12/15/2022
The frigid cold is a real problem for our pets!
We are picking up dogs every day that look like the cold has taken a toll on them.
Frostbite in Dogs:
Frostbite can occur at any temperature of freezing or below.
The temperature at which frostbite develops varies depending on the characteristics of the dog, concurrent weather conditions, and the immediate environment.
In a smaller short-haired dog, the development of symptoms is expected to be similar to that of humans. For example, when the temperature is zero degrees Fahrenheit or below, it can take about 30 minutes for exposed tissue to get frostbite. At 15 degrees below zero, it would take approximately 15 minutes. In windy or moist conditions, frostbite can develop within 30 minutes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a healthy, cold-weather breed such as a Siberian Husky, frostbite would take longer to occur and would be less likely to occur at higher freezing temperatures. However, even dogs bred to withstand cold weather are susceptible to frostbite, especially in moist or windy conditions.
Moisture in the environment, such as wet bedding, does not allow for proper air flow or warming, making frostbite more likely to develop. Similarly, wind inhibits the body’s ability to stay warm.
Higher elevations, which have less oxygen in the air, can affect tissue oxygenation, making frostbite more likely to develop at warmer freezing temperatures.
Dogs with underlying diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, can have impaired circulation, making them more likely to develop frostbite. Very young dogs cannot regulate their own body temperature effectively, so they are also at increased risk. Very old dogs are likely to have decreased muscle mass, which affects the body’s ability to warm itself, making them more susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia.
Please bring your pets inside! They get cold just as you do!
