He cold Extreme marked the beginning of the week in much of the country. According to him National Meteorological Service (SMN)18 provinces are under alert for low temperatures, with records that descend to the -16.2 ° C in some locations.
The Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA) crosses days with minimums of up to 0 ° C and maximum bare 41 km/h. In this context, not only people must take precautions: Animals are also at risk of hypothermia, freezing or respiratory conditions.
During winter, dogs may experience alterations in their behavior or in his health because of the cold, and many times these signs pass unnoticed. Some races are more sensitive than others, but all, without exception, They need protection against extreme temperatures. Recognizing early signals and knowing how to act can avoid complications.
Low temperatures affect domestic animals in different ways. Understanding your body language and paying attention to certain indications allows you to identify if the cold is affecting your well -being.
- Tremors or chills: They are the most visible signs. As the British Charity Association warns Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), The tremor is a physiological response that can be observed especially in small or short hair.
- Heat search: When they feel cold, many dogs try to be located near stoves, radiators, blankets or sun. This behavior indicates that they seek to raise their body temperature.
- Lethargy or less activity: According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), If a dog reduces its usual activity level or is slower, it can be a sign of hypothermia.
- Changes in Appetite or Water Consumption: According to the RSPCAduring winter some dogs eat more to maintain body temperature, but they can also drink less, which increases the risk of dehydration, especially in heated environments.
- Vocalizations or groans: Persistent regrets can be a way of expressing discomfort. You can also seek greater physical contact with your caregivers or other animals to get heat.
- Encrovated posture: Some animals adopt a rigid or hunched posture to minimize heat loss. This signal can also be associated with discomfort by contact with frozen surfaces.
- Hypersensitivity to contact: If the dog rejects caresses or reacts with annoyance by touching areas such as ears, tail or legs, it could be a mild freezing case. In the event that a skin or inflammation is noticed, from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) REcoming consult with a veterinarian.
The level of Cold tolerance It varies according to the dog. Those with short fur, small body, short legs or low body fat They feel more temperatures more quicklywhile long hair or races adapted to cold climates resist better, although they are also susceptible to risks If the exposure is prolonged.
The AVMA notes that all canines, regardless of their fur, can suffer hypothermia either freezing If they stay too long abroad. Therefore, on very cold days, it is recommended Reduce walks duration.
The Aaha suggests doing short and more frequent outputsespecially if the animal is small, elderly or has health problems. In cold -sensitive dogs, you can use a coat that covers the spine and chest without limiting its movement.
The paws They also require care: Prolonged contact with cold surfaces can cause dryness, cracks or lesions in plantar pads. Veterinary associations recommend reviewing them after each walk, cleaning them with a Widded Wet Cloth To remove remains of ice and apply Protective balmsespecially for animals, if necessary.
Inside the home, the dog must have a Dry, warm and away from air currents. According to the RSPCAmany animals will seek for themselves of heat. Also, the stoves either electric blankets They must be used with caution And, if the canine is close to them, which is always Under supervision To avoid accidents.
The cold or the canine flu It is not seasonalbut it can manifest more frequently during the winter due to thermal stress or exposure to other sick animals in closed environments. He American Kennel Club (AKC) points out that the virus responsible for the Canine influenza It is transmitted by air and also by contact with contaminated objects such as straps, drinkers or tutor.
Among the most frequent symptoms They are:
- Dry or wet cough.
- Sneezing.
- Transparent or thick nasal secretion.
- Weeping eyes.
- Fever.
- Lethargy.
- Difficulty breathing.
According to him AKC“Most cases are mild, but some can develop High fever or fever”Although there is no cure, the treatment is symptomatic and, according to the Indications of a veterinarianmay include anti -inflammatories, liquids and antibiotics if there are secondary infections.
