COMMON WINTER AILMENTS

A quick guide to identifying and managing winter health issues affecting dogs

- Dr. Charlotte Rodricks & Dr. Abhinav Sontakke

Winter is coming and along with a host of potential ailments, which could afflict our furry friends. Young pups and older dogs have been reported to be especially susceptible compared to their middle age counterparts. Some common ailments to watch out for are:

Arthritis

Often reported in older dogs, it is a degenerative joint disease which causes pain and inflammation and affects one in five dogs. Symptoms include a reluctance to climb stairs or jump, stiffness, irritability, whining on touching the affected areas, limping, and slowness during walks. Many dogs tend to also lick or chew the affected areas. In some cases. swollen areas can be observed around the affected joints. Treatment involves joint supplements and monitoring of your pet's weight to prevent further damage to the joints. Physiotherapy, daily massages, and moderate exercise can also help alleviate symptoms. In some incidents, to prevent slipping on tiled floors and varnished wood, it is advisable to use anti slip mats.

Kennel cough