Most pet owners are aware of the signs of common pet emergencies like food poisoning, dehydration, and injury. However, there are some pet emergencies that are more common in the winter. Be aware of these common winter pet emergencies, and keep your pet indoors during the cold weather.
Frostbite
Once the temperature hits 20 degrees or below, it isn’t safe for your pet to be outside. Even 20-30 minutes outside in freezing weather can cause frostbite, especially if your pet gets wet. Frostbite typically affects a pet’s ears, nose, and tail. If your pet gets outside accidentally, check him for signs of frostbite immediately upon bringing him back inside. The sooner frostbite is treated, the less likely it is to permanently affect your pet. Common symptoms of frostbite are white, pale, or buish-white skin; skin that feels cold or brittle; skin that is black, darkened, or discolored; and signs that your pet is in pain such as whining, guarding, or exhibiting aggression when the affected area is approached.
Hypothermia and Exposure
Again, even a short amount of time outdoors in cold weather can put your pet’s health and life at risk. Hypothermia affects pets quickly and can lead to loss of consciousness, coma, and death if not treated right away by an emergency veterinarian. Signs of hypothermia or exposure in pets include uncontrollable shivering, panting, anxiety, lethargy, and pale skin.
Antifreeze Poisoning
If you have antifreeze on hand this winter, be sure to keep it somewhere that your pet can’t reach. The sweetness of antifreeze is attractive to pets, and even a small amount can be fatal. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include drunken behavior, wobbling, lack of coordination, trouble standing or walking, disorientation and confusion, excessive thirst and drooling, vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
If your pet is experiencing any of these winter pet emergencies, contact the closest 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible.