Despite the coat, dogs and cats can suffer from low temperatures, just like humans. With the arrival of a cold front across the country, which will cause frost and even snow in some states, pet tutors need to take specific care during the cold period.
According to the Regional Council of Veterinary Medicine of the State of São Paulo, drier air can cause respiratory problems and older pets can experience joint discomfort due to the cold.
As with us, low temperatures cause a drop in the immunity of animals, which can cause Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease – or kennel cough.
“Kent cough can be with or without secretion, but most of the time it has purulent secretion [pus]”, I told CNN veterinarian Fernando Abi Hanna.
protecting the animals
Abi Hanna evaluated that, to take care of conventional pets (such as dogs and cats) in the cold, some simple care is enough. “A wool or soft outfit is enough. For those who stay in the external areas [quintais] a house with a blanket is needed,” he said.
This differs, for example, from reptiles – in this case, it is necessary to have a source of heat, such as lamps and/or heated stone to keep them comfortable.
The vet explained that another simple care, especially for dogs, is the flu vaccine.
baths
The ideal is to avoid baths in the cold. However, Abi Hanna said that, in the case of small dogs, baths can take place once a week without problems. “In medium or large dogs, the ideal is that they bathe every 15 days”, said the veterinarian.
Another recommendation is that professionals do not leave the coat wet. The animal’s fur must be dry and the pet must not be exposed to the wind. And if possible, avoid grooming, as this exposes animals to the cold.
With cats, the situation is a little different. “Cats don’t really like clothes, but they love blankets. With them, the bath can be done once a month easily”, said the specialist.
tours
Exposure to cold wind is also bad for pets during intense cold. The ideal is to avoid walks in the coldest and windiest hours – especially in the morning and at night.
Abi Hanna adds that “a good warm-up is paramount”. In this sense, the walks should be done with the animals warmed up, if possible.
Some animals live in uncovered areas, exposed to cold and rain. The vet warns of the risk of hypothermia. “The intense cold can lead the animal to death. If possible, do not leave it in the backyard without protection against low temperatures”, he guides.
Source: CNN Brasil
