The dog handler named the symptoms of frostbite in the pet

In conditions of winter frosts, walking with dogs requires special vigilance from owners, since the risk of hypothermia and frostbite of pets increases significantly. In an interview with Izvestia on January 14, Vladimir Golubev, President of the Russian Cynological Federation, dispelled the widespread myth that wool always reliably protects an animal from the cold.

According to him, each dog has an individual temperature limit, and small, short-haired and hairless breeds, as well as elderly and pregnant individuals, are at special risk. The expert stressed that owners often forget about protecting their paws, one of the most vulnerable places.

"It is important to understand the difference between hypothermia, which is a general prolonged exposure to cold on the body, and frostbite, which is local tissue damage. These conditions can manifest themselves both together and separately," he warned.

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At the first stage of hypothermia, when the body temperature drops below normal, the dog shivers, it tucks its paws, and the ears and pads become cold to the touch.

The second, more insidious stage, is characterized by the cessation of trembling, which can mislead the host. At the same time, the pet's movements become constrained, there is lethargy, shallow breathing and paleness or cyanosis of the mucous membranes. The most severe, the third stage, threatens with loss of consciousness, rare breathing and a high risk of cardiac arrest.

With frostbite, which more often affects the ears, pads of the paws, nose, tail and nipples, tissue damage may become noticeable only a few hours after walking. Alarming signs are a change in skin color in the affected areas — from redness to paleness, gray or bluish tint, and in severe cases to blackening, indicating necrosis. The skin may be painful or, conversely, lose its sensitivity.

The first and main measure of help in any of these situations is the immediate cessation of contact with the cold. The dog must be moved to a warm room, wrapped in a blanket, offered warm water and a hot water bottle. It is strictly forbidden to rub the animal with snow or expose it to extreme heat in hot water or near a battery.

"In case of frostbite, a clean, warm cloth can be carefully applied to the affected area without pressure, and after stabilization, apply a sterile bandage and take the pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Before consulting with a specialist, you should not lubricate the skin with oil or fat, as well as open possible blisters," Golubev drew attention.

Prevention remains the best protection. In addition to selecting insulated clothing in accordance with the breed, it is necessary to use special shoes or protective wax for paws, and after a walk, thoroughly wash off the remaining reagents with warm water. To prevent dryness and cracks in winter, it is recommended to use protective equipment for the nose, ears and paw pads. At the first sign of discomfort in the dog, the walk should be completed immediately.

Last December, Golubev said that winter shoes for dogs are the most reliable protection against snow and reagents. Almost no dog starts wearing shoes the first time. First, there are awkward movements, attempts to get rid of an incomprehensible object. Therefore, a pet should be accustomed to such an element of the wardrobe in advance, or look for alternative solutions.

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