It is just plain cold out there (well at least in Kentucky) and even I with a nice white fur coat does not want to go outside to do my business. My poor foster brother Elvis has a buzz cut and he really hates going out. So today I wanted to talk to you all about frostbite and what to watch for and how to prevent it this winter!
Frostbite can affect us doggies just like you all. The areas must commonly affected are the tips of our ears, the scrotum (ouch!!), and our paws (especially our toes). Dogs can’t say hey mom my paws hurt or are numb. So you will only know something is wrong when we start limping or act out in pain. So check us out because our skin will become a different color. It can be pale to gray, or red and tender, and if the frostbite is really bad our skin turns black meaning that the tissue has died.
If you think we have frost bite first CALL YOUR VET and get us there ASAP. You can also gently warm the area with a washcloth and lukewarm water. Don’t use a heating pad or hot water because that can damage our nerves and blood vessels. As our skin warms it will be come very painful and some doggies will start chewing on the frostbite area. That is why going to the vet is so important. They can manage our pain and make sure we don’t damage the skin even more.
So what can you do to help prevent frostbite. First any temp below 10 degree Fahrenheit is just to cold for us to withstand. So when the temp drops especially if you have outdoor dogs please don’t keep us outside and make alternate plans. If an outdoor dogs must stay outside make sure we have well-insulated, dry bedding. A heat lamp in our dog house would be awesome! Also increase our food. Increasing our calories means our body has more fuel to make more body heat, thus keeping us warmer, longer. If you have indoor dogs coats help when we need to go do our business. Also don’t keep us out there long.
I hope these tips help keep your doggie frostbite free!
