Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature goes below 100.5°F. The normal body temperature of dogs is between 101 – 102.5°. If the rectal temperature of a dog is below 100.5°F the dog is suffering from hypothermia. Usually the dog is lethargic and does not have much of an appetite. The cause may be environmental, such as exposed to cold air; or metabolic, such as kidney or heart failure. Regardless of the cause, the low temperature indicates that the dog is in need of urgent veterinary attention.
Do not overlook its significance, hypothermia is especially a problem in small dogs, it can contribute to shock and organ failure. It is very important that hypothermic dogs receive immediate veterinary attention straight away.
What To Do
What Not To Do
Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature goes below 100.5°F. The normal body temperature of dogs is between 101 – 102.5°. If the rectal temperature of a dog is below 100.5°F the dog is suffering from hypothermia. Usually the dog is lethargic and does not have much of an appetite. The cause may be environmental, such as exposed to cold air; or metabolic, such as kidney or heart failure. Regardless of the cause, the low temperature indicates that the dog is in need of urgent veterinary attention.
- Hypothermia may be a sign of serious illness. e.g:
- Diabetes Mellitus (sugar diabetes)
- Heart Failure
- Shock
- Serious Infection
Do not overlook its significance, hypothermia is especially a problem in small dogs, it can contribute to shock and organ failure. It is very important that hypothermic dogs receive immediate veterinary attention straight away.
What To Do
- Move the dog to a warm environment.
- Wrap the dog in warm blanket (you can warm the blankets by putting them in the tumble dryer).
- Put as hot water bottle in the blankets to add heat.
- Wrap in bubble wrap as an insulator.
- Seek veterinary attention.
What Not To Do
- Do not risk causing burns by using blankets, heating pads, water etc that are too hot and may damage skin.
- Do not use excess superficial heat as this may cause superficial blood vessels to dilate resulting in shock.
- Do not allow the dog to lie directly on a heat pad – use several layers of blankets/towels and make sure its set low.
