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When temperatures drop below freezing, pet parents should be aware of the risks cold weather poses to their furry companions. One of the most serious winter hazards dogs face is frostbite – the freezing of skin and underlying tissues. As extremities like paws, ears, tail, and nose have less circulation, these body parts are most vulnerable.
Frostbite can be extremely painful and cause permanent damage if severe. Know how to recognize, treat, and prevent frostbite in your canine friend. Using an outdoor pet monitor provides an extra layer of protection when cold temps hit.
Recognizing Frostbite in Dogs
The first signs of frostbite include:
- Pale, grayish-blue skin tone
- Coldness and brittleness of the skin/tissue
- Lack of flexibility or painful stiffness
- Blisters or skin ulcers
- Areas of skin turning black as tissue dies
Paw pads, ears, the tail, and the scrotum are body parts especially prone to frostbite. Also check the belly, groin, and inner thighs. If your dog is whining, acting anxious, or showing signs of pain when going out or coming inside, check for symptoms. Even mild or moderate frostbite requires a veterinary visit.
Treating Frostbite in Dogs
If you suspect or confirm your dog has frostbite, quick action is essential to minimize damage. Move your dog gently to a warm, dry location to raise their body temperature slowly. Cover affected areas with towels, but do not rub the skin which can cause further tissue trauma.
Do not apply direct heat like hot water or a heating pad. Warm the paws with your hands or with the dog’s body heat. Frostbitten skin is fragile so handle paws and limbs carefully if transporting to the vet. Thawing of tissues and restoration of blood flow causes pain, so your vet may prescribe pain relievers.
Treatment depends on frostbitten skin layer depth and may include antibiotics, fluid therapy, and bandages. In severe cases, amputation of damaged extremities may be required. With prompt, proper care though, most dogs fully recover.
Preventing Frostbite in Dogs
Stop frostbite before it happens by:
- Keeping your home warm so your dog isn’t compelled to go out to relieve themselves in extreme cold. Place beds away from cold drafts from doors. This is where a pet monitor can help you with.
- Putting a doggie coat, sweater, or booties on your dog before potty breaks when temperatures or wind chills drop below freezing. Avoid prolonged walks.
- Applying protective paw balms or waxes specifically for winter use prior to outside excursions. They provide a shield against salt, ice, snow buildup and keep paws supple.
- Trimming hair around paws short to reduce snow clinging between toes.
- Checking paws, ears, tails, etc. when coming inside for early frostbite signs. Look between toes and pads for ice.
- Allowing thorough drying after snow play, swimming, baths or leaks from snow melt puddles.
- Using an outdoor pet monitor lets you see when your dog wants to come back inside, reminding you to promptly assess for cold weather dangers.
Know Your Dog’s Limits
Be aware that very young, very old, small breed, and dogs with medical conditions have a lower tolerance for cold extremes. Short-haired and low body fat dogs also struggle to conserve body heat. Make adjustments to time spent outdoors accordingly. When temperatures drop far below freezing, avoid being outside for more than short bathroom breaks.
Frostbite Risk Rise When Temps Fall
Vigilance against winter hazards protects the dogs we love. Watch for early signs of frostbite when temperatures fall. Take prompt action at the first symptoms to minimize lasting effects. With prevention and early response, we can keep our furry best friends safe this winter. Using a pet monitor like Waggle Pet Monitor provides the power to remotely view pets and give them relief when frostbite threatens.
