Winter tips

[Sheree]

Is there anything you can do for frostbite? And what are the problems that occur from frostbite?

[Dr. Jennifer Lander]

Well, Frostbite means PROLONGED exposure to cold temperatures so prevention is the key. Frostbite is the death of tissue in the extremities (tail, toes, ear tips, etc) so if your pet is out in cold temperatures, they should have a place to get and stay warm or be brought indoors. Frostbitten tissue appears pale and feels cold to the touch - it you suspect this, warm the affected tissue up slowly (as apposed to rapid warming if there is hypothermia without tissue damage). Once it's warm, the tissue may get red or swollen and be painful. If symptoms don't resolve and look normal with in 2-3 days, a visit to the vet is needed. Amputation of dead tissue may be necessary.

[Sheree]

Thank you for the response. I live in northern Minnesota and on some days the wind chill drops -60 below....I have a 2.5 lb pomeranian and I was worried one day that the tips of her ears got frostbitten she was out less than 5 minutes probably closer to three but her ears never got pale, but they seem dark...unless they always were and i am only noticing now because I was inspecting her.