Can Dogs Get Frostbite and What Should You Do About It?

Winter can pose certain risks for dogs, such as hypothermia and frostbite. Despite our best efforts to provide dogs with extra layers of insulation and buy unique winter coats and jackets, some parts of their bodies remain unprotected. Paws, noses, and tails are particularly prone to frost-related injuries.

To ensure your dog’s safety during winter walks in chilly temperatures, you should know how to prevent frostbite in dogs, what its symptoms are and how you can help your dog recover.

What Is Frostbite in Dogs?

Frostbite may occur when a dog stays in extremely cold temperatures for a prolonged period. It is tissue damage caused by the redirection of blood from specific body parts when the body temperature drops.

Frostbite most commonly occurs when the outside temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain, high humidity, and wind increase the chances of frostbite in dogs.

The body's response leading to frostbite is simple. When a dog’s core body temperature is too low, the blood flow direction changes. To keep internal organs safe, the blood vessels in extremities narrow. It ensures a more steady blood flow to the center of the body. However, external tissues suffer and may even start to die.

Can Dogs Get Frostbite?

Just like humans, dogs get cold outside and overexposure to frosty winter weather can result in frostbite. Though some dog breeds are less likely to get frostbite due to their thick coat, any dog is susceptible to it under specific conditions.

Be extra careful when walking puppies, senior dogs, and thin-coat breeds in winter.

Dog Body Parts Commonly Affected by Frostbite

Body areas frequently affected by frostbite are peripheral body parts, such as: 

• Paws (direct contact with cold surfaces)
• Nose (absence of fur, direct contact with cold and wet objects because of sniffing)
• Ears (little protection for blood vessels due to thin fur)
• Scrotum
• Tail

Dog Frostbite Causes

The leading cause of frostbite in dogs is prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures. However, a dog’s breed, age, health status, and other environmental factors can increase how susceptible a dog is to frostbite. 

A dog frostbite is more likely to occur when:

• A dog is a puppy or of advanced age.
• A dog is small in size and/or shorthaired.
• A dog suffers from diabetes, heart issues or disorders affecting blood flow.
• A dog’s fur is wet.
• A dog is exposed to wind chill.

What Does Dog Frostbite Look Like: Symptoms and Signs

The signs and symptoms of frostbite in dogs vary depending on its severity. They may also appear not immediately after exposure to cold weather but a few days later. 

Here are some symptoms of frostbite in dogs:

1. You can observe decolorization of the affected tissue (the skin often becomes gray or bluish).
2. The affected area is painful and cold to touch.
3. The swelling of affected tissue is possible.
4. You may notice blisters and skin ulcers.
5. A dog’s skin gets inflamed when it thaws.
6. Dark or dead skin, foul smell, secondary bacterial infection (in severe cases).

Stages of Frostbite in Dogs

Experts define three stages of dog frostbite, depending on how long the dog was exposed​​ to cold temperatures and the severity of tissue damage. 

Stage 1. Frostnip

This stage is also known as first-degree frostbite. It is the mildest, and the skin damage is temporary and reversible at this point. Slight skin decolorization can be observed in affected areas, making the skin red or painful to touch.

Stage 2. Superficial frostbite

Second-degree frostbite affects two layers of the skin and may present with blisters on the skin's surface filled with clear fluid. The skin around the blisters becomes red and swollen. If you suspect superficial frostbite, bring your dog to the vet.

Stage 3. Deep forstbite

Deep frostbite is a third-degree tissue damage affecting three skin layers. It is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention to prevent bacterial infection, necrosis (dead skin) and amputation.

Treatment and Recovery After Frostbite in Dogs

The medical treatment of frostbite in dogs and the recovery prognosis vary depending on the extent of the tissue damage. While first-stage frostbite can resolve on its own, severe tissue damage can lead to permanent disfiguration or even amputation.

At-home treatment of frostbite in dogs:

• Move the dog to a dry and warm place.
• If you suspect your dog suffers from hypothermia, address it first: wrap it up with warm dry towels or blankets to keep the dog warm.
• Gently warm the affected areas with warm water (around 100 degrees Fahrenheit) using warm compresses or soaking the affected body part in the water.
• When the area is warm, dry it up.
• Prevent your dog from scratching the damaged tissues.

Things to avoid when treating dog frostbite at home:

• Don’t message affected areas.
• Don’t use direct heat, such as a hair dryer or hot water bottles, to warm the affected body parts.
• Don’t try to warm up the affected area while still outside; doing so may re-freeze the tissue and aggravate the skin damage.
• Don’t use any medication unless your vet explicitly instructs you.

Medical treatment of frostbite in dogs

You should proceed with a medical examination of your dog if you suspect a second or third-degree frostbite in your dog. The vet will help alleviate the pain and prevent long-term effects on the skin. Medical assistance in severe cases also includes: 

• Antibiotics to treat bacterial infection
• Topical treatments to calm down irritated skin
• Warm IV fluids to increase body temperature
• Surgical removal of necrotic areas with blackened or dead skin

Remember, it is always easier to prevent than treat it. That’s why dog owners should know the basics of winter safety in cold temperatures. Though spending much time indoors can be tedious, minimizing your dog's time outside during cold winter is essential.

To prevent frostbite in dogs

• Keep winter walks short.
• Choose the correct winter coats to provide an extra layer of insulation.
• Use dog’s booties to keep your pup’s paws safe.
• Spend time outdoors playing and exercising.
• Stay away from metal surfaces.
• Remove snow or ice from your dog’s paws or fur after your walks.

Wrap Up

Frostbite in dogs can occur when the outside temperature drops to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. The most commonly affected areas in extreme cold are extremities, like the nose, paws and ears.

If you suspect your dog suffers from frostbite, consult a vet to determine the stage of tissue damage and treat your dog accordingly. Remember to keep winter walks short and be mindful of frostbite signs and symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions