Here's the story. . .
My dog (Speedy, an 8 year old Shih Tzu) has been favoring his front left paw today. Now, it's been below zero in temperature with -20 degree wind chill in Michigan the last few days. We don't let him out unless he has to "do his duty" in the yard. Even with this we'll watch him. A few times he's had a hard time walking back to the door because of what we assumed was cold paws. Nevertheless, he's never stays out longer then about 4-5 munutes at a time.
He won't let us take a look at his paw; he'll snap at us and shreek in pain. He'll continue with his regular everyday routines but it's obvious his in pain. We don't have any rock salt in the yard either. Could it be frostbite? Or could it be something else. Please help!
2007-02-06 12:20:12 · 14 answers · asked by stpolycarp77 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The fact that he snaps at you - even if he's in pain - suggests there's some training issues present. You've probably over-spoiled him and he thinks he's the "alpha" in the house, hence why he snaps. So once you get over this, you may want to do some additional obedience work with him.
He's a small breed dog, which means he should live longer. Still, 8 years of age is getting older and he may be nearing the time for more care. So please keep this in mind.
However, based on what you described, I'd be very hard-pressed to say he has frostbite. His "weak" area, namely the pads of his feet, are still protected (just from walking for 8 years, he has a light callous covering). This will help protect against cold (and some heat). Also, his exposure was so short.
My guess is that it is something else. Perhaps he injured his toe or foot running or going up stairs. He could have broken his toenail (a former dog of mine did this a few times). Breaking a nail on a dog will expose a very sensitive tip. Other things could be a sudden onset of acute arthritis (unlikely given your dog's age, but possible) or something else that broke. Can he walk on it at all?
If your dog refuses your touch, then your vet is your only alternative. I wish you the best!
2007-02-06 12:44:36 · answer #1 · answered by doctoru2 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The chance of it being frostbite are zero to none. It is almost imposable to freeze the lower extremities of an animal. But, there are several possibilities, most likely being a cut pad from walking on ice crystals in the snow. It is also very common for snow to "ball up" between a dogs toes which can become painful. It is best to keep the hair trimmed real short on their feet, especially between the pads on the bottom of the feet to prevent this from happening.
2007-02-06 12:49:02 · answer #2 · answered by tom l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he's not staying out any longer than that it shouldn't be frostbite. I live in Maine we are having the same weather here.
He may have something stuck between the pads of his feet or a crack in one of them, these can be very painful. Or it could be arthritis and the cold is aggravating it. If you cant get a good look at it you should take him to the Vet to find out what it is so you can treat is correctly.
2007-02-06 12:30:05 · answer #3 · answered by Yo_horse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't seem likely that it's frostbite, being outside for such a short time.
I would have him seen by the vet. The vet will likely muzzle him so that they can get a good look at that foot. He may have something stuck in his pad or in between his little toes.
Poor Speedy...good luck! :-)
2007-02-06 12:35:24 · answer #4 · answered by Kelly R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say it's unlikely it's frostbite from your description. Is it possible he hurt it in some way or stepped on something sharp that got between is paws? It's probably best to take him in to let them see what's going on with it. He's definately in pain, and it needs to be looked at.
Good Luck!
2007-02-06 12:27:00 · answer #5 · answered by Granny Fran 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mickey was a Mouse In the spring of 1928, Disney started drawing up new character ideas. Tried sketches of frogs, dogs and cats, but none of these appealed to Disney. A female cow and male horse were also rejected. (They would later turn up as Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar.) Walt Disney got the inspiration for Mickey Mouse when he saw a dead mouse on the traintracks. In 1925, Hugh Harman drew some sketches of mice around a photograph of Walt Disney. These inspired to create a new "mouse" character for Disney called Mickey Mouse
2016-03-29 08:40:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible, but unlikely that he has frostbite if he was only outside for a couple minutes. However, he is obviously in pain and needs to be seen by a vet ASAP. He could have cut, sprained, or broken his foot or leg. Your vet will be able to tell you.
2007-02-06 12:30:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I could be a number of things he may have gotten a cut on the bottom of his paw, I would wait a couple of days if he doesn't seem to get better then go to a Vet.
2007-02-06 12:23:28 · answer #8 · answered by reshadow31 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With him being out for such a short time, I'd say it's something else unless he got packed snow between his pads while he was out (meaning the snow was on his foot for longer than you thought). I'd take him to the vet. If he won't let them check it, they can sedate him there. I know that sounds a little drastic, but if it's something that's hurting him...I'm sure you want to remedy it as quickly as possible. Good luck!
2007-02-06 12:23:10 · answer #9 · answered by Lisa E 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a shih tzu too,
go see a specialist, breeder or a veterinarian.
i think hes been out in the cold for too long
if you have a hot water bottle
gently put your dogs paw on it,
it could be something else,
but keep trying-eventually hell need your help.
2007-02-06 12:24:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋