Just as severe cold can cause frostbite in humans, dogs can similarly be affected. Any time your dog is exposed to extremely cold conditions, be sure to watch for signs of frostbite. Knowing what to expect can save your dog lots of pain and, in extreme cases, amputation.
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Indications
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Frostbite happens when tissue is injured after an animal is exposed to freezing temperatures or winds. In dogs, the body parts most likely to be affected are the feet, tail and tips of the ears. When a dog is exposed to such extremely cold temperatures, his body responds by slowing bloodflow to his outer body parts and keeping his internal organs warm. This increases the probability that his feet, tail and ears will become frostbitten.
Diagnosis
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In some cases, it can take days before you notice frostbite symptoms in your dog. At first, his skin will look pale or gray and will be hard and cold. As it thaws, the area could become red. If your dog has experienced severe frostbite, within several days the affected skin will turn black and slough off over several weeks. At that point, the frostbitten tissue won't be painful, as it is dead.
Treatment
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If you think your dog has frostbite, remove him from the cold situation and begin slowly warming him up. Press warm--never hot--wet cloths to the affected areas. Do not rub, as that can cause serious harm to the tissue. Don't use dry heat, like a hair dryer or a heating pad, as that also can harm the tissue. Keep your dog warm and take him to the veterinarian, who will examine him. The vet might give him pain medication along with antibiotics to guard against infection. If large areas of tissue are severely frostbitten, the vet might have to amputate.
Prevention
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To make sure your dog doesn't become frostbitten, keep him out of extremely cold situations. Limit the time he spends outside, and make sure he gets warm when he comes back inside. Pay special attention to his tail, feet and ears.
Considerations
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Some medications, like beta-blockers, or medical conditions, like diabetes, could increase your dog's chances of becoming frostbitten. Also, some dogs, like chihuahuas and whippets, are more susceptible to frostbite because of their thin, fragile bodies and coat. Be aware of whether your dog's breed, medication or health condition predisposes him to frostbite.
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