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Frostbite
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Frostbite is when the extreme cold has caused the water in cells freeze and then expand causing the cell to rupture. Usually frostbite occurs on the extremities like the toes, tail, and ears. These areas are the first to get frostbitten because the body in extreme cold will divert blood flow and heat to the core area including the heart and lungs. If these areas are not rewarmed it will lead to the cells dying for good and possibly causing that part of the body having to be surgically removed. Make sure that you consult your vet the same day of the frostbite occurrence.

Symptoms

Steps
1   Take your dog's temperature rectally by having someone first restrain the front end of the dog by hugging his neck
2   Lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly and lift the dog's tail and insert it in the rectum and hold it in place for 3 minutes for a bulb thermometer or until an electronic thermometer beeps
3   Remove the thermometer and wipe it clean and read the temperature
4   If the temperature is below 99 F begin to treat him for hypothermia immediately
5   If your dog's body temperature is normal you can help thaw the frostbitten area by dunking them in lukewarm water (not hot) for 20 minutes
6   If the frostbitten area is on the ear tips or scrotum then you can warm them by wetting a cloth with lukewarm water and while leaving it dripping wet hold it against the affected skin for 20 minutes
7   Exchange the cloth for a new warm one every few minutes
8   If not breathing, begin artificial respiration by closing your dog’s mouth with one or two hands and gently breathe into your dog’s nostrils.
9   Administer 5-10 breaths per minute for large dogs and 10-20 breaths per minute for small dogs. With each breath, one should see the chest slightly rise.
10   Keep breathing for your dog until he/she is able to breathe on its own or until veterinary help is available.
11   Wrap dog in warm towels. Vigorously rub your pet’s body & limbs. Apply hot water bottles wrapped in a towel to your dog’s belly
12   Consult your vet the same day
Warnings
DO NOT rub the frostbitten area. Instead, place the lukewarm cloth gently on the affected frostbitten areas only
Make sure the wet cloth is ONLY on the frostbitten areas and not covering any other area as you don't want him to get wet anywhere else
Tips
After rewarming you may notice small areas of skin will be very red immediately
Transport your pet to the nearest vet hospital in the car with heat on high

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GotoAID does not provide any medical advice or treatment, it is solely for informational purposes only