| Pet owners don't always realize that dogs can get | | | | this, it is important to realize that frostbite is |
| frostbite. However, they can suffer both | | | | caused in a similar way to frostbite in humans - |
| hypothermia and frostbite if outside temperatures | | | | by death of body tissues when ice crystals form |
| drop below freezing. Although not every breed of | | | | in body cells. Dogs are particularly susceptible to |
| dog will be affected as quickly by the cold, most | | | | frostbite on their ears, feet and tails as well as |
| breeds will suffer from frostbite if there is not | | | | any body part which stands out from the main |
| adequate protection from the cold. Even Alaskan | | | | trunk of the dog's body. Remember, a dog which |
| Malamutes curl up together to help prevent | | | | has frostbite is suffering from damaged skin |
| frostbite during bitterly cold weather. | | | | tissue and it is important to get appropriate |
| Hypothermia can be the first sign of frostbite | | | | medical treatment! |
| Before frostbite strikes, hypothermia may set in. | | | | Does frostbite show up immediately? |
| This is a vital warning sign. Signs of hypothermia | | | | Not necessarily. Damaged tissue may not show |
| include shivering, trouble breathing, weakness, blue | | | | signs of interrupted blood flow right away. If your |
| gums and progression to a comatose state. Alert | | | | dog has been outside and shows any signs of |
| pet owners can warn off frostbite by wrapping | | | | hypothermia, call a specialist. Be clear about your |
| the pet in a blanket or cloth and taking them | | | | dog's symptoms and follow the vet's advice. If a |
| immediately to a veterinarian's office for | | | | dog's legs start to swell or the skin changes color |
| treatment. | | | | and the animal is clearly in pain, don't hesitate to |
| How to prevent frostbite | | | | get help. Be particularly careful to check the dog's |
| Dog owners should take special care with puppies | | | | ears, feet, toes and tail. If not treated |
| as well as elderly dogs whose bodies may not be | | | | immediately, it is possible that a dog may have to |
| in optimal condition. Listen to weather forecasts | | | | have a limb amputated. Proper care and |
| because some mild days can quickly turn to | | | | immediate treatment can prevent this. |
| dangerously cold temperatures later. Also, don't | | | | Does this mean that dogs can't live outside in the |
| assume sunny days prevent frostbite, especially if | | | | winter? |
| the temperature is below freezing or the wind chill | | | | For the best advice concerning particular breeds, it |
| makes the outside temperatures feel like they | | | | is best to consult a veterinarian or specialist. |
| are below zero. Always err on the side of caution. | | | | Some dogs may be able to live outside, perhaps |
| If salt or any chemicals are used to melt ice on | | | | in a sheltered and heated garage. Others may be |
| driveways, make sure the ingredients are not | | | | able to live in a protected area of the yard, as |
| dangerous to dogs. Consider buying booties | | | | long as the dog house is designed to maintain safe |
| designed to protect a dog's feet as well as a | | | | body temperatures and retain heat. If the |
| blanket or coat for those breeds with thin fur. | | | | temperature drops below freezing, pay attention |
| What if a dog accidentally gets outside and gets | | | | to weather reports which indicate that dogs |
| frostbite? | | | | should be brought inside. A dog will not get |
| If the pet owner is not at home but arrives | | | | "spoiled" or used to being in the house if taken |
| home to find that a pet has gotten outside, what | | | | inside once in awhile - for the dog's protection. |
| are the warning signs of frostbite? To understand | | | | |