As winter sets in, cold temperatures can affect our pets. It is important to understand your pet's limitations and cold tolerance, especially puppies who cannot regulate heat as well as adult dogs. Shorten walks in the cold weather and look for signs of irritation from salts / de-icers that may not be dog friendly including toxic antifreeze. If you notice any of the following signs, move your dog to warm, dry conditions right away:

• Shivering 

• Whining or barking  

• Tail tucking or hunched posture 

• Lifting paws off the ground 

• Reluctance to walk 

• Suddenly anxious behavior

Just like in the summer, don't leave your pets unattended in the car in winter as your car acts like a refrigerator quickly chilling your car and pet.

Finally, with snow covering up familiar looks and smells, ensure your pet's ID tags are up to date and attached in case they get out. 

For more winter safety tips, visit University of Wisconsin-Madison, AVMA, and Cornell Canine Health Center for more info.

According to the AKC, "Bird flu is a common name for avian flu or avian influenza, a virus that mainly infects birds. However, bird flu can also spread to humans and other mammals." Although bird flu can transfer to other mammals, it is rare in dogs but it is best to be aware of the potential symptoms. Just like in humans, rare complications can cause pneumonia or lead to death.

Transmission and Risks: 

Dogs can contract avian flu through various means, such as eating infected birds or raw meat from infected animals, or through contact with contaminated environments. While cases in dogs are rare, the virus's ability to mutate poses a potential risk. It's crucial for dog owners to be aware of these risks, especially during outbreaks.

Symptoms to Watch For: 

Early detection and preventive care are vital to protect your pet. Based on other respiratory diseases, symptoms can include:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Sneezing
• Nose and eye discharge
• Decreased appetite
• Congestion
• Coughing
• Malaise
• Fever
• Occasional vomiting

Preventive Measures: 

To minimize the risk, keep your pets away from wild birds and their droppings. Ensure they do not consume raw or undercooked poultry. For those with backyard flocks, maintaining a secure and clean environment is essential to prevent the spread of the virus.

By staying informed and vigilant, dog owners can help protect their pets from the potential dangers of avian flu.

To learn more, head to these sites:

AVMA's: Avian influenza in pets and backyard flocks

CDC's:What Causes Bird Flu in Pets and Other Animals
AKC's: Can Dogs Get Bird Flu? What to Know About Bird Flu and Dogs

Watch this video from the AKC  to learn how to do CPR on your dog!

And do you know how to do the doggy Heimlich? Check out what the AKC has to say here!

1. Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435

2. Your closest 2-3 emergency vets. Make sure to call ahead and explain your situation to the vet before you arrive. Although some emergency vets are open 24/7, not all have the capacity to handle your case OR they like to be prepared for your arrival and give specific arrival instructions. 

3. Your local vet. Some vets have "urgent care" time slots aside for their patients that have an urgent (but not necessarily emergency) case. Call ahead to make sure they're prepared for your dog.

4. First Aid Kit

See here for more first aid kit tips!

You never know when disaster will strike so be prepared!

Keep this Pet Disaster Checklist handy and along with some tips from the Red Cross here.