Despite their fur, it’s a common misconception that dogs don’t feel the cold the same as humans, so protecting them from extreme winter weather is essential. The RSPCA recommends that a dog’s environment should be at least 10℃, so if the temperature drops below this, it’s time to take action.
How do you know if your dog is actually cold? It's not always obvious but here is a useful guide. Keeping them warm, protecting delicate paws and bringing them indoors are some basic essentials for keeping dogs safe and warm in snowy or icy conditions and during the inevitable rainy walks.
A dog's pads are very important to him. In addition to providing tactile information and traction, they balance his weight evenly, and they serve as shock absorbers, saving wear and tear on joints and muscles. So it's important we keep an eye out for any issues.
Your dog's pads can become very dry in winter, one thing to look out for is increased paw-licking. That dryness leads to discomfort or pain. One way to prevent pads becoming too dry is to rub petroleum jelly on them before and after a walk.
When your dog returns from his walk when there is snow or ice on the ground, gently his legs and stomach, then rub his paws in a bowl or bucket of warm water to remove any road salt or grit. Check for any cuts and apply the petroleum jelly to add a layer of protection and prevent his paws from drying out indoors. We have the heating turned up in winter which dries the air.
Don't apply your own moisturising cream as some brands contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs. You can apply pet-safe moisturisers to help keep the pads as supple as possible but keep in mind that your dog will want to lick it off so apply thoroughly.
There are also several brands of paw wax on the market. The wax is absorbed by the pads and generally won’t rub off onto carpets and furniture, and most waxes can be applied once a week unless your dog spends a great deal of time outdoors.
The cold, wet ground following a rain or snow storm can be especially problematic. There was a time when the mere mention of booties for dogs brought eye rolls. But as their value has become more obvious, the booties have become more popular. Not all dogs will wear booties, but for those that will, the feet, especially the pads, will be nicely protected.
It’s helpful to keep the hair between the dog’s toes trimmed in winter. When walking, ice and snow can form balls between the toes, making it difficult and painful to walk, and rendering the area vulnerable to frostbite and cuts.
In a natural setting, fleas and ticks wouldn’t be a problem for your dog during the winter as they wouldn’t be able to survive the cold weather. A lot of dog owners will stop treating their dog for them throughout the winter because of this.
However, the majority of homes throughout the UK will have central heating on, offering a prime breeding environment for such pests. This means it’s essential to continue to treat for fleas and ticks all year round as a preventative measure as they can cause irritation and illness for your dog.
Dogs that love to be outdoors in all weathers and have a kennel in the garden should still be brought inside when the weather gets really cold. The RSPCA often put out a “don’t forget your pets” warning to remind owners to bring all pets indoors for their safety.
Dogs should also never be left in cars in the winter, similar to hot weather in the summer, as the temperature can plummet quickly, and your dog will struggle to maintain their body temperature, which could lead to hypothermia.
Dogs can get cold in extreme weather. Clothing may seem like a novelty item but it can make a big difference to your dog’s warmth. Jumpers and other clothing for your dog will help to keep them warm on winter walks and waterproof coats can keep them dry, which further reduces the chances of them becoming cold.
Cutting a dog's fur in winter depends entirely on the breed and how they are naturally adapted to the cold. Some breeds with dense coats may benefit from a trim to prevent ice and dirt buildup but for breeds with natural coats that protect them from the cold, it is best to avoid excessive clipping, as their coat acts as an insulator. Consult a veterinarian or dog groomer if in doubt.
As previously stated, it is not recommended that your dog be outside the home in extremely cold conditions, even though he may be used to it. It is important that your dog has a safe, dry place to sleep with an appropriate temperature so that he can maintain a healthy body temperature.
Most beaches allow you to walk your dog during the winter though regulations vary by location so be sure to check. It is important also to check the specific rules of the beach before taking your dog, respecting designated areas and picking up waste to maintain a clean and friendly environment for everyone.
Although coastal areas tend to have milder temperatures, prevent your dog from going in the sea if it is really cold. Damp and cold is a bad combination and can cause health problems for your dog.
You should also keep your dog away from any frozen water, such as rivers, ponds and lakes, as they can present a drowning risk and they shouldn’t swim in cold water either.
Dogs are beloved members of our family and keeping them warm on winter walks is an essential part of caring for them.
Main photo by Mia Anderson on Unsplash
Do you live in a cold, wintery environment? What tips would you share for keeping your dog safe in winter?
]]>The term endocrine relates to glands whose secretions (hormones) flow directly into the blood stream. This is not a definitive guide but provides an overview of Diabetes Mellitus, helping the reader gain a better understanding of what causes the disease, the effect it has on a dog and how to manage it.
Diabetes Mellitus is a complex condition caused by resistance to, a deficiency or a complete lack of a hormone called Insulin. This hormone is normally released from the Pancreas, a gland that lies close to the stomach.
Insulin is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins and is important for maintaining glucose levels in the blood stream. If a dog is unable to produce insulin or cannot utilise it properly, its blood sugar level increases and this leads to Hyperglycaemia, a term used to describe excessive glucose in the blood. If left untreated hyperglycaemia can lead to a number of serious health problems.
The actual cause of Diabetes is still not known although auto-immune disease, obesity, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), tumours and the long term administration of a drug called glucocorticoids can all play a role in its development.
It’s more usual to see Diabetes in middle-aged dogs and certain breeds including Poodles, Terriers, Schnauzers and Dachshunds seem to be over represented. Bitches that haven’t been spayed are at greater risk because of the presence of the female hormone progesterone. However, the condition can occur at any age and in any breed or sex of dog.
As in people, this condition can be divided into two types, Type I (lack of insulin production) and Type II (insulin resistance).
Type I (insulin dependent diabetes) is the most common form in dogs and ultimately, in order to survive, they require insulin therapy. Evidence of any of the following symptoms should be reported to your veterinary surgeon immediately:
The diagnosis is based on evidence of the clinical symptoms and includes the following veterinary investigations:
It is extremely unusual for a dog to respond to oral medication and most cases they require a combination of injectable insulin and strict dietary management. Most dogs require one insulin injection per day although some do benefit from twice daily injections.
The aim of the treatment is to address and correct any of the symptoms and restore the blood glucose level to as near normal as possible. The main objective is to prevent the blood glucose levels swinging too high or too low.
Dogs that are seriously ill will be hospitalised and receive intensive care until they have been stabilised. Entire bitches should be spayed.
Once a dog’s individual insulin dose has been established they will be allowed home and owners will be taught how to administer injections and given detailed management instructions.Owners will usually be asked to keep a note of their dog’s daily routine and to carry out the following tasks regularly:
Dietary management plays an essential role in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. It is important that the main meal coincides with peak circulating insulin levels so feeding the exact amounts in conjunction with insulin injections is crucial.
A high fibre diet with complex carbohydrates helps to prevent fluctuations in blood glucose levels and controls obesity. Feeding the correct composition of fats and proteins is also important.
For these reasons a prescription diet, specifically designed for diabetics should be used rather than a general proprietary brand. Avoid treats, especially those that are high in glucose.
Diabetic dogs should have free access to a fresh supply of clean water at all times. Exercise is important in maintaining blood glucose levels, helps with weight loss and enhances the mobilisation of insulin. However, the amount and timing of exercise should be consistent and must not vary from day to day.
If too high a dose of insulin is given or if the dog fails to eat after its injection, then there is a risk of it becoming hypoglycaemic. This is when the level of glucose in the bloodstream is too low. The signs of hypoglycaemia include:
At the first signs, administer a glucose rich solution such as honey or glucose and water by mouth. If using a syringe ensure that you do this slowly, giving the dog time to swallow. DO NOT administer any oral solutions if the dog is collapsed or unconscious.
In the above circumstances, the dog must be taken to the vets as soon as soon as possible where it will be placed on an intravenous infusion of glucose and closely monitored.
The good news is that, provided the condition is quickly diagnosed and the dog has been stabilised, the majority of dogs respond well to treatment. With the appropriate care and management most go on to have a good quality of life.
Main photo by Juan Gomez on Unsplash
Does your dog have diabetes? How have you managed it? Let us know below.
]]>Most vets and experts agree that they’re not necessary for a dog to be healthy if they’re eating good quality dog food, but they can make great treats, particularly for overweight dogs.
Fruit and vegetables add a bit of variety for your dog and they’ll enjoy the different tastes and textures. Hard vegetables that take some chewing, like carrots, are good for removing plaque from teeth too.
Apple is safe to feed to your dog as a treat. It is high in fibre, vitamin A and C, while being low in protein and fat, making it the perfect sweet treat for dogs, particularly seniors who can benefit from the vitamins. Bananas also make a great treat, but due to their high sugar content make sure they’re only given occasionally.
Your dog will also enjoy many greens, such as broccoli, sprouts, celery and cucumber. Be sure that anything you give is in moderation, making up approximately 10% of your dog’s diet.
Anything that comes from the family of Allium plants should be avoided as they’re poisonous to dogs and most other pets. This includes things like onions, leeks and chives. They can cause your dog’s red blood cells to rupture, as well as vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain. All dogs can be affected by this, but Japanese breeds are more susceptible, such as Akitas and Shiba Inus.
Tomatoes are considered safe for dogs if they are ripe, but many owners steer clear of them as the green part contains solanine, a substance that is toxic to dogs and can make them sick.
Nuts can be dangerous to dogs and it is generally recommended to avoid giving them nuts due to several potential health risks. Some nuts, such as macadamia nuts and walnuts, can be toxic to dogs, causing symptoms such as vomiting, tremors, weakness, and neurological problems.
In addition, nuts are generally high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and gastrointestinal problems in dogs. The high amount of fat can result in pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that can be serious and require medical attention.
Raisins are extremely toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney failure, which can be fatal in some cases.
If you want to offer your dog a healthy snack, it's best to opt for safe options like fresh fruit chunks (such as apples, carrots, or small pieces of seedless watermelon), or select dog-specific treats available on the market.
Just like many parents enjoy giving nutritious treats to infants by blending fruits, dog parents can do the same by making frozen treats. Get some high-water content fruit that is safe for them, such as strawberries, blueberries, mangoes and bananas, and blend them with ice cubes. Pour them into ice cube trays and freeze them.
One or two fruity treats is enough at a time, depending on the size and breed of your dog. The RSPCA recommends frozen treats for hot days and cooling down after long walks.
Fruits and vegetables aren’t essential for a dog’s diet, but they can make delicious treats. Feed treats in moderation and always check which fruits and veggies are safe to give to your pooch and which can be dangerous and should be avoided.
In summary, here's a really cool graphic illustrating more than 50 human foods that your dog can and can't eat.
Main photo by Bianca Ackermann on Unsplash
What fruits and vegetables does your dog like to eat? Let us know below!
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