Dog Freezing & Freeze Burns

Burn happens as a result of exposure to intense cold for prolonged periods, being the most affected parts the heart, lower members, tail and nose. When freezing takes place, the blood in the vessels freezes, resulting in an irrigation disorder of the affected parts, leading to gangrene. In severe cases, circulation never reestablished as, the affected zone wrinkles up and dry gangrene takes over without any information. In non- cases, even though the affected zone freezes, the tissue is not injured, which is why, if conveniently attended, circulation is reestablished. Nevertheless, after that, a serious and painful inflammation can follow, along with a humid gangrene in the injured tissue, and suppuration. The presence of ice crystals on the skin, yet still being able to move the skin on the bone, indicates that the case is not so serious. When the crystals are found in all the thickness of the member and the zone is totally frozen and the skin can not be moved around the bone, then that case is serious. When the zone on freezes, it quickly swells up and big blisters appear. First aid measures, until the vet arise, include, in general terms, making the dog drink hot strong tea or coffee. It is absolutely stupid to give him alcohol. Neither should you put snow, cold water, grease on the affected zone; nor should you apply massages or dry heat. Additionally, you must not burst the blisters, is there are any. If the damage zone is frozen, it will unfreeze in a bathtub with water that is a little warmer than normal body temperature. Extreme heat can aggravate the injury. In the moment that the dog or zone begins to unfreeze, interrupt the heating and carefully dry the animal, letting him rest and covering him with a blanket. Do not use stoves. Don't let the animal stand up and walk and, if possible, place between his fingers sterile gauze. The animal may be dazed, numb, dreary, clumsy and with impaired vision. Wants the breathing and, if it stops, you must practice mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Veterinarian treatment is urgent. The consequences can be very serious.