How to identify and treat frostbite in dogs

You might think that because your dog is covered in a fur coat from head to foot that it will be protected against frostbite. However, you would be wrong. Some breeds of dogs such as, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Huskies and, Malamutes are almost made for winter, most others are definitely not and like humans, if they are left out in the cold for too long, frostbite is almost inevitable. Frostbite occurs when tissue is damaged due to exposure to temperatures of 32 degrees F and below. The tissue damage can be superficial or major depending on the length of time that your dog is exposed; wet dogs, dogs with health conditions such as diabetes, and dogs that are exposed to sub-zero wind chills are especially susceptible.