Expert gives advice on preventing frostbite of paws in dogs

Long walks in cold weather can lead to hypothermia and frostbite on your pet's extremities. This condition can cause serious health problems. Vladimir Golubev, president of the Russian Cynological Federation, told Izvestia on December 17 how to provide first aid to a dog with frostbite of the paws.

"Overcooling can be accompanied by frostbite. Peripheral areas of the body, such as paws or ears, are susceptible to it. The skin in these areas may turn pale, then take on a blue or gray tint. In the worst case, frostbitten areas of skin die off and the pet can even amputate the limb," - said Golubev.

According to him, frostbite is not always possible to notice immediately, because between the toes of the paws can be hair, which hides redness. Also, signs of frostbite are not always easy for a dog owner to recognize, and sometimes only a veterinarian can detect them.

"The main symptoms of frostbite are as follows: the skin on the damaged areas of the paws changes color to bright red, then takes on a white or grayish tint. If exposure to cold continues, sensitivity is reduced or completely lost, then the skin begins to die off, blacken and delaminate," the expert said.

According to the expert, if a person notices the first signs of frostbite in a pet, it is necessary to act quickly and correctly. You can not rub the paws, try to warm them with a hair dryer or pour hot water. After the owner has moved the dog into a warm room, it is necessary to pour warm water (no more than 40 degrees Celsius) in a suitable container and gently lower the paws there, so that the frostbitten areas of the skin slowly heated. You can also use warm compresses to apply to the affected areas. Once the paws begin to warm up, your dog may experience a tingling sensation or pain, and it's important to make sure your pet doesn't lick or bite the areas.

"To avoid frostbite, it's important to control the timing of walks during severe cold weather. If you notice your pet shifting from paw to paw, shivering, end the walk and return home. In addition, will protect the pet special clothes and shoes - it will protect from the cold and prevent snow sticking to the paws and their contact with reagents, "- concluded Golubev.

Earlier, on December 13, Vladimir Golubev told "Izvestia" about why dogs look into the void. According to him, pets can notice activity invisible to the owner, see what a person does not see, and hear even the most distant noise.