These arctic temperatures are dangerous for animals and humans alike. There are many hazards at this time of year for our family pets even if they look just fine walking around in their permanent fur coats.

Just like us, our dogs and cats can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite. The best preventative for this is to keep your cats and dogs indoors during these cold spurts. Letting them out in your yard or taking them for a walk no more than 10 minutes at a time.

According to the Animal 911 emergency veterinarian clinic in Skokie, frostbite can begin within five to 10 minutes of being exposed to freezing conditions. They emphasized that the most vulnerable spots on a dog or cat are their pads on the bottom of their paws and the tips of their ears. Even a dog with thick fur, can not avoid these dangerous conditions when the weather dips below freezing.

If you suspect your dog or cat is suffering from frostbite or hypothermia, here are the warning signs, first aid and when to go to your veterinarian.

Warning signs; what to do

Frostbite happens when blood vessels constrict to conserve circulation for other areas of the body. If the frostbitten parts freeze, they will die. If you see pale grayish skin and it feels hard to the touch you may be dealing with frostbite. In severe cases the skin is dark in color, scaly and may slough off. For first aid, warm the affected area withwater at 85 degrees Fahrenheit or a gently applied warm, moist compress.

In the case of hypothermia, your pet may be shaking and have pale grayish gums. This is another reason to check your cat's or dog's mouth often and get them used to the exam as a matter of daily brushing. If their body temperatures are low enough they may not shiver, but will have pale gums. Immediately bring them in a warm room and bring their body temperature up slowly with towels or blankets warmed in the dryer.

With these symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia, call your veterinarian immediately or an emergency veterinarian clinic and take your pet in for care. 

Preventing these injuries is much easier on your pet and you. One suggestion is to time yourself outside when on a walk, or put on the kitchen timer when you let the dog outside for five to 10 minutes depending on the size, age and type of dog you have. This may be helpful if children are responsible for letting the dog out when they get home from school.

Other wintry concerns

Another winter health concern is salt. It can actually burn a cat's or dog's paws when walking on it. As a preventative measure, you can purchase pet-safe, biodegradable pellets at Pet Supplies Plus and Menards. 

Your pets and your neighbors' pets will appreciate it. Before taking your dog for a walk, you may gently rub vegetable-based ointment on the pads of their feet. We like to use Burt's Beeswax Hand Salve, and a little goes a long way. It is also safe for them to lick off their paws when they come in from the frigid cold. Paws Pets Place offers a variety of dog mittens, and if you have an easy going pup or like to wrestle with your dog, they may work for you.

 There is a lot of fun to be had in the snow this winter, just make sure to keep your pets are healthy so they can enjoy it all season long.