How to Enhance Dogs' Immunity in Winter
Small short-haired dogs can wear clothes when going outside
Many people catch colds when winter arrives, and dogs are also easily sick in winter. Therefore, owners must take proper warmth and protective measures, and it is also very necessary to take measures to enhance the dog's immunity.
1. Regular moderate exercise to strengthen the dog's physique
1. Walk and run with the owner
The simplest form of exercise is to walk alongside the owner; of course, dogs can also run together with us. Although one or two days won’t have much effect, long-term exercise will bring great benefits to the dog's body and can also prevent obesity. However, for pets with poor health or chronic diseases, sudden intense exercise should be avoided.
2. Play games with the dog
Many games also have certain exercise effects, such as playing frisbee, which is one of the more suitable games for dogs. This not only allows the dog to have fun but also requires the dog to run frequently during the game, making it a form of relatively intense exercise which is very beneficial to the dog's health. It is important to check the frisbee and the field before playing to avoid injuries while running.
3. Pay attention to sunbathing
In southern winters, the air may be humid, so on sunny days you can take your dog out to bask in the sun. This not only keeps the coat dry but also helps kill some bacteria.
4. Short-haired small dogs can wear clothes
Not all dogs need to wear clothes, but small dogs with short hair can wear clothing for warmth. Clothes, however, need to be washed regularly.
Pay attention to diet
2. Winter care
1. Prevent respiratory diseases
The weather is cold in winter, so it is essential to focus on keeping warm to prevent respiratory diseases in dogs. Being exposed to rain and wind after exercise can cause colds and may lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, or other respiratory illnesses.
2. Prepare mats and clothes
Small and young dogs have poor cold tolerance and are prone to respiratory diseases. Use thick mats for warmth, replace them timely to keep clean and dry (this is very important as dirty and damp mats can cause skin diseases), and prevent cold drafts. Colds can lead to many diseases, so timely treatment is necessary to avoid complications.
3. Exercise to strengthen physical fitness
On sunny and warm days, strengthen outdoor exercise for your dog to improve its physical fitness and disease resistance, reducing the chance of illness during winter.
4. Sunbathing for warmth
Letting dogs bask in the sun not only warms them but ultraviolet rays in sunlight have disinfecting effects and promote calcium absorption, beneficial for puppy bone growth and preventing rickets.
5. Timely vaccination to prevent contagious diseases
Dogs should be vaccinated at the appropriate age. Avoid bathing them before the vaccination series is completed to reduce the risk of illness.
6. Pay attention to food
For elderly and weak dogs, extra care is needed in this season. Feed easily digestible food, keep it warm, and keep walks short as neglect can cause illness. Some owners may feed dogs human food, but avoid giving very cold food directly as it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.