Get through the winter well with your dog
by Stefan Richter
Boppard. In winter, in addition to the risks such as cold and snow, there are also hidden pitfalls for dogs. This can lead to frostbite. Particularly affected are body parts that have little fur, such as ears, paws and the tip of the tail. Not only is frostbite painful, it can also lead to serious health problems. That's why it's important to know how to recognize frostbite and what first aid measures to take.
Common dangers in winter
- Hypothermia: Small, short-haired or older dogs are particularly susceptible. Regular exercise and a warm place to sleep are essential.
- Frostbite: Paws, ears and tail are particularly at risk. Regular checking and protective dog shoes can help.
- Poisonings: Road salt, antifreeze and frozen puddles containing chemicals pose a serious danger. Don't let your dog drink from puddles and clean his paws thoroughly after the walk.
- Accidents: Slippery conditions and snow increase the risk of slips and injuries. Make sure you have a secure footing and reduce the duration of your walks in extreme conditions.
- Visibility: Visibility is often limited in winter. Make sure your dog is clearly visible, for example with a light strip.
Symptoms of frostbite
Frostbite occurs when a dog is exposed to cold for a long time. The blood vessels in the outer layers of tissue contract to keep heat inside the body. This reduces blood flow to external tissues, which can lead to skin and tissue damage. Dogs with thin fur, young or older animals and dogs with health problems are particularly at risk. Signs of frostbite in dogs include:
- Cold, pale or gray skin in the affected areas.
- Swollen or hardened skin.
- Pain when touched.
- Blistering or black discoloration of the skin (Indication of tissue death in severe cases).
First aid at
Frostbite
If you suspect the dog has frostbite, you should act quickly.
Protection: Wear gloves to avoid further damaging the frostbitten areas.- Warm up carefully: Take the dog to a warm place. Avoid direct heat sources such as heating pads or hot water as this can further injure damaged skin. Instead, lukewarm water (~38 to 40 degrees Celsius) Use to slowly warm the affected areas.
- Dry skin: Gently pat the affected areas dry to prevent further cooling.
- Protect skin: Loosely cover affected areas with a sterile gauze bandage to prevent infection.
- Veterinary assistance: Even if the frostbite appears mild, a veterinarian should examine the affected areas and initiate appropriate treatment.
During initial measures, direct heat should not be applied to the affected areas (e.g. hairdryer or hot water). Do not rub or massage your dog on the affected area as this may further injure the damaged tissue. Likewise, no medications or creams should be applied without prior consultation with the veterinarian.
Poisonings
Dogs can be poisoned by road salt, antifreeze and frozen, contaminated puddles. Here too, you should act quickly.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, incoordination.
- Emergency call: Contact a veterinarian or animal poison help center immediately.
- Save source: If possible, take a sample of the suspected source of poison with you to the vet.
Tips for the winter
- Pay attention to the paws: Clean regularly and treat with special paw protection products.
- Suitable clothing: A dog coat can be useful for short-haired breeds.
- Short walks: In extreme cold, shorter walks are sufficient.
- Observe: Pay attention to whether your dog starts to shake or shows signs of discomfort and bring him into a warm place in good time.
- Keep dry: After a walk, rub your dog dry with a towel, especially his paws, ears and tail.
- Control: Check your dog for injuries after every walk.
- Warm sleeping place: Provide a draft-free and warm place to sleep.
- Sufficient water: Always provide fresh water.
Frostbite is a serious danger that needs to be treated quickly. If you know the symptoms and act quickly at the first signs, you can help your dog and avoid serious consequences. It's even better to take the right precautions so that your four-legged friend doesn't suffer from frostbite in the first place. (Stefan Richter)