Connect with us

Health and Wellness

Caring for your dog below freezing – how to keep your pet warm and protected from the cold, road salt and more this winter

Published

on

Time spent outdoors with your dog in spring, summer and fall could be wonderful. Visiting your favorite downtown coffee shop on a cool spring morning, going to your favorite dog park on a brilliant summer evening, or taking a walk along the river as the leaves change color are all great when the weather is good. However, in much of the country, as winter approaches, previously hospitable conditions can quickly develop into cold and dangerous for each humans and puppies.

Winter brings unique challenges for dog owners, as dogs still need activity and socialization during the colder seasons. Studies have shown that dog owners are almost 50% less likely to walk their dogs when it gets cold. Knowing the basics of winter safety is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your dog.

I’m lecturer at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, who survived the polar vortex along with her dog while living in Michigan early in my profession. Even though I moved to sunny California, I saw how quickly low temperatures can develop into dangerous for pets.

Advertisement

Racial and age differences

Not all dogs have the same ability to take care of cold weather. A brief-coated dog like a Chihuahua is way more susceptible to the dangers of cold weather than a thick-coated Husky. When the weather drops below 4 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), a well-acclimated Husky may feel comfortable while a Chihuahua will shiver and be prone to hypothermia.

Additionally, if your dog is used to warm weather but you select to move to a colder region, your dog will need time to acclimate to the colder weather, even when he has a thick coat.

Age also affects cold resistance. Puppies and older dogs cannot withstand the cold in addition to other dogs, but each dog is exclusive – each dog can have individual health conditions or physical characteristics that make it more or less resistant to cold.

When is my dog ​​too cold?

Dog jackets can keep pets warm in the cold.
AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Pet owners should find a way to recognize the signs that their dog is freezing. Dogs will shake and some may make noises or whimper. Dogs may keep their feet off the cold ground, bury themselves, or try to find warmth of their surroundings after they feel uncomfortable.

Advertisement

Like people, dogs can get frostbite. And as with humans, symptoms can take several days to appear, making them difficult to assess at this time. The most typical places for frostbite in dogs are the ears and the ends of their tails. Some of the initial symptoms of frostbite include discoloration of the skin, which is paler than usual or turns purple, gray and even black; red, blistering skin; edema; pain in place; or ulceration.

Other severe symptoms of hypothermia include lethargy or lethargy and if you happen to notice them, see your veterinarian immediately. An excellent rule of thumb is that if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your dog.

Taking the dog A sweater or jacket AND paw covers it could actually keep them protected from the elements and keep them comfortable. Veterinarians also recommend monitoring your dog closely and limiting time outdoors when temperatures approach or drop below the freezing point.

Road salt hazards

Road salt for removing ice on streets and sidewalks it could actually also harm dogs. When dogs walk on salt, the sharp, rough edges of the salt crystals can irritate the sensitive skin on their paws.

Advertisement
A fluffy dog ​​sits in the snow, wearing two fabric paw pads with dots.
Dog paw covers keep your feet warm and protect them from road salt.
AP Photo/Jim Cole

Dogs often lick their feet after they are dirty, wet or irritated, and in the event that they ingest salt in this way, gastrointestinal disorders, dehydration, kidney failure, seizures and even death can occur. Even small amounts of pure salt can interfere with critical body functions in dogs.

Some firms produce pet-protected salt, but in public places it could actually be difficult to tell what form of salt is on the ground. After walking your dog, wash his feet or shoes. You also can trim the fur of the paws to prevent snow or salt from accumulating in the fur. Applying a skinny layer of Vaseline or balm for paw pads on the skin of the pads of the paws also can help protect your pet’s paws from irritation.

Snow-covered sidewalk covered with small pieces of salt.
Road salt could be harmful to your dog’s sensitive paws.
Stolbovsky/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Risk of freezing

Antifreeze or ethylene glycol, present in most vehicles to prevent fluids from freezing when the weather gets cold. Some people pour antifreeze down the toilet after they are away from home to prevent the water in the toilet from freezing.

Antifreeze is an especially dangerous chemical for dogs and cats since it tastes sweet, but could be fatal if ingested. If an animal ingests even a small amount of antifreeze, the substance causes a chemical cascade in its body that causes serious kidney damage. If left untreated, your pet can have everlasting kidney damage or death.

There are safer antifreezes on the market that contain ingredients apart from ethylene glycol. If your dog ingests antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment.

When temperatures drop below freezing, the smartest thing pet owners can do is to limit time spent outside to a minimum. Try some classes in the constructinghide and seek games with low-calorie treats, fetching and even an interactive obstacle course. Food puzzles also can keep your dog mentally entertained while indoors.

Advertisement

While winter brings some unique challenges, it could actually still be an enjoyable and healthy time for you and your canine companion.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Health and Wellness

The study states that ingredients causing cancer in many products sold to black women

Published

on

By


The recent study reveals that greater than half of black women and Latina repeatedly surveyed in Los Angeles Use personal hygiene products containing known cancer cancer.

Journal Lists of environmental sciences and technology published Study at On March 7, revealing that out of 64 women surveyed, 53% reported using shampoos, nutrients, whitening creams, eyelash glue and other products containing formaldehyde and formaldehyde components that are known cause cancer in humans.

“It is really disturbing that we deliberately place chemicals that release a carcinogenic factor to our products that we use every day”, ” Robin Dodson, Deputy Director for Research in Silent Spring Institutenon -research process, examining the environmental causes of breast cancer NPr.

Advertisement

ResearcherS collected data in 2021 disproportionately exposed For formaldehyde in cosmetic products compared to white women. Experts suspected that the frequent use of chemical hair loosens containing formaldehyde releases by black women is one in all the the reason why they die of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer At much higher rates than their white counterparts.

In a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EEC), non -profit organizations, environmental agency, Scientists found that from 4011 personal hygiene products sold to black women, only 21% They were evaluated as a low threat in EWG’s Skin Deep® Cosmetics database.

The FDA announced its plans to propose a formaldehyde ban in 2023. The proposed ban was geared toward protect From health threats with chemical use. The agency planned to implement a proposal in April 2024, but he met with many delays. Last yr, EEC condemned FDA for his failure implement the ban.

“Despite the overwhelming evidence of formaldehyde risks during hair treatment, the FDA did not consistently work definitely,” EEC wrote in a press release.

Advertisement

From May 2025, the agency has not implemented the proposalEd Ban. Europe banned formaldehyde as a cosmetic component in 2009.

(Tagstranslatate) black women

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
Advertisement
Continue Reading

Health and Wellness

Nara Smith discusses her journey to eczema – essence

Published

on

By

Nara Smith opens on a trip to eczema

Swan Gallet/WWD via Getty Images

Advertisement

“I have always had eczema,” he says Nara SmithThe model and creator of the content known for her viral recipes “from scratch”. WITH Beef wealthy in vitamin Cream for anti -inflammatory teas and compotes, the continuing lifetime of the Creator with eczema and lupus later became a day by day routine. But only after she gave birth to her son three years ago, or did she realize how serious her flare may very well be.

“I grew up with eczema, but then just disappeared,” Smith says Essence. “When I was born, I had a small flash on my hand and I thought it would just disappear [again]. “Except for this has never been.

“It basically caused them to chase me for several days,” he says, falling victim to itching, swollen hands and flaky, sipping skin. “I really couldn’t get up and I think that people are not aware of how exhausting it can be exhausting, physically exhausting, because suddenly you don’t feel confident and you can’t look at each other.”

Advertisement

Eczema, also often known as atopic dermatitis, is chronic skin inflammation 10 percent of adults within the USA. According to the National Ersema Association, two -thirds of individuals say that their mental health is negative on eczema, while others reported interference in other sectors of life, equivalent to relationships, sexual health and even sleep. And with darker shades of skin more susceptible to transepidermal water loss, black women are more in danger.

Some studies suggest that just about 20 percent of Black Americans develop eczema with black children 1.7 times more likely To be diagnosed than white children. According to a dermatologist Dr. Camille Howard-VersovićEczema not only affects darker skin, but additionally looks different. “We usually rely on the word” erythematically “or red or pink in colorful people, [however] People who are deeply concentrated, pink more like gray, blues or purple, “he says.

Unlike dry skin, which could be matte and flaky, the leading symptom of eczema is chronic itching. “You can have an abnormal effect in the epidermis or in a worn -out layer, in which the skin is not so good to keep water,” he says, making the skin more susceptible to irritating and allergens, causing an inflammatory response. Meanwhile, Flare Ups could be brought on by dryness, acute skin and environment care triggers equivalent to allergies, pollen and pollution.

Advertisement

And although Howard-Versovic claims that the eating regimen doesn’t necessarily cause or cure eczema, the sport A major role In the general health of our skin. For Niery Smith, spending the night on the eczema test meant cutting grains, dairy products and sugar and bending into the world -famous naturopathic agents. “I tried to change my diet and tried to cut things and manage stress,” he says, analyzing every ingredient she put into her body.

It seems that her ongoing life eczema and severe exacerbations were partly brought on by an autoimmune disease, lupus, which was diagnosed with her in 2023 with the specter of infamous “butterfly rash“Like other jumpers related to the lupus, which exacerbates its eczema, the treatment of its” unpredictable flashes “required greater than just the provisions of compensation, but the fragile routine dermatologist routine.

“There is nothing that completely erases them, because it is simply not what eczema is,” he says, but constructing an efficient skincare routine helped her find the mandatory relief.

Advertisement

Recognized by the National Ersa Association, Smith, which is the most recent partner of Cetafil, complements Restoraderm Cetaphil line Even manage her worst flashes. This is basically due to the range crammed with a protein called “Filaggrin”, which maintains the skin barrier and hydration. “My eczema seems much calmer. It is not so red, it is not so dry, it does not break so much”, it shares, passing through the bottles Eczema rapid relief cream AND A relaxing moisturizing cream In addition to serum, oil and SPF finish.

Although most individuals only speak about eczema on the body, if in any respect, constructing a scalp routine for textured hair also has their challenges. “I used to wear my hair and it used to be full, and then I widen, so my hair began to fall out,” Smith is split by cutting all of it for a brushed bob, from which she is understood. “I think there is such a shame around him because you are so embarrassed [your eczema] Off, “he says, especially within the case of ladies’s beauty standards and skincare routine in social media.

In addition to this latest partnership, the content creator plans to proceed the conversation in regards to the beauty and skincare, constructing an expansive but intimate community to discuss even taboos, personal topics. “Although it is a skin condition, it greatly affects your everyday life in all aspects,” he says. “I think this is something that people don’t understand.”

Advertisement


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Continue Reading

Health and Wellness

Can psychedelics help you drink less alcohol? Our new study aims to find out

Published

on

By

Psychhedels reminiscent of LSD and psilocybina (Active ingredient in magical mushrooms) is gaining increasingly more attention in psychiatry. Research suggests They can offer therapeutic advantages in conditions reminiscent of depression, anxiety, obsessive and compulsive disorders, dietary disorders and addiction.

Our research team Study whether N, N-Dimetytryptamine (DMT)Quickly acting psychedelic, can help people reduce alcohol consumption.

Alcohol is most frequently Incorrectly used substance in Great Britainpartly since it is legal, widely available and deeply rooted in social culture. While many individuals can enjoy alcohol sparselyIN significant number Fight to control their drinking. For these people, Excessive alcohol consumption It can lead to serious physical, mental and social consequences.

Advertisement

Traditional treatments don’t work for everybody, which is why we examine alternatives reminiscent of psychedelics, which may allow people to change their behavior in a single transformational experience.



DMT is Metabolized quickly within the body. When administered intravenousThe effects start almost immediately, often in a single to two minutes. However, these effects are short -lived, lasting only ten to 20 minutes.

Advertisement

Despite the short duration of many users, they describe this experience as very deep. They often report live visions, complex patterns and feeling in one other reality. In some cases, experience leads to a whole change in how they think, feel and perceive the world. For many, this experience is deeply significant and transformational.

But what happens within the brain presently and the way can it affect long -term behavior, reminiscent of a discount in alcohol consumption?



Neuroplasticity and addiction

Our team He is especially all for how psychedelics reminiscent of DMT can help within the context of addiction. One theory is that psychedelics can temporarily increase neuroplasticityBrain ability to create new neural connections. This temporary reinforcement can open a window of flexibility, enabling some people more open to change.

For someone who got stuck in a heavy drinking cycle, this increased plasticity can help them break the old habits and develop healthier behavior. Basically, it might probably offer the brain Opportunity for “again” Sam and disturbing unhealthy patterns underlying addiction.

Advertisement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys9fbb19ws0

We also deal with reward and brain motivation systems, which play a key role in addiction. These systems affect the behavior related to pleasure, including food, sex and alcohol.

In individuals with Alcohol consumption disorderThese systems turn out to be hypersensitive to alcohol guidelines, often on the expense of other satisfying experiences. Some early studies He suggests that psychedelics can help “reset” these paths. We test this theory to see if DMT can reduce alcohol consumption by re -calibrating the brain prize system.

To examine these possibilities, we designed a study with drinking heavy, who’re motivated to reduce alcohol consumption. Each participant undergoes a radical screening test to be sure that they’re suitable for testing, and all sessions are conducted in a highly controlled, clinical environment with doctors and experienced researchers supervising this process.

Advertisement

The study includes three visits to our UCL laboratory. We use through the first and third visit Functional imaging of magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) to measure brain activity and observe how different areas of the brain interact.

During scans, participants watch emotionally engaging movies that provide a more natural way of testing brain response compared to abstract tasks. This helps us assess how DMT can affect the brain function in real, emotionally charged situations.

During the second visit, the participants are randomly assigned to receive DMT, placebo or non -pryshedel medicine (D-CykLoserina Or Lisers). It is believed that these subszymical substances are believed Promote neuroplasticity Without inducing full psychedelic effects of DMT.

. The test is double blind – Neither participants nor scientists know which substance is run. This helps to eliminate bias and ensures that the outcomes are as reliable as possible.

Advertisement

In addition, we measure changes in brain activity during infusion of the drug with electroencephalography (EEG). EEG tracks the brain electrical signals and may help us predict which participants will almost certainly use DMT.

Participants also perform various psychological assessments, including questionnaires and tasks that measure memory, attention, mood and decision making. These data will help us understand how changes in brain function can relate to changes in behavior related to drinking.

What can we hope to discover

We are still within the technique of collecting data, but we’re excited whether DMT can lead to a major reduction in alcohol consumption. As scientists, it’s crucial for us to remain objective and permit the evidence to conduct our conclusions. By maintaining a “blind” test, until all results can be found, we be sure that our arrangements are objective and reliable.

If DMT proves to be effective in helping people to reduce alcohol consumption, especially for many who struggled with other treatments, it might probably pave the best way to a new approach to addiction therapy. Even if the outcomes are ambiguous, they may proceed to provide precious insight into the potential role of psychedels within the treatment of addiction and open new possibilities of future research.

Advertisement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkr-jvglkng

It is very important to emphasize that these research takes place in a protected, controlled environment. Psychhedels are strong substances, and their effects could be unpredictable, especially outside the clinical settings. They usually are not a “magic ball” and usually are not suitable for everybody. The controlled setting allows us to examine our effects, while minimizing the chance for participants.

Having said that, we imagine in psychhedels offer a special opportunity To higher understand the brain and its ability to change. By examining how transformational experiences can affect behavior, we hope to contribute to the event of simpler treatment of addiction and other mental health conditions.

Advertisement

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending