Frostbite

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• Focused on safety and productivity: RefrigiWear understands the unique challenges of working in the cold.
• As the temperature goes down, the risk of cold stress and cold-related injuries goes up, endangering worker safety and threatening productivity.
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• But in much of the country, when winter rolls around, previously hospitable conditions can quickly turn chilly and dangerous for people and pups alike.
• Winter brings some unique challenges for dog owners, since dogs still need activity and socialization during colder seasons.
• Studies have shown that dog owners are almost 50% less likely to walk their dogs when the weather gets cold.

Breed and age differences

• A short-coated dog like a Chihuahua is much more susceptible to the dangers of cold weather than a thick-coated husky.
• Age also affects cold-weather resilience.

When is my dog too cold?

• A good rule to live by is if it is too cold for you, it is too cold for your dog.
• Getting your dog a sweater or jacket and paw covers can provide them with protection from the elements and keep them comfortable.
• Veterinarians also recommend closely monitoring your dog and limiting their time outside when the temperature nears the freezing point or drops below it.

Road salt dangers

Road salt that treats ice on streets and sidewalks can also harm dogs. When dogs walk on the salt, the sharp, rough edges of the salt crystals can irritate the sensitive skin on their paws.

• Some companies make pet-safe salt, but in public it can be hard to tell what type of salt is on the ground.
• You can also keep their paw fur trimmed to prevent snow from balling up or salt collecting in the fur.

Antifreeze risks

• Some people pour antifreeze into their toilets when away from their home to prevent the water in the toilet from freezing.
• Antifreeze is an exceptionally dangerous chemical to dogs and cats, as it tastes sweet but can be deadly when ingested.
• If a pet ingests even a small amount of antifreeze, the substance causes a chemical cascade in their body that results in severe kidney damage.

Erik Christian Olstad does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

• Thankfully, with the right preventative and protective measures, the human body can survive these icy temperatures.
• Here’s what you need to know about identifying and treating the most common cold injury: frostbite.
• However, despite our bodies’ inherent temperature controls, without the right protection, we might still be vulnerable to cold weather injuries.

• For frostbite to occur, exposed body parts need to be subjected to a temperature that is below minus 0.55°C.
• At this temperature it will take several hours for exposed skin to become frostbitten.
• For example, temperatures in the -20s can cause frostbite on exposed skin in under 30 minutes.

Who does it affect?

• However, with the global population beginning to live in harsher environments and an increase in winter and snow sports, this is likely to increase in the general population.
• Reduced ability to sense the cold also increases the frostbite vulnerability of those who’ve had a stroke or have peripheral nerve damage.
• The consumption of alcohol also reduces blood pressure, which may also reduce the amount of blood pumped to extremities.

Symptoms

• Preserving the core body temperature is key to keeping the brain, heart, kidneys and lungs functioning and preventing hypothermia.
• This cooling brings about tingling and numbness of the exposed areas, and skin flushes red or white as the body frantically tries to rewarm itself.
• This initial stage is known as frostnip, and, although uncomfortable, leaves no permanent damage to tissues.

Treatment and prevention

• For frostbite, immediate medical treatment should be sought – sadly the pain of recovery is often far worse than the injury.
• Rewarming is the process of bringing the affected parts back to functioning body temperature.
• However, where ice crystals have damaged tissue, blisters are common and the nerves become hypersensitive, causing excruciating pain.

Adam Taylor does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

• However, these pastimes also carry unique risks of injuries due to bulky equipment, slippery surfaces and frigid temperatures.
• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) encourages winter athletes of all stripes to exercise cautionary measures to ensure strong musculoskeletal health throughout the season.
• Winter sports injuries are preventable, especially when armed with knowledge about common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
• Understanding the most common of these injuries and the reasons they occur is the first step in avoiding them.