Frostbite on dog or cat extremities

Recognise the signs

• Pale, white, or grey-blue affected area
• Cold, hard, possibly numb tissue
• Swelling and pain as it warms
• Blistering and skin death in severe cases (days later)
• Often alongside hypothermia

First aid steps

1. Bring into a warm room immediately.
2. Warm the affected area with body-temperature water (38–40°C, not hot) by soaking or applying warm wet cloths for 15–20 minutes.
3. Pat dry gently — do not rub.
4. Wrap loosely in dry towels.
5. Phone the vet for assessment.
6. Treat hypothermia first if present (see pet-hypothermia).

While transporting to the vet

• Keep warm but not overheated.
• Avoid pressure on affected areas.

Common causes

• Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, especially with wet fur or skin
• Lost outdoors in winter
• Trapped in sheds or garages
• Ear tips and tail tip especially vulnerable on white/short-coated pets

What the vet will need to know

• Length of cold exposure
• Suspected wet exposure
• Pet's overall condition
• Visible affected areas

Aftercare

• Pain relief and possibly antibiotics.
• Damaged tissue may slough away over 1–3 weeks.
• Severe cases may need amputation of ear tip or tail tip.
• Watch for delayed kidney problems.

Prevention

• Coats and boots for winter walks in short-coated, small, old, or thin pets.
• Limit outdoor time below 5°C for high-risk pets.
• Insulated, dry shelter for outdoor cats.
• Dry pets thoroughly after wet walks.

Breed-specific notes

• Highest risk: Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, very young, very old, or thin pets.
• White-coated pets at higher ear-tip risk.

Frequently asked questions

Related topics

• Dog or cat with hypothermia (dangerously cold)
• Dog or cat pulled from water (near-drowning)