TOO COLD FOR THE DOG?

My 20 month old companion is a lot better with the treatment that I've been giving him for his cough and I kept him in-doors in the warm since it began last week. 

He hasn't coughed since yesterday morning, so that is a very good sign that he has shaken it off. The dog was only coughing a couple of times a day, although any cough at all has to be observed and treated. 

He did receive the Kennel Cough vaccination in the summertime with his annual booster vaccination. 

Since last week I treated him with a little coconut oil, honey and cinnamon, just a little amount in each meal. I've also kept him in doors for observation and to keep him warm. Has we did receive notification from our local dog creche that Kennel cough is in area and that is airborne is in the area and there were also reports of dogs with chest infections. 

My companion is adorable. 

I've been giving him Verm-X crunchies and Kronch salmon treats for the last couple of months. So his immune system should be in good order. He also has a naturally raw meat and veg diet with bone. He does really well on Benyfitnatural complete meals and has eaten raw since he was 4.5 months old. 

https://benyfitnatural.co.uk 

So is it too cold in the UK to walk our dogs in the ice and snow? 

Academics from Tufts University in Massachusetts, suggest temperatures between -1c and 4c are "potentially unsafe' for small and medium sized dogs, reported by NationalWorld. 

The "potentially unsafe' temperatures for large dogs, meanwhile, are -6c and 1c. The academics also suggested dangerous temperatures are -4c for small dogs and -9c for medium dogs. Pet owners are warned not to expose your dogs to these freezing temperatures for very long. 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/fitness/article-11530531/When-cold-walk-dog.html

I did buy him a lovely Christmas jumper this year and he likes wearing it, although he doesn't like wearing the coats that I bought him last wintertime. 

KENNEL COUGH, CHEST INFECTIONS

Last week we received an email from our local dog creche that there was a bout of Kennel Cough and Chest infections going around in our area, plus its airborne. 

Then during the night my pup was coughing, then again this morning an hour after his breakfast. 

The advice is to observe him for the next few days because sometimes they can shake it off, especially if they have had the Kennel Cough vaccination, which he has. Although they can still catch it. 

So he is indoors now for observation in the warmth, PDSA say if there is any signs of loss of appetite, lethargy, or high temperature, then take him immediately to the vets. 

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/kennel-cough

If he does have it, then he will have to stay away from other dogs and public places where dogs go for 2-3 weeks, it is highly contagious. That means he will have to stay indoors, although, I don't think he will mind too much, has he doesn't like the cold, rain or wind and temperatures are freezing in the UK this week. He is a good boy, potty trained on training pads. 

Here's hoping he can shake it off because he has a Dog's Christmas Party to attend on the 14th December, 2022. Hopefully, he will be fine to go. 

Can Dogs Have Honey? 

After they are a year old, they can, a half to a teaspoon a day for my dog's size to help him this weekend and then we will see how he goes. 

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/top-reasons-to-give-your-dog-honey/

It's really important that they have plenty of rest and the advice is not to take them out on the lead and collar. PETMD share that we can give the dog a teaspoon 2-3 times a day. I gave my dog one teaspoon of honey in his second meal of the day. I will see how he gets on with that prior to giving him anymore. If he's fine with that then I can increase it, putting a little in his water.

https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/respiratory/kennel-cough-dogs-symptoms-and-treatments

A little amount of Coconut Oil and Cinnamon can also be given to the dog. My dog likes Coconut Oil very much, when he was very young he would lick a little off my fingers. 

https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/home-remedies-for-kennel-cough

What else do I have in stock, some Verm-X liquid for his gut microbiome. A supplement that can be given to him daily to help his immune system. 

https://verm-x.com/products/verm-x-original-liquid-for-dogs

Dogs can also have a little ginger and garlic, I put those in his home cooked chicken and lambs liver treats, I keep those in the freezer.