Since animals don't have the ability to vocalize and complain the way we do (well some of us anyway, I'm sure you don't), we may assume that everything is just fine with them and that they are feeling just dandy about the drop in temperature. Personally speaking, with two cats, I can see how it would be easy to take their wellbeing for granted since they tend to hide and cover up their discomfort, the opposite of humans.
Other animals at risk at this time of year are the ones who have no one to look out for them in severe weather. Stray pets who have wandered away from home and no longer have a warm place for the winter are particularly in danger of dying outside from frostbite.
So what do we do when we have a dog or cat suffering from frostbite?
First, recognize the symptoms
- Limping - frostbitten toes make walking difficult
- Frozen ears - the tips of the ears will droop
- Frostbitten skin will be hard, nonpliable and extremely cold
First Aid Tools
For Immediate Use:
- Rectal thermometer
- Petroleum jelly
- Towels/Cloths
- Warm water
Follow-Up Care After Seeing Vet
- Neosporin or similar antibiotic ointment
- E-Collar (Elizabethan collar)
- Any kind of plastic wrap such as Saran Wrap, bread wrapper, trash bag
- Tape
- Pill syringe
Action
If at all possible, please get the animal to a veterinarian immediately.
If you are not able to see a vet immediately, take the following action:
- Bring the animal indoors straight away
- Take the temperature - Note that pets who are frostbitten may have hypothermia. Use the rectal thermometer with the petroleum jelly to take the temperature. If it's below 99F, then the animal needs treatment for hypothermia immediately. See below for hypothermia treatment.
- Apply a towel soaked in lukewarm water to the area of the frostbite and treat for about 20 minutes, changing the towel every few minutes so that it remains warm - DO NOT RUB THE AREA - this will cause further damage.
- If possible, you can soak the area directly by placing the part of the animal in lukewarm water. This may be easier when a paw is affected or part of the body. Make sure you keep the animal warm after getting wet by covering in towels or blankets. If there is hypothermia along with the frostbite it is dangerous for the animal to be wet and cold.
NEXT
Once the initial first aid has been performed, you will need to take your pet to the vet. Depending on the extent of damage they may prescribe an antibiotic healing ointment such as Neosporin or a protecting ointment like Desitin which contains zinc to help the skin heal quickly and will probably suggest an E-collar (a cone-shaped collar that prevents the pet from licking the wound).
You could also discourage your pet from licking the treated area by applying a safe substance such as Bitter Yuck by NaturVet on the treated area. This product is totally safe to be used on surgical areas and will keep your pet from licking at the wound.
HYPOTHERMIA
There are different levels of hypothermia.
- Mild hypothermia - Temperature between 95 and 99F
- Moderate hypothermia - Temperature between 90 and 95F
- Severe hypothermia - Temperature below 90F for more than 30 minutes
Pets with mild to moderate hypothermia will appear cold to the touch, shivery and sleepy and may be treated with first aid at home. In mild cases, you can warm your pet yourself just by having him in a warm environment and giving him warm liquids (i.e. warm chicken broth). They will normally recover within approximately an hour or so.
In the case of moderate hypothermia, they will take longer to come back to normal and will need closer supervision. If the temperature has not risen after home treatment, they need to see a vet immediately. You can warm your pet by placing hot water bottles wrapped in towels against the groin or side of the neck or armpit. Remember, your pet will still need to see a veterinarian.
Pets with severe hypothermia must see a vet immediately. The vet is equipped with special techniques to warm your pet from the inside out, which is required with severe hypothermia. Trying to do this yourself is very dangerous. Before and during the trip to the vet you must make sure your pet is dry and warm. Use a blanket to keep him warm and make sure your transportation is also warm. When the journey is longer than 30 minutes or the pet's temperature has dropped below 90F, you can apply a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel and apply as in the moderate case above.
Of course, there is plenty of information around and you can always check out reliable sources for more information such as the ASPCA website and always check first with your veterinarian when possible before just guessing what to do.
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