Hypothermia and Frostbite

With the approach of the winter season, it is best to prepare our animals for cold wintry days and nights. It is surprising to some to learn that dogs and cats can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite, despite having fur coats.

The most common cause of hypothermia is prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. However, even if your pet is a hardy large breed, he can succumb to the effects of cold temperatures. For some small animals, just a few minutes outside in extreme temperatures will bring the onset of symptoms.

During the winter, monitor your pet’s outdoor activity. Puppies, kittens, and geriatric dogs and cats, and animals with various medical conditions are the most at risk, but any animal can become affected as temperatures plummet. The safest way to protect your animal is to only let him out for short periods during winter months. Don’t ever leave an animal out in cold temperatures for extended periods! The consequences could cost him his life.

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia is the lowering of the body’s core temperature and occurs when an animal’s temperature falls abnormally low. The extent of the injuries varies with the body temperature and duration of hypothermia. Hypothermia can be fatal. Mild hypothermia causes an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, but if the time and severity of heat loss continues, heart rate and blood pressure decline and cardiac arrhythmias or cardiac arrest can occur. Severe hypothermia leads to respiratory problems, lethargy, lack of coordination, paralysis, and possibly even death.

The first symptom of hypothermia is shivering. When a dog shivers, there is an increase in muscle activity, which increases heat production. At the same time, his blood circulation shifts away from his legs and feet to his internal organs. Other symptoms include slow and shallow breathing, weakness, and listlessness.

First aid for hypothermia

• Move your pet to a warm room
• Warm your pet by wrapping him in blankets
• Use hot water bottles wrapped in warm towels to warm him.
• Warm him with a heat lamp or hair dryer. Keep the lamp or dryer 12 inches from the animal.
• Seek veterinary care as soon as possible, even if it appears that your pet is fine. Kidney and bladder problems are common in pets that have been exposed to cold temperatures.

WHAT IS FROSTBITE?

Prolonged exposure to the cold can also cause frostbite. Frostbite is the death of tissue in the extremities. Dog’s and cat’s toes, tails, ear tips, foot pads, legs, and male dog’s genitalia are the most common frostbite areas. Frostbitten tissue appears pale and is cold to the touch. Frostbite can be very painful and can result in the amputation of the dead tissue to avoid gangrene.

Symptoms of frostbite include ice on the body and limbs, shivering, and bright red tissues turning to a pale color or black color.

First aid for frostbite

• Warm the affected area rapidly with warm water using towels or warmed ice packs.
• If a limb or paw is affected, soak it only in a bath or bowl of warm water. Do not immerse the animal completely in a bath since this will cause the body temperature to decrease.
• Dry gently after you have the warmed the area.
• Avoid rubbing or massaging the frozen tissue
• Always seek veterinary care as soon as possible.