Cold weather related illness

A common misconception people have about their pets is that since they have fur, they are better adapted to cold weather and do not need protection from it, but when exposed to extreme freezing temperatures for an extended period these same mechanisms that work to keep them warm and alive can actually cause damage and death to the tissues of their extremities (tips of ears, tail, foot pads.). The necrosis, or death, of these tissues is more commonly known as frostbite. An animal’s body must undergo many steps, in order to properly heat itself.

- The fur on your pet acts as the first stage of keeping the body warm. Animals, like humans, go through pilo-erection, which is commonly known as having goose-bumps. This standing up of the hair acts as insulation by trapping air in that layer of fur, then warming it with the body’s natural heat.

- Again, like humans, animals go through a second step known as shivering. Shivering is caused by an involuntary reflex by the skeletal muscles when a decrease in the body’s core temperature is made.  The involuntary twitching of the muscles, generate energy into heat, therefore increasing the body temperature.

- The next process is called vasoconstriction. Basically, vasoconstriction is when the body is being selective about where it will send warm blood. This includes the peripheral tissues, including those of the digits, ears, tail, etc. This stage occurs when the body is getting really cold and shivering is helping only slightly.

- After vasoconstriction is when the loss of extremities due to frostbite occurs. The reason frostbite occurs in the extremities (i.e. fingers, toes, ears) is because the body is now trying to keep the core warm. The organs are the most vital in keeping the animal alive, therefore the blood is now only circulating through the main organs (heart, liver, kidneys, etc), and has been cut off to parts of the body that are not as vital to life.

 - By the last stage, if a cat or dog has not received First Aid or warmth, frostbite is inevitable. Tissues that have frozen due to this response die. Cats and dogs often experience frostbite on the tips of their ears, tails, face footpads, legs and the genitalia in male dogs, and may cause total loss of these body parts.

Symptoms to look for if your pet has been outdoors and you suspect it may be suffering from frostbite may include ice on the body or limbs, skin is bright red followed by paleness, or black in color due to death of tissue or skin and shivering.

To care for the affected body parts, warm the affected area/areas as soon as possible with warm water or warm packs. If it is a limb or paw that is frozen, soak only that part of the body in a bowl or tub filled with warm water. After you have warmed the area, gently dry it without rubbing or massaging, as this may cause more damage. Do not apply ice or cold packs as this may also cause more damage. Do not immerse the whole body of the animal in the bath, even if it is warm, as this will cause the rest of the body temperature to drop and possibly cause hypothermia.

When the tissues are warmed it may cause some discomfort to your pet. The same also occurs when tissues are dead. The best way to prevent the dog from inflicting more trauma to the area, gently wrap him/her in a warm blanket, and seek veterinary assistant as soon as possible. Veterinary care is very important to prevent secondary infections from gangrenous or necrotic tissue.

  Hypothermia is an abnormal lowering of the body's temperature. Hypothermia should not be aken lightly as it can cause unconsciousness, shock and even the death of a pet, and should be taken very seriously. It is not uncommon that an animal showing signs of frostbite, might also be experienceing hypothermia. Frostbite is not a reliable indication of hypothermia, as it can occur without frostbite.

Some signs of hypothermia are low body temperature (below 37.5 C or 99.5 F degrees), shivering and weakness. Make sure to take your animal’s temperature with a rectal thermometer. A thermometer that is lubricated with a jelly, such as KY, is easy to use. First, make sure to use a thermometer specific to your animal’s size. They can be purchased in various sizes at a pet store. Secondly, sterilize the thermometer before and after each use by cleaning it with rubbing alcohol, but make sure to remove the excess and allow it to dry. Lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly, KY, or a similar product. Next, lay your pet either on its side, or have it stand while you gently hold him or her down. Shake the thermometer until it goes down below 100 degrees. Insert the thermometer about 1 inch for a cat or small breed dog, and about ¾ of the way for a larger dog. You may need some assistance, as some animals tend to scratch or bite out of discomfort. Leave the thermometer in for 1-3 minutes. Take the thermometer out and read it. Then again, clean the thermometer with rubbing alcohol. The average temperature is between 100.5 F and 102.5 F for cats and dogs.

If your pet is experiencing hypothermia, similar reactions as those to frostbite, are to be made. Warm your pet with blankets. A heating pad may be used, but do not place it directly on the animal as this may cause burns. Wrap the heating pad in towels. Plastic zip-lock type bags full of uncooked rice, warmed in a microwave may also be used, but also require being wrapped in towels. Another alternative is using plastic bottles full of warm water wrapped in towel.  A hairdryer set on a medium warm setting may be a good start while the rice, water or heating pad is warming. Make sure to monitor your pet’s temperature every 10-15 minutes. When his/her body temperature is back to normal, stop warming as overheating an animal is also very dangerous.

Even if your animal seems to be back to normal, immediate veterinary care is a necessity. Internal organs may have been affected by the hypothermia and need medical care. Any animal exposed to hypothermia or frostbite is in danger of his/her life and veterinary care is a must!

The author of this article assumes no liability for misdiagnosis. This article is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional veterinary attention. In case of emergency, contact the Animal Poison Control Center  888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435)