How To Protect Your Dog From Frostbite This Winter?
-
admin
- Posted on
- 0 comments
Winters are beautiful and magical, but for your pets, this can be a rough time. Though it’s hard to believe that even if dogs have a fluffy layer of fur, still they can suffer from frostbite. There are no hard and fast rules as to how cold it has to be for your dogs to get frostbite, but certain factors like water and harsh winds can trigger this issue more. paws, ears, and tail are parts that are more prone to this winter health problem.
Frostbite is a serious health condition that occurs when a dog is exposed to the cold weather for a long time. To protect other organs, their bodies reduce blood flow to their extremities. This lack of blood flow makes these body parts more prone to the cold weather and leads to tissue damage. Dogs that have short hair, are old in age, and are small breed dogs are more exposed to this health problem.
Symptoms Of Frostbite In Dogs
1. Skin Color Changes
When a dog is exposed to cold weather for a long time, its skin color changes. The skin becomes very pale because of loss of blood flow. Moreover, if your dog gets severe frostbite, the skin becomes black.
2. Skin Sensitivity
The affected area may feel very cold to the touch and will be painful as well. There can be blisters and open wounds as well.
3. Swelling
It’s natural for certain areas of the body to swell up and hurt when exposed to cold weather. No matter even if there is mild swelling, this is an indication of frostbite.
How To Prevent Frostbite?
1. Protect Your Dog’s Paws
Your dog’s paws come in direct contact with the ice and snow, and this becomes one of the main reasons for frostbite. Dog booties can be used to provide a barrier against the cold ground. In addition to that, paw wax forms an additional layer on the pads, reducing the risk of frostbite.
2. Outdoor Exposure
One of the most effective ways to prevent frostbite is to keep a check on your dog’s outside time in harsh weather conditions. Limit long walking hours to short, brisk walks. Monitor the temperature and wind rate before heading out with your furry friend.
3. Avoid Metal Surfaces
Metal surfaces freeze quickly and cause frostbite. So, make sure that you don’t let your dog sit or go near metal surfaces, as this way the heat from their body will get transferred to such surfaces. This way dogs will be away from the risk of frostbites.
4. Invest In Warm Clothes
Make sure that you invest in proper winter clothes for your dogs. A well-fitted dog sweater and coat give an additional layer of warmth and prevent frostbite. Clothing should be such that it is easy to remove so that there is no issue of overheating.
5. Dry Out Thoroughly
After you take your dog out for a walk, in the cold weather, it’s essential to dry off your dog. Moisture can quickly lead to frostbite if it stays on your skin or fur. A dry towel should be used to remove snow from legs, belly, and paws.
Treating Frostbite
The first thing to do after your dog gets frostbite is to move your dog to a warm and sheltered place. Make sure that you gently warm the affected areas, such as the tail, paws, ears, etc. This is done by soaking a towel in warm water and then compressing the affected area. Direct heat sources like dryers and heating pads should be avoided, as during frostbite the skin becomes quite sensitive. While you are caring for your dog, monitor the overall behavior for signs of other cold-related problems.
