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Prevent Your Family Pet From Getting Frostbite

loewdesigns | Dec 29, 2010 |

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Even though your pets have a fur coat, they are not immune to getting hypothermia or frostbite in the cold winter months.

When winter comes most of us wrap up in warm layers, but its not as easy for our pets.

Frostbite occurs when contact with a cold surface is prolonged. The ears, tail, mammory glands, scrotum, and paws are the areas most suseptible to frostbite due to lack of fur or body insulation.

Hypothermia is simply low body temperature, it is fatal, but when we watch for the warning signs its easy to prevent.

The first sign of either condition is shivering, but if their body temperature is fatally low, they become subdued and confused with cold ears and feet. Their breathing and heart rate will also become irregular.

These conditions are more common in small, old, sick, or certain breeds that have less body fat or fur. Puppies and kittens have no control over internal body temperature, so they cannot protect themselves by instinct and should always be kept inside during cold weather.

If you suspect your pet has either condition, take action immediately. First make sure that your pet is completely dry, then gradually raise the internal body temperature by placing a well covered hot water bottle or heating pad next to/under them. Even using a hairdryer on low will help raise the temperature of your pet. It is also vital to contact your local vet for additional help.

To prevent any trouble at all, try using dog coats, having available access to heat and shelter, not walking pets when its cold and wet, and never leaving pets outside while you are gone.