TULSA, Okla. – Veterinarians atTulsa Community College say they often see cold-related injuries during winter weather, especially when pets spend too much time outdoors.
“Hypothermia and frostbite are probably the most common things that I see in the veterinary field,” said Kaytlinn Blakney, a veterinary technician at TCC. “It can be a common misconception that just because they have fur, maybe they can withstand it longer.”
Frostbite and Hypothermia Risks
Blakney says parts of a pet’s body with less fur, including paws, ears, noses, and stomachs, are the most vulnerable to frostbite. Salt and chemical ice melts used on sidewalks and roads can also irritate paws or make pets sick if ingested.
“Anything that is discolored, purple or blue, is showing that there’s not good oxygen circulation getting to there,” Blakney said…