Hypothermia in Dogs: A Complete Guide

Winter days offer dog owners unique outdoor activities to engage their pets. However, although there are new opportunities for physical exercise, there are also some risks related to getting cold. Can you keep your dog safe during long walks in frosty weather?

We offer a brief overview of a cold-induced condition called hypothermia in dogs. Let’s find out how you can tell if your dog is too cold and how to prevent hypothermia in dogs. These simple rules will help protect your dog from health issues associated with long winter walks.

Can Dogs Get Hypothermia?

Despite being descendants of wolves, dogs are prone to getting cold in winter. Though some breeds with thick coats can tolerate cold weather better, others can suffer from hypothermia if they spend too much time outside. Small breeds, senior dogs, puppies, and chronically ill dogs are susceptible to the temperature drop.

What Is Hypothermia in Dogs?

Hypothermia in dogs is a medical emergency that requires a vet's assistance. A health condition caused by prolonged exposure to low temperatures results in a dog’s core body temperature drop. If the normal body temperature in dogs is around 100.5-102.5°F, a hypothermic dog has a body temperature of 98-99˚F or lower.

In severe cases of hypothermia, a dog can’t sustain a normal body temperature.

Symptoms and Signs of Hypothermia in Dogs

When a dog suffers from hypothermia, their initial body response is to narrow blood vessels to redirect blood flow from their limbs, skin, and ears to internal organs. As a result, we can observe a variety of symptoms that change the dog’s behavior.

At What Temperature Can Dogs Get Hypothermia?

When the weather outside is too cold for you, it’s equally cold for your dog. The outside temperature below 20°F is too extreme to walk dogs who aren’t acclimated to such cold weather. Ignoring precautions can lead to life-threatening cases of hypothermia.

We can define three types of hypothermia depending on how much the condition affects the dog.

Mild hypothermia

This type occurs when the dog’s body temperature drops to 90–99°F. Mild hypothermia is the least dangerous and can be treated at home. Gradually exposing your dog to warmer temperatures and using blankets to heat the dog should be sufficient. However, you should still contact a vet to ensure your dog’s life isn’t in danger.

Severe hypothermia

When your dog’s body temperature falls to 82°F, vets can diagnose severe hypothermia. This condition is potentially lethal to a dog, so you must seek medical intervention immediately.

What Causes Hypothermia in Dogs?

The most common cause of hypothermia in dogs is exposure to frigid temperatures. No wonder the condition most commonly occurs in winter months. However, being damp, especially in windy weather, can also drop your dog’s temperature.

In addition, young puppies are more prone to hypothermia, so you should be particularly careful with the temperature conditions they live in. The same is true for dogs suffering from hypothyroidism, low blood pressure, metabolic diseases, and other critical health issues.

How to Treat Hypothermia in Dogs?

Regardless of the type of hypothermia, it’s best to take your dog to the vet for proper treatment. Mild hypothermia may not require additional medical procedures, and in-home treatment can be enough. Severe hypothermia can be fatal for canines, so you should treat the situation as a medical emergency.

If you suspect a dog is suffering from hypothermia, bring them inside immediately. Just like humans, start by gradually introducing the dog to warmth. Warming the dog up too quickly can cause injuries. 

It’s vital to check your dog’s body temperature every 10 minutes to ensure it returns to the normal range. If you don’t see any improvement in the dog’s state within half an hour, take them to a vet as soon as possible.

After-Effects of Hypothermia in Dogs

The side effects of hypothermia depend on its severity. In mild cases, mainly no long-lasting health consequences are observed. Severe hypothermia, on the contrary, can be detrimental to a dog’s health and lead to internal organ damage.

Reduced blood flow can damage essential organs such as the liver or kidneys. A vet will suggest a blood test to exclude potential internal organ malfunctions.

In addition, a dog suffering from hypothermia can also experience frostbite. The symptoms of later conditions can manifest several days after exposure to extreme cold temperatures. Remember to monitor your dog closely and consult a vet if necessary.

Tips for Preventing Hypothermia in Dogs

The best way to prevent hypothermia in dogs is to keep them warm and limit outdoor time in extreme weather conditions. You should be particularly careful if your dog is a puppy, a senior dog, or a thin-coat breed if the weather conditions have changed suddenly or if the dog has recently moved to a colder environment. Chronically ill pets should also avoid cold climates.

Here are more tips on preventing hypothermia in dogs:

• Keep the dog’s fur dry, as that increases the chances of hypothermia.
• Monitor the temperature inside the house, especially at night.
• Observe the dog's behavior during outdoor activities so that you can act on the first symptoms.

Wrap Up

Hypothermia in dogs is a dangerous condition that can even be fatal. That’s why dog owners need to know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia. If you suspect your dog has been overexposed to cold temperatures, bring them inside and contact a vet immediately. To prevent hypothermia, limit your dog's time outside in winter and use winter clothes for thin-coated breeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes a dog to have a low temperature?

The vet can diagnose hypothermia if a dog’s core body temperature drops below 98-99˚F. It’s usually the result of prolonged cold exposure outside. 

2. How long does it take a dog to recover from hypothermia?

The time your dog needs to recover from hypothermia depends on its severity and how much it has damaged the internal organs. If treated properly, most dogs fully recover with no aftermath to their health. However, owners should ensure the dog won’t suffer from it again.