What are common winter pet illnesses?
[gallery ids="6123,6121,6120,6119,6118,6117,6116,6124"] When the temperature significantly drops and it snows, you're not the only one who should be worried about getting cold or becoming sick. In fact, you should be just as concerned for your pet! The beginning of winter can be exciting and your pet will enjoy playing in the snow, however Animal Emergency and Specialty Center highly suggests that you should be aware of these 5 common winter pet illnesses: 1.Frostbite- While your pet is playing outside, it is crucial that you not only monitor their playing but limit them to how long. Frostbite is when damage to the tissue occurs due to extremely cold temperatures. There are three degrees of frostbite that you should be aware of. The first degree is when you may notice parts of the skin being hardened and when warmed swells and becomes red. The second degree is blistering. The third degree is the darkening of the skin (often for several days). If you believe your pet is suffering from frostbite, please come and see the experts at Animal Emergency and Specialty Center immediately. 2.Hypothermia- Similar to humans, your pet cannot be in the cold for long periods of time. Especially if their fur becomes wet from the cold, it can be extremely dangerous and can freeze their fur. Avoid letting your dog be out in the cold for long periods of time and to keep them warm you can have them wear a warm fleece and cover their paws with waterproof booties. Common signs of hypothermia include shivering, lethargy, and listlessness. If you suspect your pet is suffering from hypothermia, please come in and see us immediately! 3.Anti-Freeze poisoning- Pets are attracted to antifreeze because of the chemical ethylene glycol. This chemical gives it a sweet taste and is fatal to animals. Pets often find anti-freeze on garage floors, sidewalks, streets, or even out of toilet bowls meant to winterize pipes. Make sure all of the anti-freeze you have is out of your pets reach! If your pet has ingested antifreeze, please bring him or her in immediately. 4.Common Cold- Just like you, your furry friend can get the common cold. Symptoms are usually not too serious and can include a slight cough, dripping nose, and fatigue. Your pet may enjoy a humidifier close to their kennel to sooth their nose. If the symptoms persist, please visit your family vet. 5.Kennel Cough- This is an infection caused by a virus and bacteria usually at once. It is usually spread through boarding facilities, colder temperatures, stress, and smoke. The most common symptom is a goose-like honking cough. You will know if your pet has kennel cough due to the peculiar coughing noise he or she will make. Quarantine your pet from other pets until you can take it to the vet as this infection is easily spread. If you are concerned about your pet this winter, Animal Emergency and Specialty Center has gone above and beyond for my pup who has felt under the weather a time or two. I understand how it can be difficult leaving your pup in the hands of someone else, especially when they are suffering. Animal Emergency understands this fully and treats each pet like it is their own.Check out their website and learn more about Animal Emergency and Specialty Center!
