During harsh winter months, dogs are under stress resulting in weak immune system of dogs. It may be due to this reason they become weak resulting in increase susceptibility for infectious diseases. Take precautions to avoid contact with any diseased dogs. The important tips were delivered by Dr. Kirti Dua HOD Veterinary Medicine of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana. He said that care should be taken to avoid the dogs from cold exposure and provide proper nutrition. In the winter month’s appetite usually increases, so increase the quantity of diet, otherwise, a hungry dog may start eating household objects.
Winter is breeding season of dogs. Bitches come in heat and a male dog may become restless when any bitch in heat is present in the nearby area. Take precautions to prevent mating with stray dogs/ bitches. Winter is also whelping month for bitches therefore pregnant bitches should be provided adequate nutrition and warm housing. It is very important that pups should be reared in an optimum temperature otherwise they may succumb to hypothermia. Pups delivered should be separated from the mother at the age of 6 to 8 weeks. If a pup is brought home before 6 weeks of age, care should be taken to maintain the comfortable environmental temperature. Put on special coats which are available in the market. Do not allow the pup to roam outside during extreme cold of foggy days. Pups after catching cold may show symptoms like nasal discharges, vomition, diarrhea and dullness. Take immediately veterinary doctor’s help. Keep the deworming and vaccination record updated. Preferably give warm fresh food to the dogs. Boiled eggs, meats, soyabean meal can be given to meet the protein requirement.
Dogs often follow the owner and go upstairs to enjoy warmth of the sun. This habit makes them more prone for fracture injuries since a novice dog may fall from the roof. Therefore, precautions should be taken. Whenever dog is on roof, tie it applying chain. During winter months dogs should be given bath once after 15 days interval or more. Give bath only when plenty of sunlight is available. Use warm water and towel dry after giving bath. Small pups should not be given bath during extreme cold, until advised by the doctor. If bad smell is coming wipe the dog with towel rinsed with some antiseptic solution. Combing should be done regularly.
