Tag Archive for: cold

Ortocanis

Should we shelter our dogs in winter?

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Owners often ask themselves questions about whether to shelter their pets in winter, this question at the same time comes with many others of this type:

Don’t dogs already have enough hair?
Is it a bit ridiculous?
Does it depend on the breed?
Does it depend on the area?

Is it normal in small dogs that are colder and silly in large breed dogs and especially with long hair?

All these questions may have more than one answer, but in general we SHOULD shelter dogs in winter, especially if we are in cold areas.

Older dogs are more likely to suffer from cold than younger dogs, who have more vitality. Older dogs especially with problems such as osteoarthritis suffer a lot with the drop in temperatures, we must do something to protect dogs with osteoarthritis from cold weather.
Dogs small breeds are more prone to cold than large ones, so they should be warmer.
There are some large breeds that are very prone to suffer cold and have a very bad time especially very short-haired dogs such as greyhounds.
The amount of hair influences, we will not shelter a Nordic dog in a Mediterranean city, but perhaps yes, if we go to the snow at sub-zero temperatures and do not do physical activity.

Regarding the ridicule is very opinionable, I could be more embarrassed to see the dog shiver and do nothing to help him.abrigo-para-perro
Elderly dogs are very grateful for a blanket in winter, and even in warmer times if they suffer from osteoarthritis in the spine or hips, the typical hip dysplasias of Golden, German Shepherd … they improve a lot with special thermal blankets. In winter especially if the dogs live in cold areas, or very humid or mountain, when we do not want the dogs to get wet on their outings, we can use waterproof blankets that also protect the muscles and joints from the inclemencies of the weather.

In summary, if we have a small breed dog or a large breed with short hair, or an elderly animal in any of its breeds and sizes , we must shelter it in winter.

 

Ortocanis technical team

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Ortocanis

Cold weather in dogs with osteoarthritis

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Cold weather and osteoarthritis in the dog

Osteoarthritis is a very common degenerative disease of the joints in dogs. Osteoarthritis causes pain, decreased joint range of motion, and joint inflammation.

The cold weather and especially the humidity, can increase the symptoms of this pathology, in autumn and winter is when dogs with osteoarthritis suffer the most.

Two types of osteoarthritis are distinguished, primary and secondary. The primary ones are degenerative, can affect more than one joint and are due to age and the “wear” of the joint. They are the typical osteoarthritis of the knee, carpus, tarsus and even spine that the elderly human population also suffers. Secondary osteoarthritis is due to joint misalignment that has prematurely worn down the articular cartilage. These occur after a fracture, especially if it has affected the joint, due to a bad joint disposition (demarcation): bad aplombs, or in the most common house secondary to hip dysplasia.

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Photo: different joint protectors for dogs

Both in one case and in the other several things are recommended:

  • Strict control of the diet: the dog must be at its ideal weight, if it is overweight the joints suffer very significantly this excess.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication, now recommended NSAIDs cox-2 are new generation nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with far fewer side effects and more direct action on areas of pain.
  • Joint protectors: glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin sulfate…
  • Regular physical exercise: it is very important not to lose too much muscle mass, dogs with osteoarthritis usually weaken the muscles due to lack of use, this weakening and muscle atrophy worsens the picture
  • Sleep in padded beds, insulated from moisture and warm.
  • Joint protectors: supports to respect joint function.
  • Avoid exposure to cold and sudden changes in temperature: blankets to protect them from the cold and humidity can help us.

There are specific products to protect and support the joints of our animals, both for the protection of the tarsus and for the carpus.

You can also find blankets or coats for dogs that reflect the heat of the same animal and help in cases of osteoarthritis of the spine and hip. And special mattresses for the relief of the ailments of osteoarthritis in the dog. In the morning when the affected joint is cold and the animal has not moved for a long time, the symptoms will be more evident.

Back on Track products are made in Sweden and are made with so-called “smart textiles” or new generation unique textiles that have been developed on the basis of knowledge of ancient Chinese medicine along with the most modern research, as for the techniques applied to the textile industry, supported with scientific studies. The resulting product has been a fabric formed by an optimal fusion of polyester/polypropylene and ceramic particles.

Ceramics reflect body heat by restoring it in the form of infrared radiation. It is well known that infrared light has a calming effect as mild heat reduces inflammation, decreases muscle tension and improves blood circulation. The muscles in tension relax and the process of muscle recovery is accelerated, tendons, ligaments and joints injured and sore.

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Photo: Thermal coat, protects from cold and humidity conserving the heat of the animal itself.

The essential function of tissue with ceramic particles is to prevent damage, as well as relieve and accelerate the process of recovery from injuries but it is also used to warm the muscles before exercise or physical work, thus eliminating the risks of pulls and fibrillar tears.

These products: Increase blood circulation, accelerate recovery from injuries, reduce inflammation, reduce muscle tension and relieve pain.

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Ortocanis

How to know if your dog is cold?

how to know if the dog is cold

If you live in places where the temperature drops suddenly and the cold makes you wear gloves, hats and thick jackets, playing, walking and exercising outside the home can be very hard activities for your dog. Dogs have a layer of hair and fat on their skin that serves to protect them from the cold, but sometimes this natural coat may be insufficient, especially in the case of puppies, dogs in the Senior stage or breeds with a very small complexion and/or with little hair on the body like the Xoloitzcuintli, Chihuahua, Chinese Crested and others.como saber si el perro tiene frio

It is vital to monitor the physical condition of our dogs and learn to detect if they are cold or not. You must be very attentive when the temperature drops so that you can prevent muscle injuries, numbness or early hypothermia.

Here are some symptoms:

  • Tremors.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Slow breathing.
  • Muscle stiffness or slow and clumsy mobility.
  • Dry skin.

If your dog shows any of these symptoms while away from home, it is imperative that you take him to a warm place and cover him with a blanket. If you have noticed that he has a numb part, give him a gentle massage to help him warm up and regulate the circulation of the body. If the symptoms persist and the tremors worsen, it is necessary to take him to the vet immediately, as it could be something serious.

If you live in cold places, try to keep the house warm. Remember that electric heaters and fireplaces should be well away from your dog, as both could be dangerous.
It would be advisable to use them only when the temperature has really dropped and you have proper ventilation inside the house.

For our dog in stage: Puppy
If you are getting him used to sleeping in the garden and he is less than 11 months old, it is recommended that you give him access to the interior of the home. There you can provide him with the necessary protection according to his metabolism. Puppies are much more sensitive and do not have such good defenses. They need a safe and warm space. If he is older than 11 months, his sleeping space could be away from home, but as long as he has a very well implemented carrier, kennel or house with blankets and away from wind currents.

For our dog in stage: Adult
If you sleep in the garden or patio, you should have a carrier, kennel or house very well implemented with blankets and away from wind currents. This way you will feel safe and you will not be cold.

For our dog in stage: Senior
During this stage it is essential that you have your space inside the house. A place without drafts or cold ground. Remember that you can also use a carrier, kennel or a special chair for him. At his age he will know that there he will obtain calm, rest and shelter at any time and in cold seasons.

That is why with the arrival of winter it is important to bear in mind that our dogs need a series of special cares that are different from those of the rest of the year. Do not forget to consult with your veterinarian the characteristics that your dog has to withstand different climates.

 

Source: cutemininos.com

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