Hypothermia

When a dog is exposed to cold for a long time, its body temperature falls, leading to hypothermia. Low body temperature can lead to near fatal or fatal complications for the dog. Immediate treatment is essential to prevent this.

What causes Hypothermia?

Hypothermia can occur in any of the following situations:

1. Exposure to cold for a long time
2. Wet fur and skin
3. Submersion in cold water for long time
4. Shock
5. Anesthesia given for a long duration

Puppies, toy dogs, dogs with short hair, old dogs, and newborn puppies are most prone to hypothermia. This is due to their bodies losing heat, because they do not have sufficient coverage of fur to protect the skin, or because they have less stored fat for protection during long exposure to cold.

What Happens in Hypothermia?

• The first sign of hypothermia is strong shivering
• Rectal temperature will be less than 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius)
• Pulse is weak (check the inside of the mid-thigh)
• Listlessness to the point of lethargy
• Frostbite of certain body parts like the tail, tips of the ears, scrotum and foot pads
• Coma and cardiac failure (heart attack) may follow if untreated

How to Treat Hypothermia?

The first step is to warm the dog by wrapping it in a blanket, rug, jacket, etc. Place the dog in a warm place and if it is wet, dry it as much as possible. Then check the rectal temperature.

If the rectal temperature is above 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), the dog is not really hypothermic. To raise the temperature to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius), keep the dog warmly wrapped, and give an oral dose of glucose solution made up of 4 teaspoons honey or sugar dissolved in 1 pint of warm water. The glucose solution will prevent the dog's sugar levels from falling too low.

When the dog is hypothermic (rectal temperature less than 95 degrees Fahrenheit), you will need to call your veterinarian immediately. Then begin your treatment by warming the dog, placing towel-wrapped warm water bottles on the chest and armpits before wrapping the dog in a blanket again. The water bottles should not be hot, or they will burn the dog. Test by checking the water against your wrist. Give the warm sugar/honey solution if the dog is conscious. Rectal temperature should be taken every 10 minutes and warm bottles changed, until the temperature reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius).

If the dog’s heart stops beating due to severe hypothermia, CPR will need to be performed to resuscitate the dog.

While treating for hypothermia, never use a hot water bottle or a hair dryer to warm the dog as it may cause burn injuries to the dog.