Learn the Warning Signs, Prevent Cold-Weather Dangers, and Protect Your Pet’s Health This Winter
In our last blog post on Keeping Pets Warm and Safe This Winter, we touched on the basic ways to ensure your pets’ comfort in the harsh winter months. Now, let’s take a deeper look at two serious conditions that can result from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures—frostbite and hypothermia—their warning signs, and what to do if you expect your pet may be in danger.
While both frostbite and hypothermia are cold-related conditions, they affect the body in different ways and therefore require distinct responses. Understanding the difference can help you provide the right care for your pet and just may save their life.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze due to exposure to cold temperatures. It typically affects extremities such as ears, tail, paws, and nose. It’s localized to specific parts of the body, and damage is often visible.
Signs of Frostbite
- Pale, Gray, or Bluish Skin: The affected area may appear discolored, especially in lighter-colored pets.
- Cold, Hard Skin: The skin might feel cold to the touch or stiff due to freezing.
- Pain or Sensitivity: Your pet may flinch, yelp, or pull away if the area is touched.
- Swelling or Blistering: In severe cases, the skin may swell or develop blisters.
- Skin Darkening: As the frostbitten area begins to heal, the skin may turn black, indicating tissue damage.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a systemic condition that happens when a pet’s body temperature drops dangerously low, impairing the function of internal organs and systems. It can occur from prolonged exposure to cold or wet conditions. It affects the entire body and is a life-threatening emergency if untreated.
Signs of Hypothermia
- Shivering: Early stages of hypothermia often include shivering as the body tries to generate heat. If shivering stops in severe cold, it may indicate the condition has worsened.
- Lethargy or Weakness: Pets may seem unusually tired or have difficulty standing or walking. They may appear sluggish or unresponsive to commands.
- Cold Extremities: Ears, paws, and tail may feel cold to the touch due to decreased blood flow.
- Pale or Bluish Gums and Skin: Reduced circulation can cause discoloration in gums or skin, especially in lighter-colored pets.
- Slowed Heart Rate or Breathing: As the body cools, heart rate and respiration may become slower and weaker. In advanced stages, breathing may become shallow.
- Whining or Anxiety: Pets may vocalize their discomfort or seem restless as they try to find warmth.
- Confusion or Disorientation: Pets may act dazed, appear clumsy, or have trouble moving around normally.
- Stiff Muscles or Stumbling: Muscle stiffness from the cold can make walking difficult or lead to a staggered gait.
- Dilated Pupils: Pupils may appear larger than usual as the condition progresses.
- Loss of Consciousness: In severe cases, pets may become unconscious, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Key Differences:
- Frostbite is damage to specific areas of the body due to freezing, whereas hypothermia is a drop in the body’s core temperature, impacting overall health.
- Pets with frostbite often have hypothermia as well, especially if they’ve been exposed to extreme cold for a long time.
What to Do in Both Cases:
If you suspect frostbite or hypothermia, move your pet indoors immediately and contact your veterinarian or local emergency animal hospital. For frostbite, gently apply warm (not hot) water or a damp towel to the affected area. Avoid massaging in cases of frostbite as it can actually cause more damage. For hypothermia, wrap your pet in warm blankets and use warm water bottles (wrapped in towels) to gradually raise their body temperature while you wait for further instructions from your veterinarian.
To Recap:
Recognizing the signs of both frostbite and hypothermia is crucial for ensuring your pet’s safety during the winter months. While frostbite tends to affect specific areas of the body, hypothermia can have more severe, system-wide implications. Quick action and veterinary care are essential to prevent lasting damage or life-threatening complications. By staying vigilant and limiting exposure to extreme cold, you can help your pet avoid these dangerous conditions altogether.
If you notice an animal left unattended for any extended period of time in harsh temperatures, be sure to report it to your local office of animal welfare. In Delaware, call 302-255-4646 to report animals left in the cold, or any other suspected animal neglect.
