Winter is a wonderful time of the year, full of decorations, amazing cold weather, cozy moments and hot cocoa.
But if the temperature drops drastically, as a pawrent you should be aware of how it can affect your pup. For starters, dog frostbite can happen at anytime that temperature outside drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
How Does Dog Frostbite Happen?
As mentioned above, when the temperature drops below 32 degrees, frostbites can occur. While any dog exposed to low temperatures is at risk of this, some dogs are more prone to frostbite than others if they are not used to cold temperatures, they have shorter or thinner coats, they are wet or damp are just some examples of when a dog is a higher risk of a frostbite.
Some of the areas most at risk for frostbite are the ears, nose, paws and tails so make sure you are keeping an eye out for those and keep them warm and cozy.
Signs of Frostbite in Dogs
Frostbite can be very serious if it's not treated correctly and right away. Here are a couple of signs of frostbite that you as a pawrent should be looking out for in your dog skin discoloration (usually gray or white color), skin that feels cold to the touch (after being away from the elements), and/or skin that has a hard, waxy texture. In more severe cases, you may also see cracked, blistered, or bleeding skin. If you suspect that your dog may have frostbite, contact your local vet immediately for an evaluation and treatment.
How to Prevent Frostbite
Our canine companions have incredible strength. However, their paws are tough and resilient but far away from invincible. Dogs with cut, frostbite or burn paws are at risk of developing serious infections and mobility problems. Which is why its important to protected their paws to prevent frostbite. Use Vaseline to protected their paws during the cold months when you go out for walks, make sure that no snow sticks to their paws and create cracks in the paws. Trim your dog nails as long nails will increase the likelihood of snow sticking around and creating cracks or snow balls around the area. Make sure to clean their paws after chilly excursion using warm washcloth is best in order to wash away any persistent snow or ice that is clinging on them.
After you have taken all the necessary steps to keep your pawls paws healthy and pain-free, its time to focus on the rest of the body. After a day full exercise that can carry a tremendous amount of strain on your pet's joints and muscles we recommend that you use a natural pet supplement to support your pup joints and muscles. Dr Woow dog supplements for joints are great to keep your four-legged friend at peak condition. This supplement will help maintain normal joint function, blood circulation, cartilage health and nutrient absorption.
So what do you think? Is your dog ready for a walk outside in the cold months? Share your best way to maintain your dog warm during winter. Make sure to subscribe for more amazing tips and news from Dr Woow.
