffer from the flu

The winter is so close, the cold waves are still approving the influenza virus, this virus that is not the same in dogs and humans, but the symptoms are similar: cough, runny nose, fatigue, sneezing, fever, etc. Learn to identify this infection to prevent it from getting worse and becoming pneumonia.

Photo by: Mathew Henry

The flu was ravaging last year among humans, perhaps it'll be the same or more for this year! But did you know that your dog can also be affected? Rest assured, it's not the same strain, and it can not be transmitted from the animal to the man, or vice versa. The dog's flu virus attacks his respiratory tract. The infection is highly contagious and can spread from a dog to another via coughing, sneezing, barking, and saliva.  

The symptoms of the dog flu

It is sometimes difficult to notice the symptoms in the dog with influenza, but it is essential to act to prevent the disease from becoming complicated and cause other more serious such as pneumonia. Here are the main signs to watch for:

• a thick nasal discharge, yellow or greenish;
• persistent or unusual lack of appetite;
• tremor or chills while it is not cold;
• lethargy;
• an increase in body temperature, fever;
• dry, sticky gums or bright pink;
• vitreous eyes and/or ocular secretions;
• persistent cough;
• sordid and constant sneezing.

Treat a dog with flu

Don't give your dog any human medicine because they can be deadly. If your pet has flu symptoms, call your veterinarian. While waiting for the appointment, avoid leaving the dog in contact with other dogs, so avoid going to the park, grooming or any other group activity. The veterinarian may prescribe a suitable treatment once the diagnosis is confirmed.

The treatment can be accompanied by some good actions that will help your furry friend recover more quickly from the flu.

• Make sure he stays well hydrated by filling his bowl with water regularly.
• Place your basket in a warm, draft-free place, with blankets, dry, and away from the noise, so that he can rest.
• Offer healthy foods and encourage them to eat.
• Clean toys, bowls, and other objects with which the dog comes into contact.

  
  

  
  

Dog and cat: can it stay out in the cold?

Rest assured: the body of dogs and cats is much stronger than ours in the cold. Their pelage is indeed a good protection. The more the animal belongs to a breed with the hairs provided, the less susceptible it is to the fall of mercury. Logic accuracy if you have a dog: avoid mowing or cutting hair too tight as winter approaches.

But do not overestimate the cold resistance of your four-legged friend, especially if he lives more in your home than outside. The explanations and advice of Nicolas Massal, veterinarian.

Some dogs and cats; are they more sensitive to freezing temperatures?

There is not, strictly speaking, a breed adapted to difficult conditions, but rather pelage that adapt to low temperatures. A dog or a cat can stay out even when it is very cold, provided that it is used to living outdoors in all seasons. In this case, its pelage is denser, and the under-pelage thicker and developed.  

This physical adaptation is done from the beginning (during a moult) and is reversible only if the animal is brought to live inside a prolonged manner (in this case, the fall of hair is spectacular). That's why you have to choose for your pet the option in or out, and stick to it in the long term. No repeated changes, but constant living conditions, this is the course of action to remember.

For animals that stay outside, just plan a permanent access to a shed (shed, garage) where they can protect themselves from moisture and wind, two threats more important than the cold. In the garage, for example, install a mattress on a raised walkway to isolate the animal from the ground and drafts.

Should we equip them with a coat to get out?

Coats are only suitable for dogs (cats do not support them) and are recommended for those who usually live indoors. Their pelage isn't suited to extreme conditions, so they don't tolerate severe cold, so the coat is welcome for walks, especially for older dogs. You can also coat their pads with fat-rich products to isolate them from snow, ice, cold and prevent the formation of cracks ...

Should we change the diet of the dog or cat during the winter?

Yes, if the animal, dog or cat, spends a good part of its days outside. In general, it is necessary to increase the quantities of food. And to help them withstand the cold, bring more energy and fat-rich foods. Water must remain self-service permanently; make sure it does not freeze.

* Dr Donald Hamilton;  Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs: Small Doses for Small Animals.

* Nicolas Massal, Veterinary Doctor Behavioralist. Treasurer of ZOOPSY (International Association of Behavioral Veterinarians).