Caring Of Dogs During Winter Season

It is believed that the most prevalent form of interspecies bonding occurs between humans and dogs, and dogs beening kept as companions, particularly by elites, has a long history (Mark, 1997; Paul and Colin, 2002).

- Riyaz Ahmed Bhat, Mohd Iqbal Yatoo, Madeeha Untoo and Insha Afzal

Dogs vary extensively in shape, size and colours and perform many roles for humans viz., hunting, load pulling, protection of flocks from predators, helping police and army, and companionship. This influence on human society has given them the title “man’s best friend”. There are two varieties of coats in domesticated dogs: double coat, made up of a soft undercoat and a tougher topcoat, or a single coat, which does not have an undercoat. Top coat in double coat has stiff hairs to help repel water and shield from dirt, and an undercoat to serve as insulation (Anonymous, 2014). The terms fur and hair are often used interchangeably when we talk about dog’s coats however in general, a double coat, e.g., like that of the Newfoundland and most mountain dogs, are referred to as a fur coat, while a single coat, like that of the Poodle, is referred to as a hair coat. In spite of thick fur in dogs, extreme low temperatures can cause a dog's body temperature to fall, thereby leading to hypothermia and if low body temperature persists for long periods it may lead to several complications and even may become fatal. Hypothermia if it occurs, should be managed as follows:

• Warm the blanket wrapped on the dog as a blanket.

• Cover a hot water bottle with a towel and place it against the dog’s abdomen but don’t use it uncovered, as it may burn the skin.

• Give dog warmed fluids to drink.

• Check the dog’s temperature every 10 minutes; if it is below 98°F, consult a veterinary doctor immediately.

• Once the temperature is above 100°F, you can remove the hot water bottle to avoid overheating but keep the dog in a warm area