It’s dog flu season, so Xi Shi will be protecting her immune system, in part, by wearing her new coat and boots. Don't be too quick to laugh at doggie boots because dogs lose heat through their feet so let's keep those little paws warm.
Canine Influenza was identified by the Center for Disease Control in 2005. So it is a relatively new influenza, a serious problem for dogs only, not transferable to their humans.
Although it is true that nobody catches a cold by being cold, the challenges to the body, like sustained cold and wet, can challenge the immune system. Protecting the body’s first line of defense - the skin and temperature maintenance - is part of dog longevity.
If your dog displays any symptoms, don’t wait around. You need a vet and the necessary antibiotic (Clavamox) to assist in dealing with this viral illness.
Things to look for are: sleepiness, lack of appetite, a runny nose and, finally, a cough. Short nosed dogs (like Shih Tzus) may never get to the cough because their passages are so small, so don’t “wait and see.” The virus itself weakens the system allowing secondary bacterial infections to thrive, which is where the Clavamox comes in. This seemingly mild respiratory problem can progress to pneumonia, so too much “wait and see” can be dangerous.
Zi Shi Quan and I want to wish everybody a happy, healthy New Year and lots of winter fun!
The look on her face is priceless! That outfit will keep her warm, for sure.
ReplyDeleteKatie has a pink quilted coat, but it is kind of lightweight. I haven't found anything warmer - the one your pup has looks really warm.
I'd like to try the booties for Katie - not just for the cold, but also for hot pavement and uncomfortable rocky roads that she walks slower on. I could never walk barefoot on these rocks! Boots would be worth a try to see if she'd wear them.
I'm sure that this is for her own good, but she doesn't look too happy!
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara... That pink coat is really thick and warm and it's a good thing because ever since I had her hair cut off she trembles a lot. This morning the temp in my house was 65 degrees and she just couldn't stop shivering. So I put on one of her sweaters and the coat on top. That seemed to do the trick.
ReplyDeleteHi Kate... LOL... no she doen't look too happy but it's not her coat that displeases her. She hates when I take photo of her. Every time I point the camera at her and put it up to my face she turns away. You'd think she would be used to it by now. I take a lot of photos of her but she hates it.
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