When winter approaches, many guardians wonder if dogs can die of cold and what to do to protect their furry ones from low temperatures and climate changes. Although some dog breeds are very well adapted to extreme climates, such as the Siberian Husky or the Saint Bernard, the cold can cause numerous he alth problems in our best friends, especially if we are talking about puppies, hairless or small dogs.
Exposure to cold, snow, wind or heavy rain can cause anything from a cold or flu to hypothermia. In this article on our site we invite you to learn more about hypothermia in dogs, its symptoms, causes, forms of treatment and prevention In addition, you will also find some tips to take care of your dog when the temperature drops.
What is hypothermia in dogs?
Hypothermia consists of a clinical picture of complex symptoms characterized by drop in body temperature It can affect humans, as well as all wild or pet animals, such as dogs, cats or rabbits.
In adult dogs, the optimal body temperature usually varies between 38º and 39º, but when this temperature is below 36º, we must be alert to the possible appearance of other symptoms, as this would indicate that we must go to the vet urgently.
In this video we teach you how to take your dog's temperature:
Symptoms of hypothermia in dogs
How to know if a dog has hypothermia? In addition to noticing the low temperature in the dog, the first symptoms of hypothermia in dogs, whether mild or moderate, generally coincide with the signs of that a dog is cold, such as:
- Tremors
- Muscular stiffness
- Cramps
- Slow Breathing
- Difficulty breathing
- Dry Skin
- Slow movements
- Clumsiness
- Lethargy
- Drowsiness
In the event that hypothermia is not treated quickly and adequately, the dog will present a more severe decline in its he alth, including the following symptoms:
- Low pressure
- Heart rate slowdown
- Depression
- Dilated pupils
- Stare
- Disorientation
- Loss of appetite
- Collapse
- Fainting
- Sudden death
Causes of hypothermia in dogs
In the vast majority of cases, hypothermia in dogs develops as a result of exposure to cold or other severe weather conditions. For this reason, dogs that live outside the home and/or reside in regions with harsher winters are usually more predisposed to suffering from hypothermia, as well as developing diseases associated with cold, such as canine osteoarthritis.
On the other hand, some metabolic diseases and disorders, such as hypothyroidism in dogs, can cause some difficulty in the individual when it comes to to regulate body temperature and, as a consequence, the dog will be more vulnerable to low temperatures.
We must also consider that small, hairless dogs or those originating from warm climates, tend to be especially vulnerable to the cold, since they are not adapted and do not have the natural protection of the furry ones that have been raised in regions with such climatic variations. In addition, puppies are particularly vulnerable to cold and weather conditions, as their immune system is in full swing and their body is not yet ready to regulate its own temperature as efficiently as it is in adult dogs. Likewise, elderly dogs also tend to suffer more intensely the arrival of winter and climatic changes, for which they require a series of specific care to maintain their good he alth.
How to cure hypothermia in dogs?
If you suspect that your dog is cold and you have also observed any of the symptoms of hypothermia mentioned, it is essential that you go to a veterinary urgently, since severe hypothermia can cause irreversible damage to the body, causing death in the most serious cases.
As the body temperature of dogs drops, there is a drop in blood pressure and heart rate, which can cause the appearance of arrhythmias. The individual may also experience a decrease in oxygen in the blood, a slowdown in metabolism and even a multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Therefore, it is essential to start the treatment for hypothermia in dogs stipulated by the specialist as soon as possible.
The specialist will offer your dog a suitable environment to gradually increase its body temperature, for example by using hot air devices, electric mats or infrared lamps, but it may also be necessary to use enemas and fluid therapy among others.
First aid in case of hypothermia in dogs
If your dog shows several of the symptoms present in hypothermia, you should go to a veterinary center without delay. However, we recommend applying the following first aid while you go to the nearest specialist, especially to know how to warm your dog:
- Dry the dog immediately: in case the dog has gotten wet from rain or snow. We will proceed to dry it immediately with a clean and dry towel. Humidity added to low temperatures tends to favor the development of hypothermic symptoms in dogs.
- Warm him up and provide him with warmth: when the dog is properly dry, we will need to provide him with heat to try to balance body temperature. To do this, we can use another dry towel, a blanket, a coat or dog clothes. We can also hold the dog in our arms, lie down next to them or hug them to use our own body temperature to provide them with warmth, in addition to transmitting security and calm in such a complicated moment.
- Balancing blood glucose levels: to prevent a drop in body temperature and vital functions, the body must burn its energy reserves. That is, it rapidly consumes glucose molecules to try to keep its metabolism stable. As a result, the dog may suddenly suffer a hypoglycemia picture, that is, a drastic reduction in the levels of sugars (glucose) in its bloodstream. This can lead to fainting, lethargy and even a coma. Therefore, when we identify symptoms of hypothermia in our furry, we can offer him a teaspoon of honey (preferably of organic origin) to quickly replenish his blood sugar levels. However, honey should be avoided in puppies.
- Check Your Body - Exposure to excessive cold and hypothermia can cause frostbite or frostbite. For this reason, it is recommended to carefully check the dog's body, paying special attention to areas with an absence or low concentration of hair, such as the ears, snout, legs, anus, tail and genitals. If you identify any injuries, it is essential to go to the vet quickly.
Logically, we must emphasize that these measures are first aid that allow us to act immediately and safely to help our best friends fight the cold and the he alth complications associated with it. However, it is essential to take them to the veterinary center to ensure that their body has not been damaged after exposure to cold, and to establish an appropriate treatment to keep their body temperature.
How to prevent hypothermia in dogs?
To prevent hypothermia in dogs, it is essential to provide adequate care during winter, avoiding exposing them to unfavorable weather conditions and dangerous to your he alth. On our site, we have prepared a complete guide on how to take care of a dog in winter, where we talk not only about protection against low temperatures, but also offer you very useful advice on food, hygiene and preventive medicine.
