In winter, dogs and cats are particularly vulnerable to sudden temperature changes, humidity, wind, and drafts, which weaken the body's natural defenses. Weather conditions can quickly lead to hypothermia, which promotes the development of infections—especially in young, elderly, chronically ill animals, or those with weakened immune systems. Therefore, the role of the caregiver is especially important during this time. It is the owner, observing their pet daily, who is the first to notice small, often subtle changes in behavior or appearance. Early recognition of disease symptoms allows for a faster response, prevents deterioration, and shortens recovery time.
It is worth remembering that some symptoms initially look like a common, mild cold, but can actually be the beginning of more serious viral infections – such as cat flu in cats or kennel cough in dogs. Both illnesses can begin with sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, or mild lethargy, so you should never ignore any warning signs. Even seemingly minor symptoms, if ignored, can quickly develop into a more serious condition requiring intensive treatment.
The most common symptoms to look out for in winter are:
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swelling and redness of the conjunctiva, tearing, squinting,
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nasal discharge – watery or mucous,
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lack of appetite,
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vomiting white foam or saliva,
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frequent licking and smacking of the lips, indicating nausea and sore throat
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in cats: adopting a painful position, the so-called "loaf",
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apathy, reluctance to play and loss of energy.
Normal body temperature
Normal body temperature in dogs is 37.5–39°C , and in cats 38–39.2°C . In very young animals, the values may be slightly higher, but any temperature above 39.5°C indicates a fever and requires contacting a veterinarian.
Home care for mild symptoms
Home care should only be used for mild symptoms, provided the animal is still active, drinking water, and has no fever. In such situations, it's helpful to provide a warm, dry place to rest away from drafts, provide easily digestible meals, humidify the air, and, in the case of dogs, opt for shorter, more frequent walks. It's also very important to prevent your dog from eating snow or drinking ice-cold water, as this can irritate the stomach and worsen the infection. It's also important to remember that pets should never be given human medications without first consulting a veterinarian.
When is a visit to the vet necessary?
You should see a veterinarian immediately if you experience a fever above 39.5°C, recurrent vomiting, excessive nasal or eye discharge, shortness of breath, cough, significant weakness, or lethargy lasting more than 24 hours. In cats, hiding, persistently adopting a painful position, and a loss of appetite are particularly alarming.
Winter prevention plays a key role in preventing infections. This includes a balanced diet, immune support, avoiding sudden temperature changes, and proper care after walks. Dogs without an undercoat and miniature breeds should wear warm clothing in winter to protect against wind and cold. After returning home, it's a good idea to thoroughly dry their paws and belly to remove moisture and road salt.
Prevention - the importance of nutrition in winter
Nutrition is crucial to maintaining health. Well-balanced foods like Dr. Malou provide ingredients that support immunity, improve skin and coat condition, and strengthen the body during periods of increased risk of infection. Feeding Dr. Malou freeze-dried products has several important advantages:
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retains its full nutritional value because the ingredients are not destroyed at high temperatures,
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has high bioavailability and easy digestibility, which is especially important in case of weakened immunity,
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does not contain preservatives or artificial fillers,
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it is aromatic and eagerly eaten even by animals with reduced appetite or during illness
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They can be given both dry and with water added – making it easy to increase your pet's hydration level in winter, when many animals drink less, and to give to animals that have trouble swallowing during a throat infection.
Through careful observation, proper prevention, appropriate nutrition, and informed choices, a pet owner can significantly reduce the risk of illness and ensure a safer, healthier winter for their pet.
