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Wisconsin winters can be tough — and not just on us. When temperatures drop, frostbite becomes a real (and sometimes overlooked) risk for dogs and cats, especially those who spend time outdoors or go outside frequently for bathroom breaks.
The good news: frostbite is preventable. Knowing when it can happen, what it looks like, and what to do can make all the difference for your pet.
Frostbite can occur when temperatures fall below 32°F, but the risk rises quickly with prolonged exposure, wind, snow, ice, or wet fur. Limited shelter and repeated short trips outside in extreme cold can also increase risk.
Pets don’t need to be outdoors for hours for frostbite to develop. Ears, paws, and tails can be affected quickly, especially in very cold or windy conditions.
Frostbite is an injury to the skin and deeper tissues caused by exposure to extreme cold. When temperatures drop, the body protects vital organs by narrowing blood vessels near the skin. This reduces blood flow to exposed areas like the ears, paws, and tail.
If cold exposure continues, blood flow can drop so low that tissues begin to freeze. That freezing causes direct injury to the skin and deeper tissues — sometimes with lasting consequences. Areas farthest from the heart and those with greater surface exposure are most vulnerable.
Frostbite doesn’t always look dramatic right away. In fact, signs may take days to appear, particularly when smaller areas are affected.
Early signs can include pale, gray, or bluish skin that feels cold or brittle. As tissues thaw, the area may become red, swollen, and very painful. Pets may lick or chew at affected areas. More serious cases can lead to blisters, open sores, darkened or blackened skin, foul odor, or discharge as tissue begins to die.
Pets with heart disease, diabetes, or other conditions that reduce circulation are at greater risk for severe frostbite.
Mild frostbite may heal with little long-term damage. More severe cases can result in tissue death (necrosis), leading to affected tissue sloughing over time. Secondary infections are common, and some pets require surgical treatment or amputation.
Early care — and avoiding refreezing — is critical to limiting damage.
If you think your pet may have frostbite, contact your veterinarian right away. Move your pet to a warm, dry area and warm the body gradually using dry towels or blankets. Gently warm affected areas with warm (not hot) water — roughly body temperature. If it feels comfortable on your hand, it’s safe.
Pat the area dry and keep your pet warm while traveling to the clinic. Do not rub or massage frostbitten tissue; use heating pads or hair dryers, warm the area if you cannot keep it warm afterward, or give human pain medications, which can be toxic to pets.
At Onalaska Animal Hospital, treatment focuses on pain control, addressing hypothermia or shock if present, preventing infection when needed, and monitoring tissue over time. Severe frostbite can require surgical intervention, including amputation. We can guide you through treatment options and expected outcomes based on your pet’s specific situation.
Prevention is always the goal. Limit time outdoors during extreme cold, keep bathroom breaks brief, and be sure to dry paws, ears, and fur thoroughly after being outside. Pets that must be outdoors should have access to an insulated shelter. Booties or coats may help dogs sensitive to cold, and cats should be kept indoors whenever possible during winter weather.
A good rule of thumb: if it’s dangerously cold for you, it’s likely too cold for your pet.
If you’re ever unsure whether your pet is cold, uncomfortable, or showing early signs of frostbite, trust your instincts and reach out. Early care can prevent serious complications — and we’re always happy to help you decide what’s best for your pet.
Stay warm, stay safe, and give those paws a little extra protection this winter.
