Winter might be a beautiful time for you to play with snow and cuddle with your four-legged companions beside a bonfire, but it brings along various health hazards for your canine. Yes, dogs are susceptible to two serious health conditions, hypothermia and frostbite, when exposed to cold weather for a long duration, which affects their bodies in different ways.
Continue reading to understand everything about these two conditions, ranging from symptoms to prevention tips and keep your furry friends hale and hearty throughout the winter months.
Let’s begin!
Understanding Hypothermia in Dogs
Hypothermia is a condition in dogs that occurs when their body temperature drops dangerously low (below 37 0 C or 990 F), affecting the functionality of internal organs. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, shock, severe hypothyroidism, wet skin and fur, etc. are some of the reasons that can lead to hypothermia and it can be life-threatening if left unattended.
Signs of Hypothermia
Mentioned below are a few common signs of hypothermia in dogs:
- Excessive shivering
- Pale or bluish skin & gums
- Dilated pupils
- Slowed heart rate
- Lethargy or weakness
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Cold ears, nose and paws
- Muscle stiffness
- Loss of consciousness or collapse (in severe cases)
Immediate Aid
Here are the Dos and Don’ts that you should keep in mind while giving first aid to your dog suffering from hypothermia:
Dos
- Move your dog indoors immediately
- Monitor their temperature and consult the vet immediately if it is below 370 C or 990 F
- Dry and warm their body gradually (use a soft towel, blanket, heating pad or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel)
- Offer them warm fluids (electrolyte solution or warm water)
- Seek veterinary help if symptoms persist
Don’ts
- Use a heating pad directly on the skin
- Give fluids if your dog is unconscious
- Heat the body rapidly, as it can harm or shock the skin
- Keep them in cold and windy areas
- Use hot water or blankets for warming
Understanding Frostbite in Dogs
Frostbite is a condition that makes a dog’s skin and tissues freeze due to long hours of cold exposure, affecting the ears, nose, paws and tail. Frostbite can be tricky to notice as the symptoms are not visible in the first few hours, but the damage can be fatal if not attended to in time.
Signs of Frostbite
Mentioned below are a few common signs of frostbite in dogs:
- Skin ulcers or blisters
- Blackened or dead skin
- Pain, redness or swelling
- Pale, gray or bluish skin
- Licking the affected area
- Ice stuck to the body
Immediate Aid
Here are the Dos and Don’ts you should keep in mind while giving first aid to your dog suffering from frostbite:
Dos
- Move your dog indoors immediately
- Use lukewarm water to warm them and keep the area dry
- Soak the affected area for 15-20 minutes
- Reduce movement, especially if paws or legs are affected
- Seek veterinary help to assess tissue damage and timely treatment
Don’ts
- Rub or massage the affected area, as it can worsen tissue damage
- Try to pinch or break blisters
- Use a heating pad or hair dryer directly on the skin
- Use hot water for warming
- Put pressure on paws or legs
Key Difference Between Hypothermia vs. Frostbite in Dogs
Although both hypothermia and frostbite occur when your dog’s body temperature drops significantly when they are exposed to cold temperatures for a long duration, yet they differ in certain ways. Hypothermia affects the overall health and can damage various organs, including the heart, brain and kidneys, while frostbite causes damage to specific areas of the body and underlying tissues.
Dogs suffering from frostbite usually have hypothermia as well due to prolonged exposure to cold. Watch out for symptoms, bring your dog indoors immediately and warm them quickly but gently with the right approach to keep them protected and healthy.
Tips to Prevent Hypothermia vs. Frostbite in Dogs
Let’s have a quick look at some easy ways to prevent hypothermia and frostbite in dogs:
- Limit outdoor timings, keep playtime and walking sessions short and avoid going out during peak hours, including early morning and late evening when the temperatures drop drastically.
- Make them wear a jacket, cap and boots while going out to keep them protected from the cold air.
- Properly dry the coat, paws and belly after rain or snow exposure as wet fur accelerates heat loss.
- Keep indoors warm and cozy with blankets, bedding and mats. Provide insulated shelters for outdoor dogs.
- Avoid shaving your dog in winters as dense fur provides an extra layer of insulation.
- Monitor them regularly and seek professional help if you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
To Wrap Up
Keeping your canine companion protected from harsh winters with a little awareness and a few lifestyle modifications goes a long way in preventing hypothermia and frostbite. Equip yourself with the information mentioned in the blog and take preventive steps to keep your little bundle of joy warm, happy, healthy and thriving even during the cold months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What causes hypothermia and frostbite in dogs?
Ans. Hypothermia and frostbite in dogs are caused by prolonged exposure to extreme cold, underlying health conditions or any shock or trauma.
Q2. What are the early symptoms of hypothermia?
Ans. Extreme shivering, slow heart rate, dilated pupils, cold ears and nose, lethargy, stiff muscles and anxiety are some of the early signs of hypothermia in dogs.
Q3. What are the early signs of frostbite?
Ans. Blisters, skin ulcers, pale skin, swelling, discoloration and pale or bluish skin are some of the early signs of frostbite in dogs.
Q4. Can hypothermia and frostbite occur at the same time?
Ans. Yes, hypothermia and frostbite can occur at the same time, as both are caused by cold exposure for a longer duration. While frostbite affects the skin and underlying tissues, hypothermia impacts the overall health.
