With the full arrival of winter and freezing temperatures, this season requires special consideration when it comes to protecting your pets’ health.

Flu and Pneumonia
Flu is a general term for a highly contagious upper respiratory disease that affects dogs and cats, whereas pneumonia refers to inflammation of the lungs. The most common symptoms of flu and pneumonia include sneezing, runny nose, dry or moist cough, watery eyes, loss of appetite, and fever. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, you should seek help from your veterinarian. Pets with mild clinical signs will receive supportive care, typically including cough suppressants, antibiotics, antiviral medication, or fluids. More severe cases can require prolonged hospitalization with fluid and oxygen therapy.

Kennel Cough
Canine infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as kennel cough, is a viral or bacterial infection that affects both dogs and cats. It is spread through airborne particles and direct contact, and while it can strike at any time of the year, pets are more susceptible during winter months due to the fact that they are indoors more and in close contact with one another more frequently than in warmer weather. The most common symptom is a dry, goose-like, honking cough. Other symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, eye discharge, loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, and breathing changes. If you suspect your pet is infected, you should keep them isolated in order to prevent illness from spreading. Minor cases of kennel cough may clear up on their own, but in more severe cases, your pet may need veterinary support.

If your pet attends daycare or you are planning to board them, be sure to consult a veterinarian about options for kennel cough prevention, including the Bordetella vaccine, especially if your pet is very old or young, or has preexisting health conditions.

Exposure and Frostbite
Extended exposure to cold temperatures, ice, and snow can lead to frostbite. Symptoms vary depending on severity. First-degree frostbite is characterized by hard skin on the nose, toes, ears, or tail that becomes red and swollen when warmed. Second-degree frostbite leads to blistering on the skin, and third-degree frostbite results in darkening of the skin over the course of several days, increasing the risk of gangrene.

If you suspect your pet has frostbite, be sure to bring them inside right away and apply warm (not hot) water to the frostbitten areas to help restore normal blood flow. Avoid massaging the affected body parts as this can cause pain. Once the animal is warmed up, take them to the vet. In cases of severe frostbite, emergency veterinary care is required.

The best way to prevent frostbite is by limiting the time your pet spends outside during cold snaps. You can also provide them with a jacket or sweater to help keep them warm and booties or paw balm to protect their paws when going outdoors in cold weather. Hypothermia can occur when your pet is exposed to low temperatures for longer periods of time and it can be fatal if not treated immediately. Pets suffering from heart ailments and diabetes are at an increased risk of hypothermia during the cold months.

Symptoms include shivering, weakness, lethargy, and depression. Severe hypothermia can also result in a slow heart rate, stiff muscles, and a failure to respond to stimuli.

To check your pet for hypothermia, take its temperature with a rectal thermometer. A dog’s normal temperature should not fall below 95.5°F. If it is any lower, wrap the animal in blankets and take them to the vet.

Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common concerns to come up during winter months, especially in senior pets. Typically, as the weather gets colder, the pain caused by arthritis intensifies. Symptoms include limping, walking stiffly after getting up from a nap, increased aggression when you touch them, sleeping more than usual, inability to jump, urinating or defecating in the house, etc. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your pet to the veterinarian for a proper examination. Treatment may include joint supplements, pain medication, light exercise, dietary support, or physiotherapy.

Accidental Poisoning
Antifreeze poisoning is more common during winter months and should be considered an emergency, as it is always fatal if not treated by a veterinarian right away. Symptoms include unsteady gait, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, excessive urination, increased heart rate, weakness, depression, euphoria, delirium, seizures, and coma. If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately. Do not give your pet any substances unless advised by your vet.

Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a chemical that gives the substance a pleasant taste, which makes it appealing to pets who might lick the liquid off driveways, garage floors, streets, etc. The best way to prevent antifreeze poisoning is to store all household chemicals out of your pet’s reach; clean up any spills immediately; protect your pet’s paws when walking outside; and consider alternative options to winterizing pipes (for example, by insulating pipes or by applying electrical heating tape).

Consider purchasing pet-safe rock salt for your walkways. Also, take special care to wipe their paws before coming inside so they do not potentially lick off any salt or chemicals they may have tracked in from walking outside.