You know frostbite is a very real threat to humans who live in cold environments. Frostbite damages the skin and can lead to tissue damage. But did you know that frostbite can affect dogs, too? Here’s what to know about frostbite in dogs:

What is Frostbite?

Frostbite occurs when extreme cold damages skin tissue. When the temperature drops below freezing (32°F or 0°C), the blood vessels close to the skin surface begin to constrict. The blood vessels constrict to preserve body temperature by directing blood back towards the core of the body. If the temperature is too extreme or exposure is too long, this preservation measure can reduce blood flow too much, which allows tissues to freeze. If skin tissue freezes, it can experience severe damage.

Can Dogs Get Frostbite?

Yes, like humans, dogs can experience frostbite. Even if a dog has a nice thick coat of fur, it doesn’t mean they are impervious to the cold. Frostbite is typically not life-threatening, unless it is followed by hypothermia, which can be fatal. This is why it’s important to make sure your dog is well-protected in extreme temperatures by following some winter safety tips for dogs.

Areas of the Dog Commonly Affected by Frostbite

Frostbite most often occurs on extremities furthest away from the heart. These areas on a dog typically include:

• The tips of their ears
• Tail
• Toes or pads of their paws
• Nose
• Scrotum

These areas are most often exposed to wind, moisture, and cold, so they are the most likely areas to be damaged.

How Long Does it Take for Frostbite to Occur?

Frostbite can develop within 15 minutes or over a few hours, or even days. It just depends on how cold the temperature is or if there’s any moisture in the air. The colder the temperature, the quicker frostbite will develop.

What Does Frostbite Look Like on Dogs?

Frostbite in dogs usually looks like skin discoloration, which can be blue or gray in the early stages. Once the skin begins to warm up, it may become red, blistered, or swollen. There may even be some discharge present. In the most severe cases, the tissue can turn black, indicating necrotic tissue.

7 Signs of Frostbite in Dogs

Be on the lookout for signs of frostbite in dogs, such as:

1. Signs of pain when you touch their skin.
2. Skin will feel cold or brittle.
3. Skin discoloration, either pale, blue, or gray.
4. Swelling or redness once the skin warms up.
5. Skin becomes blistered or ulcerated.
6. Ice may be present on the skin.
7. A drop in body temperature is present.

If you notice any of these signs of frostbite in your dog, make sure to call your vet. However, a drop in body temperature is one of the symptoms you should never ignore in your dog, and you should seek emergency attention.

This is just an overview of what to know about frostbite and dogs. It’s really important to keep your dog protected from cold temperatures during the winter. Most dogs still enjoy spending time outside even when it’s cold, so make sure they’re protected to prevent any injuries.