How to Recognize and Prevent Hypothermia in Dogs

In most locales, winter brings cold temperatures and snow. It can be fun for your dog to romp around in, but even if your dog loves to be outside, there are some potential health concerns that come with this seasonal weather. While extreme temperatures in the summer can cause heatstroke from your dog's body temperature getting too high, winter can cause the opposite issue: hypothermia.

Hypothermia occurs when a dog's body temperature gets too low (below 99 degrees Fahrenheit). The condition can cause cardiac and respiratory failure, brain damage, coma or even death if you don't get your dog to the veterinarian right away.¹

This article covers the causes, symptoms and prevention of hypothermia in dogs so that you know what to look for and how to keep your dog safe the next time you are out in the cold together.

3 Stages of Hypothermia in Dogs

A normal temperature for a dog is 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.² Hypothermia can be mild, moderate or severe depending on how low your dog's body temperature gets:¹

• Mild: Body temperature of 90 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit
• Moderate: Body temperature of 82 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
• Severe: Body temperature lower than 82 degrees Fahrenheit

Common Causes of Hypothermia in Dogs

Your dog can get hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold weather or from being outside in windy or cold conditions with wet or damp fur. Puppies, senior dogs, small breeds (like Chihuahuas) and dogs with short or thin coats (such as greyhounds or German shorthaired pointers) are at a higher chance of hypothermia because they can lose body heat faster.¹

Hypothermia can also be caused by certain diseases, such as:²

• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Low blood pressure
• Metabolic disease
• Shock due to a traumatic event or injury

Key Signs Your Dog May Have Hypothermia

Shivering is the most common sign that your dog is starting to get too cold. They may also lose consciousness.¹

Other signs of hypothermia in dogs are:²

• Lethargy or sluggishness
• Shallow or difficulty breathing
• Pale skin
• Dilated pupils
• Low heart rate

How to Treat a Dog With Hypothermia

Your veterinarian will ask about your dog's symptoms and take their temperature rectally to confirm hypothermia.² Treatment depends on the severity of your dog's condition:¹

• Mild hypothermia may just require blankets and warming up your dog.
• Moderate hypothermia requires external heat and warm layers.
• Severe hypothermia requires more intensive core warming, like warm IV fluids.

Other recommended treatments may include:²

• Warm oxygen therapy
• Heart monitoring with an electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Respiratory monitoring and observation
• Regular temperature monitoring
• Blood work to check for underlying medical causes and organ damage

It's important for your dog to warm up slowly and under veterinarian guidance. Never wrap your pet in a heating pad or put them in warm or hot water.²

How to Prevent Your Dog From Getting Hypothermia

The good news is that hypothermia in dogs can be prevented. A dog jacket or sweater and booties can help your pup stay warm and dry.¹

Below are some weather temperature guidelines:³

• Above 45 degrees Fahrenheit: This should be fine for most dogs.
• Below 45 degrees Fahrenheit: Dogs that don't like the cold or have medical conditions might start to feel uncomfortable.
• Below 32 degrees Fahrenheit: Puppies, senior dogs, small breeds and dogs with short or thin coats are more prone to hypothermia and frostbite.
• Below 20 degrees Fahrenheit: Hypothermia and frostbite can affect all dogs.

When the temperatures start to drop below freezing, limit time outdoors and keep potty breaks short.¹ Never leave your dog outside in the snow or cold weather.³

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs

Taking good care of your pet's well-being from nose to tail is essential. Make sure to stay up to date on their regular checkups at the vet to help keep your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime of love. You can use your CareCredit credit card for pet care throughout the year for routine veterinary services as well as emergencies and surgeries.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian near you that accepts CareCredit.

CareCredit is there for you and your pet every step of the way; continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women's Health Online, Headspace and more.