How Will I Know if my Dog is Too Cold? Signs of Hypothermia in Dogs
We all know that humans can develop hypothermia when left exposed to the cold for too long and that this can become dangerous if left untreated. Well, what about dogs? They have fur, so they should be able to withstand the cold better than us, right?
Believe it or not, dogs can also develop hypothermia when left out in the cold for too long. However, some dogs can withstand the cold better than others. For instance, a dog with a thick double coat will be technically less susceptible to cold temperatures than dogs with short and thin coats.
Here we will be breaking down the signs of hypothermia in dogs. We will also be giving dog owners some helpful tips on how to keep their dogs warm.
How Cold is Too Cold for a Dog?
Generally speaking, temperatures below freezing are too cold for a dog to be left out for a long time unattended. This is especially true for puppies, sick dogs, and older dogs. Similarly, smaller dogs and dogs with thinner coats tend to be more sensitive to the cold than larger dogs with very thick coats.
What are the Signs of Hypothermia in Dogs?
It is a good idea for every dog owner to be knowledgeable about the signs of hypothermia in dogs. This way you can better keep an eye on your dog in cold weather and being them inside when needed. Here are some signs of hypothermia in dogs to look out for.
- Shivering (Not shivering with other signs of hypothermia is a sign the situation is severe.)
- A stiff gait
- Lethargy and confusion
- Having trouble walking or moving
- Body is cold to the touch
- Pale-colored gums (severe)
- Dilated pupils (severe)
- Slow and irregular heart and breathing rates (severe)
- Collapse (severe)
What Should You do if Your Dog Has Hypothermia
If your dog has developed hypothermia don’t panic. Just take them inside to a warmer temperature and work towards warming them up gradually. The key word here is gradual, as putting a hypothermic dog into hot water or a very hot room can be dangerous as well.
You can gradually warm up your dog by bringing them inside and wrapping them in blankets, towels, or coats. Placing warm water bottles next to your dog is effective as well. Remember to wrap at least one layer of fabric around the hot water bottle to prevent it from burning your dog’s skin.
When doing this it is a good idea to call your vet. This way they can determine if the situation is a medical emergency and provide you with help regarding next steps.
Tips for Keeping Your Dog Warm This Winter
Like with heat stroke, it is always better to prevent hypothermia in dogs than to treat it after it occurs. Here are some helpful tips on how to keep your dog warm and prevent hypothermia.
- Only take your dog out in extremely cold temperatures when necessary.
- Avoid very long walks in temperatures below freezing.
- Put a sweater or jacket on short-coated dogs.
- Put booties on your dog in below-freezing temperatures.
- Avoid getting your dog wet in temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.