Frostbite affects the ear tips of dogs left outdoors in severe winter weather, particularly under conditions of high wind and humidity. The ears are especially vulnerable to frostbite because they are so exposed.
Initially, the skin of frostbitten ears appears pale or even blue. All the frostbitten tissue may survive, or a sharp line of demarcation may develop between normal skin and black, dead skin. This demarcation line may not be obvious right away – it can take days to know what tissue will survive. If this happens, seek veterinary help.
The emergency treatment of frostbite is discussed in Frostbite.