Cold Weather Injuries in Pets: Frostbite, Hypothermia, and Treatment Options

Winter is well and truly here, and for some of us, this season is an excellent time to go outside with our pets and enjoy the cooler temperatures. But cold weather can come with its own dangers for pets. Sure, your kitty and pup have those beautiful, furry coats—but pets are still vulnerable to the harsh cold.

Two of the most serious winter pet hazards are frostbite and hypothermia. You might be surprised at how easy it is for pets to get hypothermia or frostbite. All it takes is a bit of time in cold, windy conditions. The team at Animal Medical Hospital and Urgent Care is here to help you keep your furry family members safe this winter. 

Frostbite in Pets

Frostbite happens when the skin and other tissues freeze after exposure to cold temperatures. For pets—especially short-haired dogs and cats—it can take just 30 minutes in below-freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) temperatures for a case of frostbite to develop.

So what is frostbite, anyway?

It’s your pet’s body’s way of protecting vital organs in freezing temperatures. The body redirects blood flow away from extremities to maintain core body temperature in extreme cold, which causes tissue damage. This mostly affects areas like your pet’s ears, tail, and paws.

Frostbite usually develops gradually, and you might not notice it right away. In the early stages, the affected skin might look pale or gray, and it can feel cold and stiff if you touch it.

If you don’t bring your pet into a warm area as soon as you notice these signs, the frostbite will get worse. The tissue can get swollen and blistered—and even turn black. 

Prevention is the best way to defend against frostbite. Keep your dog or cat’s outdoor playtime limited to 30 minutes or less, especially if they are small, elderly, or have short fur. During walks, try using pet-safe boots and sweaters to keep them warm.

If you think your pet has frostbite, go indoors where it’s warm right away. Throw a towel in the dryer and let it get warm—not hot! Wrap the dry, warm towel around your pet and seek veterinary care as soon as you can. Whatever you do, don’t massage or rub the frostbitten area. 

This can make the injury worse. 

With quick veterinary care, your pet may avoid long-term damage from frostbite, like infections and tissue loss. 

Hypothermia in Pets

Hypothermia is what happens when your pet’s body temperature drops below the normal range. This typically follows prolonged exposure to cold, wet, or windy conditions. Hypothermia is life-threatening and requires immediate attention.

Early signs of hypothermia in pets include:

• Shivering
• Cold ears and paws
• Pale gums
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Disorientation
• Anxiety or restlessness

As the condition gets worse, your pet might become weak or unresponsive. She may even have difficulty breathing.

To prevent hypothermia, keep the outdoor time at a minimum during frigid, wet, snowy, or rainy weather. If they must stay outside for any length of time, give them a heated bed and a shelter to stay in.

If you think your pet is suffering from hypothermia, take him inside immediately and wrap him in warm blankets. Use warm (but not hot) water bottles to slowly raise their body temperature.

Then, call your closest urgent or emergency care veterinarian. Even if your pet seems better to your eyes, there could be internal damage from hypothermia. Your veterinarian can help you minimize your pet’s risk of organ failure following a hypothermia incident. 

Say Goodbye to Winter Pet Woes

The best way to avoid a hypothermia or frostbite situation? Keep your pet’s outdoor playtime short if it’s chilly outside. There are plenty of ways to get active indoors with Fido and Kitty! If the weather is below freezing, cap outdoor time at 20-30 minutes for your furry companions. 

If you’re concerned your pet may have developed frostbite or hypothermia, call our urgent care staff at (704)-334-4684. We are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 am to 6 pm.