Does My Dog Have a Cold?
Although it might surprise you, your dog, just like you, can catch a cold during the winter months. The good news is that he cannot catch one from you and you cannot catch a cold from your dog. The viruses responsible for colds in humans and dogs are different.
The most common cause of a cold is exposure to the cold virus. Much like humans, your dog can come into contact with a cold virus by being close to another dog with a cold and by coming into contact with a contaminated surface. Prolonged exposure to cold weather may compromise your dog’s immune system and make him more vulnerable than usual to viral infections.
If your dog is in good health but has started to cough or sneeze on occasion or has a runny nose, chances are good he has a cold. However, if the symptoms persist, you should plan to take him in to see his vet as there are several other highly contagious conditions that have cold-like symptoms including the adenovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, and tuberculosis that require proper medical care. If you are not sure what is going on with your dog, you should, of course, take him to see his vet as soon as possible.
What are the effects of temperature changes in dogs?
Every time we change the weather season, sooner or later we see a series of variations that affect both people and animals to a greater or lesser extent.
Thus, with the arrival of autumn and winter, temperature changes in dogs cause an alteration of the canine mood, in addition to the possible appearance of anxiety. Also in winter, and especially in spring, the appearance of allergies is another consequence of temperature changes in dogs.
Since they do not have sweat glands, and although they perspire in some parts of their body, the excess heat and temperature changes in dogs during the summer affect their behavior and predispose them to suffer heat stroke.
From Las Almenas we want to explain you what are the effects of temperature changes in dogs, depending on the time of the year.
Effects of temperature changes on dogs in autumn and winter
Due to the fact that there are less hours of sunlight, this causes dogs, as well as people, to develop the so-called Seasonal Affective Syndrome, which completely changes the mood. This causes that, at this time of the year, with the temperature changes in dogs, they become more apathetic and especially tired.
With the drop in temperatures that begin to occur in autumn, joint pain begins in dogs, especially those who are older and have osteoarthritis. The cold makes the cartilage and ligaments less flexible, thus affecting the mobility of their joints.
When the temperature changes in dogs, colds and constipation appear. This is due to the fact that the immune system is more weakened, so it is not difficult for pathologies such as pharyngitis, rhinitis, tracheitis or inflammations to appear, which can become complicated and cause serious pneumonia. In the face of this type of problems, veterinary attention is essential.
Temperature changes in dogs have a direct influence on the demand for food. Thus, with the arrival of cold weather, the metabolism requires more energy so that the dog can maintain a stable body temperature. That is why in winter your dog asks for more food than usual.
Another possible consequence of temperature changes in dogs is the appearance of otitis. This is due to the humidity of the environment and rains, as they predispose to the appearance of otitis in dogs.
Dogs can be sensitive to extremely low temperatures, even more so when they are not used to cold and their body temperatures fall below normal ranges. A state of hypothermia in dogs leaves the body defenseless against bacteria and other pathogens, but other symptoms such as heart failure, coma and death can also develop.
Keep in mind that when the body temperature drops drastically, the body tries to protect vital organs. That is why the blood flow to the feet, ears and extremities is restricted, causing frostbite. Faced with these temperature changes in dogs, you are likely to see how your furry friend starts shivering and loses energy, so you will have to help him find a warm shelter.
Shedding is a stage that most dogs experience twice a year and, precisely, it is caused by the change of season and weather. With the arrival of autumn and spring, the animal’s coat is recomposed to adapt to a decrease or increase in temperatures.
In autumn, dogs replace the light coat with a denser coat that protects them better from the cold. In spring, just the opposite happens. You already know that this is a mechanism that cannot be avoided and that is certainly related to temperature changes in dogs.
How Do I Treat My Dog’s Cold?
When you stop to consider that most of the symptoms of your dogs cold are very similar to your own, it only stands to reason that you would treat him in much the same way as you would take care of yourself.
Treatments for a canine cold are similar to the ones you use for yourself and your family, including:
If all your dog has is the common canine cold, with a little care and comfort at home, he should make a full recovery within a few days. If he does not seem to be getting any better or his condition appears to be worsening, you should take him in to see his vet.
While it is uncommon for a dog to come down with a cold, it is possible and is a condition that should never be ignored as it can easily develop into more serious medical conditions.
For more information on canine colds and influenza, and to get advice from a veterinarian, check out our Condition Guides.
Can Dogs Get Sick From Cold Weather? | Wag!
YES! Your dog can get sick from being outside in the cold weather for too long. It is too easy to think that just because your dog has a “fur coat”, he is protected from the ravages of winter weather.
Have you ever noticed that your dog’s mood shifts with the weather? Storms, heat, cold, and the changing seasons affect our dogs, just like they affect us. Most dogs can even sense when the weather is about to change.