When a dog gets too cold, they’re at risk of hypothermia. But what is hypothermia, what are its symptoms, and what can be done to treat it? Below is a brief guide to dog hypothermia so you can better understand this condition and why it’s so important to prevent it.
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What Is Hypothermia in Dogs?
Hypothermia develops when a dog’s body temperature drops to 99°F (37.2°C) or lower. A dog’s normal body temperature range is 99.5-102.5°F (37.5-39.2°C).
There are three levels of hypothermia: mild, moderate, and severe.
- Mild hypothermia occurs when a dog’s body temperature is between 90-99°F (32.2-37.2°C).
- Moderate hypothermia develops when the dog’s body temperature falls to 82-90°F (27.8-32.2°C).
- Severe hypothermia develops when the dog’s body temperature falls below 82°F (27.8°C).
Giving a dog the right treatment to bring their temperature back up is critical, as hypothermia can cause damage to organs, and it could be fatal.
Some dogs may be at greater risk of hypothermia. Puppies, seniors, and dogs who are thin or small are a few examples. Dogs who are ill, including those with chronic conditions, can also be more susceptible. Also, hairless dogs and those with short coats are other examples.
What Causes Hypothermia in Dogs?
Dogs in the cold for too long are at risk of hypothermia. And if they get wet, their body temperature can drop more rapidly. Never leave a dog outside when it’s too cold, windy, raining, or snowing.
It doesn’t have to be extremely cold for dogs to feel the effects, as a temperature less than 45°F (7.2°C) could put some dogs at risk. Before going outside with your dog, check the wind chill, too, as this will give you a better idea of what it feels like out there and the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Also, certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and shock, could increase a dog’s risk of hypothermia.
Symptoms of Hypothermia in Dogs:
As a dog starts to feel cold, they’ll exhibit changes in behaviour. Warming them up right away can prevent them from getting even colder. If hypothermia continues to set in, the situation will become more dire as the symptoms progress.
Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:
Mild hypothermia may cause a dog to shiver and experience weakness. They may also be less alert and try to find ways to stay warm, such as curling in a ball. If you were to feel the dog’s skin, ears, paws, legs, and tail, they may be cold to the touch.
Moderate hypothermia may cause the breathing to become shallow and slow, and the muscles may become stiff, resulting in difficulty moving. The blood pressure may drop, and the dog may be even more lazy and confused. If you were to check the gums, they may be pale.
Severe hypothermia may cause the pupils to become fixed and dilated, and a dog may have trouble breathing. They may not be as responsive, or they may become unresponsive. Also, they may not be shivering anymore. Collapse and coma may occur.
How to Help a Hypothermic Dog
The symptoms of hypothermia must be taken seriously. Contact your veterinarian even if you think your dog might only have mild hypothermia, as they can guide what to do, and they might advise bringing your dog in to be examined and treated.
In cases of severe hypothermia, a veterinarian will need to treat your dog, so don’t try to fix this problem yourself.
Here are a few steps you can take if your dog has mild hypothermia (again, talk to your vet first to be sure you’re taking the right steps and you can treat this at home):
Dry your dog if they’re wet. Bring them to a warm area of your home, such as near a heat source. Wrap them in a blanket—you could even warm them up in the dryer first.
You can use a heated pet bed, heating pad, or warm water bottle to provide extra warmth. Ensure these don’t burn your dog (don’t put them directly against your pet’s body), and ensure your dog can get off the heat source if they want to.
Take Steps to Prevent Hypothermia
The best way to prevent hypothermia is by keeping your dog indoors during inclement weather. Don’t leave your pet outside alone, even if the temperature doesn’t feel cold.
Also, ensure your dog stays dry while outside. If your dog likes swimming, make sure they don’t spend too much time in the water, and dry them off when they’re done.
When heading outside in the cold, snow, or rain, use dog boots, jackets, and sweaters to keep your pet warm.
After all, the sooner you can recognize these cues, the sooner you’ll be able to warm your dog up, and the better the odds that you’ll prevent hypothermia.
