Symptoms of Frostbite in Cats and Dogs
If pets are exposed to cold enough temperatures, they could develop frostbite. This will often go hand in hand with hypothermia, which occurs when body temperature drops to dangerously low levels and can prove fatal. Here’s how to spot the signs of frostbite in cats and dogs, and how to help your pet.
Symptoms of Frostbite
Frostbite can happen anywhere, particularly extremities and where the fur is thin. It usually happens as a result of prolonged exposure. It typically affects the tail, tips of the ears, nose and foot pads but can happen anywhere in which fur is thin.
It is characterised by pale white or blue skin that is cold to the touch compared to unaffected areas. This is caused by lack of circulation. Once circulation starts to return to normal, the skin will typically turn red and swollen, and may also peel. There will usually be an obvious differentiation between dead and live tissue. Frostbitten areas will usually be painful to begin with and as they heal, they are likely to be become itchy and uncomfortable. If the affected areas show signs of becoming dark, this is usually a sign of serious damage to the tissue. This may not happen straight away and could take several days to become obvious.
How Frostbite is Treated
Contact your vet for advice as soon as possible in order to confirm the suspected diagnosis. The main focus will be on encouraging circulation to return to normal. Because it is crucial for this to happen as quickly as possible, this is something that should be done as soon as frostbite is suspected. Waiting until your pet can see a vet makes it more likely that complications will arise. You should still arrange for your vet to check your pet over to prevent the likelihood of infection setting in and to manage the pain associated with the condition.
Applying warm water on frostbitten areas for around twenty minutes or until the tissue starts to look flushed again will help circulation to return. Hot water is not used as this could cause damage. It is important to be extremely careful throughout; rubbing and massaging can affect the tissue.
Your vet may prescribe painkillers to minimise discomfort but if normal circulation is not beginning to return, they may need to introduce additional measures to aid this. Any areas that do not respond will most likely be dead and will therefore be ‘treated’ via surgical removal.
Preventing Frostbite
The best way to protect your pet against the effects of frostbite is to limit their exposure to cold weather during the winter. Look to keep them indoors as much as possible but if this is not an option, make sure that they are sheltered from the elements. Exposure to wind and rain can lead to both frostbite and hypothermia, especially if it is prolonged.
[Photo Credit: Kerri Lee Smith ]