Fall-Winter Dog Disease Prevention Tips for Seasonal Tr

Today, I want to share with you some common diseases that dogs may suffer from during the autumn and winter seasons, along with preventive measures.

Keeping Warm

The most significant impact is likely the drop in temperatures. With the change in seasons, the difference between day and night temperatures can be quite pronounced. The first thing to address is keeping your furry friend warm.

This is especially important for puppies and senior dogs, as simply ensuring warmth can significantly reduce the risk of many diseases. You can do this by changing their bed, adding blankets, or even using a small heat lamp to keep them cozy.

However, be cautious about electrical safety and maintain a safe distance from the heat source to avoid any risks of burns. Also, be mindful of the water temperature when bathing your dog. During autumn and winter, opt for midday when the sun is out, and reduce the frequency of baths compared to summer. You can also adjust the water temperature to be slightly warmer.

Preventing Diseases

As the weather cools down, dogs with weaker immune systems are more susceptible to catching a cold. Symptoms may include sneezing, runny nose, coughing, and wheezing. If you suspect that these symptoms are due to the change in weather, you can use petspecific cold medication and ensure your dog stays warm. However, never give your dog human cold medication.

If the symptoms persist or worsen, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian to prevent any further complications. Strengthening your dog's immune system is crucial, and regular walks during the autumn and winter are just as important. Don't skip exercise just because it's cold. Just make sure to dress your dog appropriately for the cold and choose sunny afternoons for walks. For shorthaired dogs or those with weaker constitutions, consider wearing a coat. Always dry your dog off thoroughly after a walk in the rain to prevent colds.

Diet

As the weather gets cooler, some dogs might still be sleeping with their bellies to the ground, which can easily lead to catching a cold and affecting their digestive system. During autumn and winter, it's more common for dogs to experience soft stools and diarrhea. Therefore, having probiotics and gastrointestinal supplements on hand is important.

The weather can also affect a dog's appetite. Dogs may show an increased appetite in winter, needing more energy. If your dog maintains a normal level of exercise and is not overweight, you can consider increasing the frequency and amount of feeding, opting for smaller, more frequent meals.

Parasite Control

Many people believe that during the cooler months, with fewer visible pests, dogs can skip regular deworming. However, this is not the case. Deworming is essential yearround.

While the cold weather may reduce the number of some adult parasites and eggs, certain parasites, like fleas, are active throughout the year. Therefore, deworming is still necessary to prevent infestations.

Coat Change

Autumn is not only the season for ripe fruits but also for shedding and growing new fur. September and October mark the peak of the shedding season for many doublecoated dogs, as they shed their outer coat to make way for the inner, insulating undercoat.