Winter brings fun for the entire family with snow, and a white holiday season. One problem with cold weather and freezing temperatures is frostbite. Frostbite effects both humans as well as our four legged friends. 

Frostbite is an injury to the skin that happens when your skin becomes very cold and turns a pale colour with little to no feeling left.

Frostbite has three stages.

Frost-nip is a milder version of frostbite. It doesn't cause permanent damage. The area maybe numb and can feel painful and tingly during the warming process. Frost-nip happens when you become cold but don't stay in the cold long enough for damage to occur.

Frostbite or superficial frostbite is when your red skin turns white or pale looking. In some cases the skin begins to feel warm. Rewarming the skin in this stage may cause stinging, burning or swelling. Blisters are also a possibility at this stage. Seeking medical attention is strongly advise.

The third stage is called Deep or severe frostbite.  Deep frostbite happens when all layers of skin are effected as well as the tissues laying just below the skin. In this stage the skin turns white or grayish at the beginning then turns black as the tissue dies. Numbness, losing sensation of cold, or discomfort in the effected area are all signs of frostbite. This stage will also result in large blisters after rewarming. Its strongly advised to seek medical attention immediately.

Listed below are signs and symptoms of frostbite

  • Cold skin-with a prickly like feeling
  • After the prickly feeling the area becomes numb
  • The skin goes from red, to white, then bluish-white, followed by a pale grayish yellow colour
  • the skin will be hard with a waxy look
  • stiffness in joints causing lack of mobility
  • blistering after rewarmed.

To prevent frostbite from occurring make sure to cover up exposed skin with proper winter clothing. Avoid staying in below freezing temperatures any longer than needed. Seek shelter from strong winds to avoid becoming colder, and avoid holding frozen metal or extremely cold liquids with bare hands. Seniors as well as young children don't produce as much body heat and should be dressed in multiple layers. If the car breaks down stay with the vehicle until help arrives, to prevent frostbite that may lead to lack of navigation.

As for your faithful companion keep track of how long your fury friend is outside in cold weather. Shorten normal walks in colder conditions to prevent paws from freezing. Keep In mind length of fur on the pet as well as the overall size of the animal a small dog will not produce as much body heat as a large dog and will need in much sooner.

To learn more about frostbite visit Mayo clinic's website.