50 Soul-Healing Rescue Pet Pics To Make You Smile (January Edition)

Since we have already slid into our comfy sweaters, hoodies, and jackets, it's worth talking about animals getting through winter as well.

To learn more about how they do it, we contacted PDSA, the UK's leading vet charity. If anyone can tell us about animals' well-being, it's these folks. Every year, the dedicated teams at the organization's 48 hospitals work tirelessly to provide 2.7 million veterinary treatments, including 440,000 preventative treatments. This helps over 470,000 much-loved pets and brings peace of mind to 300,000 owners.

"Unlike our own pets, stray animals may struggle to find shelter from cold and rainy weather in the winter," PDSA Vet Lynne James told Bored Panda. "They may also struggle to find enough food and water to keep them healthy."

Rough weather and the additional challenges that it brings also aren't helping anyone. James said that, "Cats and dogs can't catch colds from humans (and we can't catch colds from them), but they can suffer from different infections that cause similar symptoms."

"For cats, a runny nose and sneezing could be signs of 'cat flu,' a condition which can involve several different cat-specific viruses. Cat flu can make your cat feel generally unwell and there may be other signs such as ulcers on the tongue or eye problems."

"Kennel cough is a very contagious respiratory disease in dogs that causes a high-pitched cough that can be made worse by activity," the vet explained. "Most dogs don't feel generally unwell with kennel cough but some can get a runny nose or weepy eyes and they can go off their food."

Training your eye to recognize these signs can serve as a valuable tool to in maintaining your little companion's well-being. "Although not life-threatening, it is important to get your pets treated. Kennel cough may go away on its own but if dogs are still coughing after a few days then owners should seek veterinary advice. Coughing, sneezing and a runny nose can sometimes be caused by more serious issues and so it is a good idea to speak to your vet if you are concerned."

“After seeing a vet, who will prescribe any necessary medication and check nothing more serious is going on, pets should have a quiet, warm and comfy place where they can rest and recover," Lynne James said.

"Owners should encourage their pets to eat and drink, especially if they are unwell. For cats suffering from cat flu, owners can place them in a very steamy room like the bathroom to help to clear out their noses a few times a day. Dogs with kennel cough should be kept calm as barking and excitement can make their cough worse. They should also be kept away from other dogs until they are no longer coughing."

As in many areas, prevention goes a long way in ensuring your pet's health. “Cats and dogs should have yearly vaccinations, which will help prevent or lessen the symptoms of diseases like cat flu and kennel cough," James added.

"It is important to know that kennel cough can be caught wherever dogs congregate such as parks or at training classes - not just kennels!"