Hypothermia In Dogs
If you belong to colder places like North Dakota or Alaska, hypothermia in dogs is the major concern in winter.
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We are led by the delusion that animals can tolerate winters better than we.
But, due to different body temperatures than us, proper shelter facilities, and other benefits like clothes, and nutritious food that we have they are more prone to winter problems.
To make our furry friends safer this winter let’s know the most common problem, and its symptoms so that we can take necessary actions timely and also its prevention tips to avoid this problem.
Winter Problems/Diseases In Dogs
There are many winter problems in dogs like hypothermia, disorientation, frostbites, cracked paws, antifreeze poisoning, itchy skin, etc.
But, here in this article, we will discuss hypothermia which is emerging to be a more serious and concerning disease in winter.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is the condition that occurs when body temperature falls below normal, and a dog can become hypothermic in any weather if they are outside without shelter, clothing, and/or inadequate nutrition.
Hypothermia In Dog
If your dog has hypothermia and is unable to move around normally because of the coldness of their body temperature (the temperature below 98 degrees Fahrenheit), then this could lead to serious health problems such as organ damage and even death if not treated immediately.
Smaller dogs and puppies are more susceptible to hypothermia because they lose body heat more quickly. Additionally, older dogs are at higher risk for hypothermia because of age-related changes in metabolism.
Some breeds like huskies and malamutes are more tolerant of the cold because of their thick coats.
Even though it may feel warm outside, it’s cold inside the water. Dampness from rain or snow can also cause your dog’s body temperature to drop quickly.
If your dog is thin or has a thin hair coat (like a short-haired dog or a senior dog) she is at increased risk for hypothermia.”
Reason
When it comes to dogs and hypothermia, there are several things you should know:
- Dogs are not capable of regulating their body temperature as we can do as humans
Dogs rely on their environment (including people caring for them) for this purpose.
If those around them aren’t paying attention or if there’s no consistent way for them to feel the warmth from others in their environment then your dog may end up losing too much heat from his surroundings.
Due to being unable to regulate core temperature properly without help from another source such as clothing/bedding etc.
This could lead him towards developing signs such as shivering which could eventually lead to unconsciousness or death if left untreated long enough!
- It can be caused by cold weather or cold water
But it’s also possible for a dog to get hypothermic in any weather if they are outside without shelter, clothing, and/or inadequate nutrition.
- As you might expect, water is a great conductor of heat. It can be warmer than the air and even colder than the air in the winter and summer months.
A dog’s body temperature will change depending on how much heat they lose through its paws or nose.
If your dog has been swimming for a long time, its body temperature has likely dropped below normal levels due to being in cold water (or vice versa).
If this happens suddenly—for instance, if your pet gets out of the pool and starts shivering uncontrollably—it may be because their internal organs have received too little oxygen supply while they were submerged underwater.
- Dampness from rain or snow can also cause your dog’s body temperature to drop quickly
Symptoms Of Hypothermia In Dogs
Hypothermia in dogs is a dangerous condition that can occur when your dog’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The symptoms of this condition include:
Dog Shivering
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Shivering
At first, you may notice your dog shivering, which is their natural response to lower temperatures as it generates more heat.
But if your pooch starts shivering excessively, this can be one of the most common signs of hypothermia.
If you notice that your dog is shivering excessively, this can be one of the most common signs of hypothermia.
The body generates heat through mechanisms such as sweating and shivering.
When it’s cold outside, your dog will naturally try to warm up by increasing the rate at which he or she sweats and/or shivers (this is called “metabolism”).
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Low body temperature (below 90 degrees)
Your dog’s body temperature should be between 101°F and 102°F when awake and between 97°F and 98°F when sleeping.
- Pale gums
- Feverishness
- Lethargy
- Unable to move around normally
As long as the animal has enough energy reserves left over from digestion, metabolism will continue even when it’s too cold for him or her to keep moving around normally—as long as he or she doesn’t start feeling too uncomfortable!
Necessary Action
If you suspect your dog has hypothermia:
- Move him inside immediately. If necessary catch him in a crate or carrier so he doesn’t escape into the elements again.
- Put warm blankets on his body.
- Never rub the heat pad directly against his skin as this may cause burns or overheat. Instead, wrap the hot water bottle in cloth and place it on his abdomen.
- Check out your pet insurance and reach the 24/7 pet helpline.
- If you find no relief in symptoms and feel unsatisfied then reach “Low-Cost Pet Vet.”
Put Warm Blanket
Risk Factors
- In fact, smaller dogs and puppies are more susceptible to hypothermia because they lose body heat more quickly.
Smaller dogs have less body fat, which means they can’t insulate themselves as well as bigger breeds do when it’s cold outside.
Puppies also tend to be more susceptible to the effects of hypothermia because their thermostats aren’t fully developed yet.
Their bodies produce less heat than mature dogs’ adult bodies do during winter months (which is why puppy coats are often lighter).
Tiny puppies or kittens (8 weeks old and younger) are also prone to hypothermia as they have very little body fat and their thermostats aren’t fully developed yet.
2. Additionally, older dogs are at higher risk for hypothermia because of age-related changes in metabolism.
Older animals have a harder time regulating their body temperature. And, may not be able to produce enough heat to keep warm in cold weather.
Older dogs may also have other medical conditions that make them more susceptible to hypothermia.
If you have an older pet who was born with shorter fur he may be more prone to hypothermia than other dogs.
3. If your dog is thin or has a thin hair coat (like a short-haired dog or a senior dog), she is at increased risk for hypothermia.
Hypothermia Prevention Tips In Dogs
- Tiny dogs can be particularly susceptible to the cold, even in mild weather.
They should never be left outside for longer than 30 minutes at any time of year without a jacket, sweater, or other appropriate warm clothing on them.
- Pay close attention to the weather and your dog’s behavior when you go out.
If it’s raining or snowing, try to keep them dry by putting them in a carrier or something similar. If they are wet, get them inside as soon as possible!
- Change the outdoor walk time with your dog. Always prefer to go out in the late mornings and early evenings. At this time the cold outside will be a little harsher.
- Limit the outdoor timings. Less exposure to outside cold will keep your dog safer.
- Remember not to remove your furry friend’s hair coverage in winter as they act as natural blankets for them.
Hypothermia Prevention
Some winter-tolerant breeds
Some breeds like huskies and malamutes are more tolerant of the cold because of their thick coats.
Other breeds, like Dachshunds and Beagles, have thinner coats that do not protect them from the cold as well.
Some dogs have double coats like labs or shelties; others have single-coated coats such as terriers or spaniels.
Some dogs can be both depending on their breed (for example-A Siberian Husky’s fur could be longer at one end than another).
Conclusion
The best way to prevent hypothermia in dogs is by making sure that they have access to shelter, food, and water.
If you find your dog shivering and unable to stand up when outside, rescue them immediately!
Keep dogs safe and calm in this winter festive season of Christmas and Newyear celebrations.
Also, if you notice any other signs of hypothermia such as weakness or confusion then seek vet help right away.
