What is the temperature in a dog's kennel in winter?

About water quality

In early childhood, each of us was taught to drink boiled water, why? Because the water in the tap is “dirty”. Many people have probably wondered why clean and even sometimes tasty water is called bad. Growing up, many began to drink water from the tap... and nothing bad happened. So why do parents “instinctively” boil water for their children? Where did this “tradition” come from?

In fact, there is no mystery in boiling water. An adult knows that his mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother boiled water and repeats this ritual because “it’s necessary.”

In fact, the procedure of boiling water allows you to completely clean it of helminth eggs and partially of:

• Salt.
• Alkalis.
• Chlorine.
• Hydrogen sulfide.

The key word here is partial, because depending on the region, the condition of reservoirs and treatment plants, water may contain pesticides, heavy metals, nitrates and many other unpleasant components. Unfortunately, most people (if we are not talking about developed countries) have industrial water flowing from their taps that is unsuitable for drinking and cooking.

There are many opinions about the dangers and benefits of tap water. Some people fanatically call bottled water dead, others do not risk cooking with tap water because it leaves behind scale. We will not participate in this dispute; we will only talk about the facts that we know.

Manufacturers of bottled water do not hide the composition of their product, but there are some nuances. You don’t go to a sedum plant before buying water, you don’t check whether everything is as the manufacturer claims, and you don’t submit the water for laboratory analysis. You trust your sense of taste, at best, check whether scale remains after using purchased water. If there is no plaque or scale, the water is automatically recognized as purified. In most cases, this method is quite reliable and there is a reason for this.

Purified water producers do not extract their product from wells. The raw material is tap water, which is passed through several filters and then, at the request of the manufacturer, ionized, mineralized or enriched in another way. Only mineral water is extracted from wells.

Most people make guesses about the composition of tap water, but few people get around to checking their intuition, that is, having the water analyzed. Fortunately, there are methods to keep running water safe, including:

• Use water filters.
• Install a permanent filtration system (reverse osmosis).
• Boil water, which will eliminate most of the harmful substances.

The next question is what kind of water can you give your dog and is it tap water? General recommendations are as follows: if the tap water in your city is not of disgusting quality, it can be given to your dog. How you assess the condition of the water is a personal matter. As a last resort, you can use water for your pet. It is interesting that these recommendations contradict the instructions of modern experts, who advise giving pets only purified water (through a filter or purchased). Who is right?

The instructions are as follows: take water into an open container, let it stand in a dark place for at least a day (during this time the residual chlorine will disappear), carefully pour 2/3 of the water (top layers) into a clean container, pour out the rest of the water (there is sediment in it)

It is important to carry out the procedure carefully so that settled solids do not mix with the upper layers of water

Everyone is partially right. A dog should not be given only purified water (this means from birth and throughout its life), since sooner or later it will be tempted to drink water from a puddle or someone else's bowl. If the animal's intestinal microflora is not ready for bacterial invasion, the dog will be poisoned. You should not give only tap water, especially if you are caring for an old dog or a pet with a predisposition to pathologies of the genitourinary system. In this case, maintaining health and reducing the burden on the body is a more important factor.

So, the conclusion is the following - it is important to find a middle ground and not go to extremes. It is equally important to monitor the dog’s health and the amount of water it consumes.

It is advisable to focus on your pet’s preferences, that is, give him the water that he drinks better.

Ten ways to keep your dog warm in winter

Ten ways to keep your dog warm in winter Brr! How cold it is outside! If you're outside, you're probably looking forward to getting home so you can put on a warm sweater and drink a cup of hot chocolate. Well, what about your dog? Isn't she freezing? Some dogs are more sensitive to cold than others, especially older dogs or those with certain conditions such as arthritis. Here are ten tips to help your dog stay warm this winter. 1. Buy the right breed for your climate. You may want to start with a breed designed for harsh winters if you live in a fairly cold climate and plan to spend a significant amount of time outdoors with your dog. Such cold-resistant dogs include Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies and Chow Chows. Long-haired cats also tolerate cold well, although in general all cats are much more comfortable indoors. 2. Keep your dog indoors. This is the best way to keep your pet from freezing. 3. Dress your dog in special clothes. If your home is a little chilly, dress your dog in a fun jacket or sweater to keep him warm. If you go outside with your pet in the snow, it is better to choose waterproof nylon clothing. 4. Boots. Your dog regulates his body temperature through his paw pads (and, of course, his tongue). When walking in the snow, special dog boots will help keep your animal's paws warm. They will also protect them from salt and other chemicals that are usually sprinkled on the streets in winter. 5. Check your temperature before going outside. In winter, as in summer, the temperature can suddenly change for the worse. 6. A suitable house. If your dog lives in the yard, make sure that his house is warm and not drafty, and that the roof does not leak. 7. Bed. The dog's bed should be at least 8 cm above the cold floor to avoid hypothermia. To do this, you can use low wooden or aluminum platforms with canvas stretched around the perimeter. 8. Increase the amount of food you eat. Dogs burn more calories in winter to maintain their body temperature. Feed your dog a little more in the winter than in the warm season, especially if he spends a lot of time outside. 9. Use a hot water bottle. If your home is cold, you can place a hot water bottle under your dog's bed to help keep him warm for many hours. 10. Don't forget to give your dog treats and tummy rubs periodically.

Nothing warms your dog's heart more than his favorite treat and your attention. Copyright holder: Zooclub portal

10 years ago

Aviary size

Unlike a booth, the bigger the better. Especially if the dog will spend a lot of time in it. In any case, no less than 3*5 m.

Don’t make it too high - there will be more precipitation, but don’t make it too low - it’s uncomfortable for you and there won’t be enough light, stuffy in the heat. A height of 2.0-2.5 m in the front, with a slope towards the rear wall, a height of 1.7-1.8 m, is quite enough.

Blind walls can be made of brick, cinder block, metal profiles, wood.

The grille at the front should be reliable and have a small cell. At no age should a dog be able to stick its head through the net and get stuck.

It is very convenient to have a feeder in the mesh of the enclosure, in which you can put a bowl of food and water without entering the enclosure. In this case, the dog will not knock the bowl out of your hands, and in the event of your absence, any person will be able to feed and water it. A detailed guide on the nutrition of German Shepherds.

The door to the enclosure should open inward. Then, if a person comes in and the dog jumps on it, the door will close, but the dog still won’t be able to get out without the person’s consent.

It is more convenient to place the light switch outside and as high as possible so that the dog does not become interested in it and it does not start gnawing on it. Some install a switch under the roof of the enclosure, if the height does not exceed 2 meters, some - simply at face level or slightly higher. Actually, if the switch is located on the blank wall of the enclosure from the outside, then the height of the face level of a person of average height will be enough.

The enclosure may have a winter road (a closed, insulated room with or without a window) and a walk without a roof adjacent to the enclosure.

The winter road is intended for a bitch with puppies to stay in during particularly uncomfortable weather conditions. It can be heated or equipped to ensure maximum maintenance of a comfortable temperature.

A small entrance with an opening/closing door is made into the door to the winter road from below. A standard door is designed for people who will enter for cleaning or other needs. A small door is for the dog. Let's say, if you want the animal to stay only in the winter road for some time, you close this door. When the dog needs to move around the entire enclosure, open it.

The latch on the door of the enclosure should be reliable and - better - with locking hinges, since some particularly cunning and dexterous dogs can easily move the latch and go out themselves or let their relatives out. Males are especially inventive when hunting from a bitch in heat that interests them. During this period, it is better to lock the enclosure.

Place the booth in the enclosure in such a way as to prevent precipitation and wind from entering it.

What dangers can await your pet in winter?

Hypothermia

Domestic animals are much more sensitive to cold than their wild relatives. They spend most of their lives at home, in a comfortable temperature environment. Therefore, their immunity and resistance to frost are much lower.

Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to hypothermia. Smooth-coated breeds such as terriers, dachshunds, boxers and other animals that do not have undercoat suffer the most from low temperatures. Dog breeds with thick and long hair are less susceptible to the effects of cold. These are Malamute, Siberian Husky and so on. But in any case, a long stay outside in winter is undesirable for a pet, regardless of its breed.

Colds

If a dog has a weak immune system, then it will constantly be susceptible to colds. In order for your pet to have a strong immune system, it is necessary from childhood to accustom your four-legged friend to walks at low temperatures, to harden the animal’s body without disturbing the body’s natural thermoregulation and without once again wrapping it in all sorts of fashionable and completely unnecessary clothes.

Paw pad injuries

Frostbite on the paws, cracks and cuts from ice crust, irritation of the skin of the paw pads with salt and reagents - these are the most common injuries that a dog can receive in the winter.

Sticking to the paws, the snow gets stuck between the toes and melts, forming an icy crust that can injure delicate skin. In addition, sidewalks and roads sprinkled with salt and reagents corrode paw pads. As a result, irritation and cracks appear on the dog's paws.

To protect your pet's delicate paws, the following precautions must be observed:

1. If possible, avoid walking on roads treated with chemicals.
2. Carefully inspect and wash your pet's paws after a walk.
3. After a walk, wash your paws with water at room temperature (sudden changes in temperature and washing with hot water can lead to cracks).
4. Wear special shoes for dogs when walking, or use special protective equipment (wax for paws).
5. If you find injuries and cuts on your pet's paw pads, then you should know how to properly treat the paw for speedy healing. You can read about this in the article: What to do if your dog cuts its paw.
6. In winter, the dog’s claws do not wear down on the asphalt and grow back faster. Therefore, it is necessary to trim nails in winter more often than at other times of the year.

Dislocations, sprains and fractures

In winter, due to ice, the risk of animals getting bruises, dislocations and even fractures increases. Avoid active play on slippery areas and do not allow your dog to play on ice.

Allergic reaction to melting snow

Due to the fact that the environmental situation in many cities leaves much to be desired, the falling snow contains a huge amount of heavy metals. In the spring, when the snow begins to melt, all these harmful substances rise into the air, causing some animals to cough, sneeze and watery eyes.

Electric shock

Due to increased humidity in winter, the electrical insulation of electrical appliances deteriorates. If suddenly the dog suddenly stops in place and begins to shake, then this may be the effect of current. Try to quickly drag your pet away from the dangerous place. While walking, avoid metal objects.

Poisoning by automobile antifreezes and reagents

Harmful automobile waste such as antifreeze accumulates in snowdrifts along roads. Very often, after a walk, the dog begins to lick poorly washed paws. If antifreeze and reagents enter a pet's body, it can cause severe poisoning and even death of the four-legged animal.

Dogs for street keeping: list of breeds

In fact, the opinion that a dog can live outside all year round and is not afraid of the cold is wrong. A dog also needs warmth, good nutrition and comfort. Therefore, you will have to take care of a warm booth. Puppies need a lot of attention. Unlike adult dogs, they require more attention. There is a risk of frostbite in very low temperatures.

List of breeds for keeping outside:

• Alobai
• Foxound
• Rottweiler
• Bobtail
• Collie
• German Shepherd

Golden retrievers are all the rage right now. In fact, this dog is not entirely suitable for guarding and being constantly on the street.

Dogs for street keeping: list of breeds

Rules for keeping service dogs

Proper maintenance and care are a guarantee of the health and performance of a service dog. Maintenance rules include the following: - daily inspection; — periodic cleaning of the premises and territory; - walking; — hygiene measures; - feeding, - training.

The daily examination is intended to determine the health status of the dog.

In this case, a canine specialist must pay attention to both the general condition of the dog and examine individual organs - skin, ears, paws, eyes, mouth. It is better to do this after walking the dog, when he is tired and calmer.

At the same time, the dog handler assigned to the dog must perfectly know the signs of disease and ways to protect the dog from infection. Cleaning the booth, cabin, and surrounding area is necessary to protect dogs from mechanical damage, so these places are cleared of debris and, in winter, of ice and snow. It is necessary to sweep away dust from the walls and ceiling, and carry out wet cleaning once a week in the summer. During cleaning, the litter needs to be shaken up, and wet and frozen litter should be replaced with fresh one. Also, upon special instructions, periodic disinfection of premises is carried out.

A service dog's daily routine should include time for 2-3 walks. During this procedure, the dog relieves its natural needs, runs, frolics in the fresh air, develops its intelligence and satisfies the dog’s “curiosity.” In addition, during such walks it is possible to reinforce training commands. The duration of the walk should be at least half an hour. As a rule, one of the walks is carried out before training, so that the dogs are not distracted at the wrong time to fulfill their “needs”, and, moreover, do not pollute the training area.

It is also necessary to take into account the difference in walking females and males, because a male needs time to sniff and mark “his” territory, which females do not do. Since the dog is in contact with the handler, it requires constant care. It includes daily hygiene procedures such as caring for teeth, eyes, ears, paws and coat. Daily eye washing, periodic cleaning of the ear canal, prevention of dental diseases, inspection of claws and paw pads, organs of smell and touch are measures designed to prevent a service dog from getting sick, since disease is easier to prevent than to treat. It is also necessary to regularly care for the coat - comb, wash, and cut if necessary.

The organization of feeding a service dog is very important. Not only the health, but also the working qualities of the dog depend on this. Let's start with the fact that food should be fresh, high quality, nutritious and varied. It is necessary to follow dietary standards taking into account the needs of the dog. Regular training is extremely important for service dogs, as it helps not only to consolidate the skills they have developed, but also to bring them to perfection and maintain good physical shape.

Dogs live next to humans and serve them in different climatic conditions, outdoors and indoors, with large temperature changes, in snow and rain, adapting perfectly to this for many generations. The task of service dog owners is to teach their pets all the skills necessary for service dogs, while maintaining their health, physical and moral. To do this, you need to create the necessary conditions and have the necessary knowledge.

Proper care for your dachshund

Proper care of an animal is not only the correct diet, but also proper care for the condition of the body.

There are plenty of nuances here, and future lovers of this breed should know them.

Ear and eye care

The eyes of this dog are protected by nature, namely by the structure of the muzzle. Thanks to their special shape, the animal’s eyes are to some extent protected from dust and small debris. But this should not be a reason for a complete lack of care for this part of the body. Like other dogs, they can get into various situations while playing on walks that can affect the quality of their vision, and these problems should not be allowed in dachshunds. Eye care tips:

1. A tearful secretion may collect in the corners of the dog's eyes, from which the eyes need to be cleaned periodically. Remove it with a damp soft cloth.
2. Dachshunds' eyes may water excessively. To prevent this phenomenon or reduce it, the animal needs to wash its eyes with a 2% solution of boric acid or brew tea (not green, but black).
3. If the tearfulness does not decrease or stop after 3 days of treatment, the dachshund should be taken to the veterinarian.

The animal’s ears also need care; they should be periodically cleaned of street dirt and sulfur clots.

Clean with a cotton swab, using cleaning products: “Polyseptin”, “Otoferonol”, “Bars”

. You need to clean your ears only within sight, so as not to harm the eardrum, after first dropping a few drops of cleaning solution into the auricle.

Dachshund coat care

This breed of dog does not require special coat care. Regular washing and brushing is the optimal set of measures.
You can bathe the animal itself no more than once every 2 months. And after a walk, wipe your dog’s paws with a damp cloth. This applies to smooth-haired breeds. During shedding, you need to brush a little more often to prevent clumps of fur from forming.

Dachshunds with long hair require longer and more frequent brushing.

Be sure to do this after a walk to remove tangled grass and other debris from your body.

You need to keep in mind that dachshunds do not like to be groomed,

therefore, the owner will need to regularly reward her with treats or walks.

Dental care

Most health problems in dogs occur due to dental damage.
The peculiarities of this breed are the knowledge of the world and everything around it through its mouth. They always have to chew on something, and this often ruins their teeth. You need to brush your teeth as often as possible using a toothbrush.

It is strictly forbidden to use toothpastes.

It is better to do this with saline solution. The animal also does not like this procedure, so at first it is impossible to do without outside help.

Paw care

Some dachshund owners consider caring for their nails and toenail hair overkill.
Too long claws on the paws, especially in small individuals, cause lameness. Long hair between them also interferes with the dog's walking. To prevent these sad phenomena, both the claws and the hair on the paws need to be trimmed periodically.

You can buy a nail clipper at any pet store. With its help, it will be easier to trim the strong nail plate on the dachshund's paws. They need to be trimmed at least once every 2 months.

Change the composition of your food

A lot depends on nutrition. Now, in the fall, it is necessary to gradually transfer the animal to higher-calorie food with added fat. This will help in the formation of a thick, warm undercoat that will protect the pet from frost.

Size and breed are not particularly important. Everyone - St. Bernards and Toy Terriers, depending on their weight and body characteristics and health, should switch to fattier food

Fats should be of both plant and animal origin, since it is important to properly combine different Omega3 and Omega6 fatty acids

It is good to “feed” the animal with vitamins that promote hair growth

This is important for all pets, regardless of where they live - in the yard in a kennel or in an apartment

Here are the vitamins that help four-legged animals acquire rich, thick winter fur:

Vitamin A – this is the substance that helps form collagen and keratin, which make up every hair, as well as elastin. An animal whose food is rich in this vitamin has a wonderful shiny, thick and elastic coat. And, of course, such a dog does not freeze in winter. This vitamin is found in dairy products, pumpkin, and carrots. All B vitamins – make the sebaceous glands on the skin work well

This is very important, then your pet’s fur will not absorb moisture much. Drops of water and grains of snow will simply roll off the hairs

In addition, these vitamins provide excellent growth of the undercoat. Vitamin B is found in large quantities in liver, dairy products, grains, bone meal, fish and meat broths. Vitamin D – helps to absorb calcium and phosphorus well. These microelements are involved in the formation of all the tissues that make up wool. Contained in liver and milk. Vitamins H and F – promote the synthesis of keratin in the body. Contained in products of both plant and animal origin.

Microelements are also important - sulfur, phosphorus, calcium, manganese, copper.

With this information, you can easily choose the right diet and vitamin complex for your dog to help the animal grow its winter coat.

Products that will help your dog stay warm in winter because they contain the above vitamins and minerals:

1. Brewer's yeast;
2. Algae – seaweed;
3. Garlic;
4. Fish fat;
5. Vegetable oils – flaxseed, sunflower.

The formation of immunity also depends largely on proper nutrition. Enrich your animal's diet with foods containing vitamins C and E. These include beets, greens, broccoli, and apples.

Here are the plants that contain substances necessary to enhance immunity:

1. Echinacea (a natural antibiotic that causes antibodies to be produced in the blood, cannot be taken constantly);
2. Burdock root;
3. Dandelion root;
4. Nettle;
5. Calendula;
6. Field horsetail.

However, not only nutrition is important for increasing the animal’s body’s resistance to cold weather.

How long can a dog live without water?

It is known that a dog can survive without water for 2-3 days. Environmental factors largely influence, in particular air temperature and humidity, the level of activity of the animal itself and the type of food consumed. Naturally, a dog that is without water, but feeds on the flesh of animals, will live longer than an animal that does not have the opportunity to eat. Lack or absence of water leads to dehydration. With a lack of moisture, the functionality of internal organs, in particular the liver and kidneys, is impaired. As a result, dehydration leads to the death of the animal. Dehydration can be determined by several signs. To do this, you need to pull up the folds of skin above the upper part of the shoulder blade and lower it; if there is no lack of moisture, then the skin will quickly return to its original position, otherwise the skin slowly returns to its place and even remains stretched for some time. You need to check your gums; smooth and moist gums indicate a normal level of moisture, while dry, sticky and pale gums indicate a lack of moisture in the body. When dehydrated, animals have dry and sunken eyes, a dry nose and tongue, and thick saliva.

Preparations for disinfestation of dog kennels and enclosures

The AVZ catalog presents the products necessary for treating dogs’ habitats and protecting animals from fleas, ticks and other ectoparasites.

• "Deltsid", emulsion concentrate
  . Available in ampoules, economical. The drug is intended for the fight against ectoparasites of animals, disinsection, and decontamination of enclosures.
• "Bars Forte" for dogs
  . This is a spray for insectoacaricidal treatment of pets and their habitats. Available in 100 ml bottles with a sprayer.
• Insectoacaricidal spray "Bars" for dogs.
  It is also a medicine for arachnoenthomosis. Available in 100 and 200 ml bottles with a sprayer.

When using medications, follow the instructions in the instructions.

The role of water in the diet of rabbits

The body of mammals, including rabbits, consists on average of 70% liquid, so it is difficult to overestimate the role of water.

Important! It is believed that cannibalism in rabbits is caused by a lack of water. The female, experiencing a shortage, eats the offspring to protect them from painful death from thirst and hunger

Without the required amount of fluid, her mammary glands will not be able to produce milk.

A sufficient amount of fluid in the rabbit’s body ensures many vital processes, for example:

• digestion;
• the functioning of the excretory and urinary systems;
• hematopoiesis;
• formation of intracellular fluid;
• transportation of oxygen and nutrients to all “corners” of the body;
• health of skin and coat;
• nutrition of the brain and central nervous system;
• maintaining optimal body temperature.

Why don't dogs' paws get cold in winter?

As the famous proverb says: “A dog is a man’s best friend.” And for a good owner, his four-legged friend becomes a full member of the family. Therefore, you need to take care of it daily.

Pets have become so “domesticated” that the onset of cold weather becomes an acute problem for their owners: what to wear and put on their four-legged friend?

Small and short-haired breeds are dressed in overalls, scarves and hats. But what about the paws? The modern “dog” industry has mastered the production of special shoes for pets. Moreover, high-quality boots with non-slip soles are not cheap at all. But are such shoes really relevant, and is it true that dogs need to protect their limbs from the effects of cold?

As studies by Japanese scientists who used electronic analysis methods and modern equipment have shown, dogs' paws, or more precisely, their hairless pads, do not freeze even in the most severe frosts.

The reason lies in special thermoregulation. And the fat layer serves as protection against hypothermia. But after a comprehensive study of the location of the blood veins and arteries of several experimental animals, scientists found that the main role in blood circulation is played by the arteries supplying the paws with blood.

They are surrounded by small small veins, in which blood flows countercurrent to the arterial vein. In the pads of animals, each artery, equipped with its own network of veins, gives off the heat of the blood to the venous vessels surrounding it, preventing the heat from passing into the external space.

Thanks to special thermoregulation, the dog’s body temperature does not change even in severe frosts, even after a long stay on the snow or cold ground. Constant heat exchange does not allow the body to cool down, there is constant blood circulation in the paws, and they do not freeze. This mechanism of blood supply is inherent in all “dog” breeds, be it decorative pets, watchdogs or hunting “fighters”. A clear example of such a natural “phenomenon” is Siberian huskies, arctic foxes living in harsh northern conditions. A similar circulatory system for heat preservation exists in the bodies of some species of other wild animals.

Previously, scientists examined the paws and wings of Antarctic penguins. Therefore, science has long been familiar with this principle of thermoregulation. However, it was believed that it is inherent in animals that live in harsh climatic conditions. The “dog” version gives the right to assume that the distant ancestors of domestic animals originally lived in a cold climate. And then, thanks to man, they were tamed and began to coexist peacefully with him. Domestication led to the loss of adaptation to cold. This explains the “freezing” of dog limbs.

For dogs susceptible to cold, there is a special protective wax or cream based on it that retains heat, protecting vulnerable pads from cold, chemicals and salt that are sprinkled on snow.

Dog breeds for keeping in an enclosure: list

These are guard dogs that look after the area. In addition, such dogs should be great with children. Many people pay attention to this because they have children. The dog must be patient with children and the elderly. It is also worth considering that in winter the temperature can be very low.

The enclosure should have a booth and be spacious enough. Some breeds, despite their resistance to low temperatures, love to run, so keeping them in an enclosure is not very suitable for them. It is also worth considering that some of the breeds require constant movement.

List of breeds:

• Australian Shepherd
• Alaskan Malamute
• Alabai
• Swiss Shepherd
• Bobtail
• Grosser
• German Shepherd

Dog breeds for keeping in an enclosure: list

First aid for hypothermia and frostbite in a dog

If a dog on a walk in winter begins to tremble and tucks its paws, these are the first signs of hypothermia. In this case, you should not try to “warm up” her by jogging and active games - it is better to return to the warmth as quickly as possible. If a small dog is freezing, it is advisable to pick it up right on the street on the way home and hide it in your bosom. Other symptoms that a dog has hypothermia are that the temperature drops below 37.5⁰C, the mucous membranes of the mouth turn pale, the dog tries to hide in a warm place, curl up into a ball, and the fur seems to be tousled. Dogs suffering from cold should be placed in a warm place, wrapped in a blanket or covered with heating pads with warm water (38 - 40⁰C), given warm milk or broth and be sure to measure the temperature in order to track the dynamics of the condition. A dog that falls into water in winter should be placed in a warm bath upon returning home, then dried with a hairdryer and act as in the case of normal hypothermia (see above). You can also give a little honey or glucose (4 tablespoons per 0.5 liters of water).

Severe hypothermia (hypothermia) in a dog is characterized by a decrease in temperature below 36⁰C, general lethargy of the animal up to loss of consciousness. In this state, the trembling already disappears, but at the same time the pulse weakens or cannot be felt at all, the heart rate slows down, breathing is rare and shallow. A further decrease in temperature, as a rule, leads to severe disturbances in the body and ends in the death of the animal. If the dog's condition is critical, it should be wrapped in a warm woolen blanket, covered with heating pads and taken to a doctor as quickly as possible for emergency resuscitation. The danger of hypothermia lies in the fact that even after successful resuscitation (and it often lasts several hours), the brain and internal organs receive irreversible damage, which will subsequently affect the dog’s health and life expectancy. That is why hypothermia in a dog must be prevented in every possible way.

Frostbite is another danger that awaits our pets in winter. Most often in dogs it affects the toes, ears, mammary glands in females, and the scrotum in males. The first sign of frostbite is pale skin in the damaged areas. After blood circulation is restored, the skin turns red and begins to peel. Frostbitten areas look like burn marks - dark and sometimes black, they stand out clearly next to the dog's healthy skin. Usually frostbitten areas recover within 14-20 days, but they will hurt longer.

When a dog has frostbite, treatment begins with the same manipulations as for hypothermia, but there are some nuances:

— areas of the dog’s body affected by frostbite should not be rubbed: such manipulations contribute to the appearance of microcracks, which can become infected;

- instead of rubbing, it is better to use warming bandages consisting of a thick layer of cotton wool;

- pain from frostbite in a dog, which appears with the restoration of blood circulation, can be reduced by infusion through the mouth of a Cahors (1 teaspoon for dogs up to 15 kg, 1 dessert spoon for medium-sized breeds and 1 tablespoon for large dogs weighing over 25 kg). If there is no Cahors, it can be replaced with a 20-30% alcohol solution (1 tablespoon of vodka per 1 tablespoon of 40% glucose, or sugar syrup, give the mixture in the same dosage depending on the size of the animal). Also, wine and alcohol solution can be replaced with baralgin tablets. Dosage: ¼ tablet for small dogs, ½ tablet for medium-sized dogs, and a whole tablet for large breeds.

- bandages with Vishnevsky ointment can be applied to frostbitten areas.

Important! After providing first aid to your dog for hypothermia and frostbite, be sure to show your pet to the veterinarian for timely detection and treatment of possible complications.

Why doesn't the dog drink water?

If a dog drinks little water, this fact is not necessarily associated with health problems. It is possible that the animal is getting enough moisture from its food, especially if it is natural feeding or feeding wet commercial food. Wet food contains about 70-80% moisture. By the way, when switching a pet from dry food to natural feeding, they consume less water.

Older dogs drink less, their appetite may decrease, and at the same time the feeling of thirst decreases. Older animals forget to quench their thirst or cannot find a bowl of water due to cognitive impairment (memory impairment), or the water is too far away and the animal does not want to put in much effort to get there. Poor health, accompanied by a number of signs, may indicate a disease. In the presence of injury, digestive upset, toothache, poisoning, pancreatitis, foreign body entering the gastrointestinal tract, as well as being in a stressful, depressive state, dogs do not drink water or drink very little

If your pet's refusal to drink water is not related to health problems, then you should pay attention to the quality of the water. The drinking water in the bowl should be fresh and cool and should be changed at least 2 times a day. The dog may not like the taste and smell of water, which can be transmitted from a plastic bowl

It is better to use small ceramic bowls so that the water does not stagnate and remains cool. When changing water, the bowl should be washed and thoroughly rinsed off detergents, if used. Perhaps the dog does not drink water because it is warm or very cold, or has an unpleasant taste due to the content of harmful metals, chlorine, and salts in the case of tap water. It is better to filter it or buy bottled. If the steps taken do not help and the dog does not drink water, then you should think about purchasing a drinking fountain. It has been noticed that pets are more willing to drink water from a drinking fountain than from a regular bowl, because the liquid in the fountain is constantly circulating, cooled and cleaned.

Additional sources of moisture can be fruits and vegetables, which are beneficial for animals. Vegetables and fruits should be given raw. You can force a dog to drink water by improving its taste - adding berries or pieces of fruit to the water that the pet loves, but are harmless to its body. To cool the water, you can add ice cubes to it. Another way to get your dog to drink water is to place a bowl of water near the dog's sleeping area or in areas that the dog visits most often. You can give your pet a treat or otherwise praise him every time he drinks water.

Feeding and diet

Dachshunds do not eat a lot - based on the calculation of 40 g of food per 1 kg of dog weight , the serving size should be on average 120-315 g .

Natural products and ready-made industrial feeds are suitable for feeding, but both types of food should not be mixed.

With a natural diet, the dog’s menu should include:

• lean meat;
• fish, but maximum 2 times a week;
• rice, buckwheat, rolled oats and wheat cereals;
• pasta, but infrequently and only from durum wheat;
• dairy products;
• boiled eggs, preferably only the yolk;
• vegetables and fruits, except grapes;
• biscuits, unleavened crackers.

Food should be warm, cooked without adding salt or spices. In addition, the natural diet must be supplemented with vitamin and mineral complexes.

Dachshunds are not allowed to give:

• pork;
• sweets and confectionery;
• bones;
• sausages and smoked meats;
• pickles, marinades;
• fatty dairy products;
• semolina and pearl barley.

When feeding with industrial feeds, preference should be given to premium and super-premium products or holistic feeds. The best dry food for this breed: Royal Canin, Brit Care, Acana, Almo Nature, Arden Grange.

Features of keeping a dog outside in winter

Some dogs are not adapted to living outside during cold periods. However, other breeds have dense and thick hair, which allows them to easily endure the winter. But no matter how well a dog tolerates winter, it needs a warm home where it can always keep warm.

Booth

If the dog’s main home is a kennel, then it must be insulated. The booth is usually made of wood and installed at a height of about 10 cm from the ground. The inside walls must be lined with warm material. The pet also needs dense bedding in the form of fabric or straw.

Wool protects dogs from the cold

Wire-haired, short-haired, long-haired dogs with thick undercoat do not freeze in winter. Of course, if we consider the effect of low temperatures up to a certain point. For example, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are able to tolerate air temperatures down to -40 degrees; it is reasonable to assume that a significant decrease in air temperature will be fatal for the animals. If we talk about northern breeds, for example, Husky, other cold-resistant breeds, such as Moscow Watchdog, Leonberger, Bernese Mountain Dog, then they would prefer to live outside in winter, sleep in the snow, feeling comfortable, rather than spend winter nights indoors where they will suffer from the heat.

Do not forget that representatives of the same breed tolerate cold differently. So dogs living in apartment conditions freeze faster, even if they have thick hair. Pets living in an apartment stay warm most of the time, and the characteristics of the body are such that animals shed in warmth. The undercoat falls out as unnecessary and it is more difficult for such animals to endure the cold.

By winter, dogs build up a thick undercoat, which ensures heat retention, but to a greater extent, heat retention is influenced not by the thick coat, but by the size of the animal. It is known that large breeds lose heat more slowly, while small breed dogs begin to feel cold after a short stay in the cold. Pets without undercoat, with insufficiently developed undercoat (poodles) or without any fur at all (xoloitzcuintle) need winter clothing that helps retain heat and warm the animal's body.