Even for the dogs that appear to thrive in these freezing temperatures, we need to watch for and understand the signs of frostbite. Prevention is always easier than treatment.
What is Frostbite?
Frostbite occurs when body temperatures decrease. In an attempt to keep vital organs (heart, lung, kidneys etc.) functioning properly and staying warm, the body diverts away from the extremities (ears, tail and paws) and directs it to the organs. This is true for both humans and animals.A body can survive without toes but not without a heart! The reduced amount of blood to these areas will cause the tissues to get cold, break down and ultimately lead to damage, often times irreversible damage.
How to Diagnose Frostbite?
Check to see if your pets paws, ears or tail feel colder than normal. Also, check to see if they warm up after spending some time indoors. Frostbite can be painful so you may see your pet biting at their tail or paws.Frostbite is always an emergency.
If you aren’t sure if your pet has frostbite, take them to your veterinarian immediately. Call ahead and let them know you are coming in with a possible frostbite case so they are ready for you when you arrive. Minutes matter.
Treatment for Frostbite
Your pet needs to warm up but its critical that you don’t want them to warm up too quickly as this can cause tissue damage.- Turn the heat up in the house, put the fireplace on or put them in a room with a heater
- Don’t force them to warm up. Let them move closer or further away from the heat source as they please
- Don’t use a heating pad
- Don’t rub the areas
- Help the areas to warm up using moist heat. Wet a cloth with warm water and gently dab the frostbitten areas
- Food NO, don’t feed them. Food causes blood to be diverted to the stomach to aid in digestion and away from the extremities where we need it to help warm the tissues
- Water YES but only offer room temperature water to drink